Top 5 Phone Features That Actually Matter (And Which Ones Don’t)

Your phone’s job is simple: keep you connected, entertained, and ready for a photo when the light finally cooperates. But new phones are often promoted with numbers and technical features that are just …confusing. We can help. Here is an uncomplicated rundown of cell phone features that actually help.

Why Some Features Get Overblown

Phone ads love to brag about big numbers. “200-megapixel camera!” “Super zoom!” “AI this, AI that!” It all sounds cool, but here’s the truth: big numbers don’t always make your phone better. 

Here’s what usually happens:

• Big numbers ≠ better pics. A camera with crazy-high megapixels can still take blurry photos at night.
• Cool features don’t fix problems. Fancy filters can’t cover up a weak battery or a slow phone.
• Fancy stuff costs more. Some features just raise the price without helping you day to day.

We’ll show you the upgrades that actually matter (and the ones you can skip).

The Top 5 Cell Phone Features That Truly Matter

Here is the short version: you want the good stuff where it counts. Think battery, speed, storage, a smart chip, great photos, and a smooth screen. So, here’s what to prioritize:

1. Battery life and fast charging

A phone that still has juice at 10 p.m. is way better than a phone with the latest and greatest features that dies by lunch. And when you forget to charge overnight, fast charging is the lifesaver that gets you through the day.

What to look for:

• All-day battery with smart power tools.
• Fast charging that takes you from “uh oh” to “good to go” during a coffee break.
• A charger in the box, so you are not buying one later.

Solid Phone options:

• OnePlus 13: Big battery, very quick power top-ups.
• iPhone 15 Plus: Marathon stamina that keeps up with busy days.

2. Data speed and storage

Fast internet + enough space = a phone that feels good for years. You’ll get quicker downloads, smoother video, solid hotspot use, and fewer “storage full” pop-ups.

What to look for:

• 5G that actually works. Make sure your phone supports 5G and that your carrier has good coverage where you live. (Pro tip: use Goji's coverage map to check.)
• Long-term updates. Phones that keep getting updates for years stay fast, secure, and worth more if you resell later.
• Plenty of storage. 128 GB or 256 GB is enough for most people. If you’re big on photos, videos, or offline downloads, go for 512 GB.

Solid Phone options:

• Google Pixel 8 or 8 Pro: Years of updates keep things safe and snappy.
• Samsung Galaxy S24 family: Long support, bright screens, strong resale.

3. Processing power and efficiency

Your phone’s chip is the brain, it’s what makes everything feel fast (or not). From opening apps to snapping pics to gaming, a good chip keeps things smooth without draining your battery.

What to look for:

• Newer chips = faster phones. Phones with Apple’s A-series or Snapdragon chips are built to stay speedy.
• Efficiency matters. A smart chip keeps your phone cool and your battery alive longer.

Solid Phone options:

• iPhone 15 Pro: Apple’s chip is one of the fastest out there. Apps launch instantly, games run steady, and it won’t overheat.
• Samsung Galaxy S24 series: Snapdragon chips keep things quick and efficient across the board. 

4. Camera quality

Megapixels don’t tell the whole story. A 200MP camera doesn’t guarantee better photos, it’s the software behind the lens that makes the magic happen.

Here’s what actually matters:

• Everyday photos that look good. The best phones use smart features to fix lighting and sharpen your shots automatically.
• Low-light performance. Look for a solid “Night Mode” and built-in stabilization so your concert and dinner pics don’t turn out dark or blurry.
• Zoom that’s useful. A little zoom = great. Super zoom = usually just a blurry mess.

Solid Phone options:

• Google Pixel 8 / 8 Pro: Famous for making average shots look amazing, especially in low light.
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Great if you love zoom. Its camera holds up even from far away.

5. Display and refresh rate

Your screen is where you live on your phone: texts, TikToks, games, all of it. A great display makes everything smoother and easier to see.

Here’s what to look for:

• Smooth scrolling. Higher refresh rates (like 120 Hz) make swiping feel buttery instead of choppy.
• Outdoor visibility. A bright screen means you can actually read your phone in the sun.
• Durability. Scratch-resistant glass helps your screen survive daily bumps.
• Nice-to-haves. OLED screens give you deep blacks and vibrant colors.

Solid Phone options:

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Bright, sharp, and super smooth – even outdoors.
• iPhone 15 Pro: ProMotion display makes scrolling smooth without draining your battery life. 

Phone Features That Don’t Matter As Much (Or Aren’t Worth the Hype)

Not every shiny feature is worth your cash. Some look cool in ads but don’t actually make your phone better. Here’s what you can skip:

• Megapixel overload. A 200MP camera sounds impressive, but it doesn’t guarantee better photos. What really counts is how the phone processes your shots. Things like HDR for bright + dark balance, portrait mode for people shots, and smart editing tools that fix photos for you.
• Foldable phones. Foldables are fun and flashy, but they cost more and can wear out faster. Unless you love novelty, a regular phone is the better deal.
• Random extras. Extreme zoom, pop-up cameras, or “AI” stickers? Fun for five minutes, then forgotten. If it doesn’t make your everyday use easier, skip it.

How To Use This Guide When You Shop For Your Next Cell Phone

First things first: think about you. How do you actually use your phone every day?

• Stream on the bus? 
• Live in your maps app when you travel? 
• Always filming TikToks or short videos?

Next, pick your top two must-haves based on how you use your phone most. Like battery + camera, or display + storage. Those will guide your choice way more than random extras.

Pro tip: check how long the phone gets software updates. Seven years is a sweet spot, it keeps your phone fast, secure, and worth more if you resell later.

And finally? Skip the glitter. If a feature sounds cool but you’ll realistically never use it, keep scrolling.