Android Authority Urges Return of 5 Smartphone Features in 2026

2 articles · Updated · Android Authority · Aug 13

Android Authority says five dropped features should return to smartphones in 2026, arguing modern devices have become less versatile even as chips, software support and battery life improved.
The list centers on practical hardware: 3.5mm headphone jacks for low-latency audio, wider displays for video and documents, and microSD slots as a cheaper alternative to 512GB or 1TB storage upgrades.
It also calls for easier battery replacement as phones age over five or six years, and for bigger bezels that could make room for better speakers, notification LEDs and stronger front-facing biometrics.
Examples cited include the Galaxy Z Fold 8 reviving interest in wider screens, the upcoming Clicks Communicator offering a headphone jack and expandable storage, and EU rules pushing brands toward more repairable batteries.