Samsung Galaxy Note 20
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 20 event was a major disappointment for many, as the company launched the Note 20 Ultra, a phone that is arguably worth the thousand dollar price tag, but the standard Note 20 falls short of expectations. Featuring a 60 hertz 1080p display, weaker glass on the front and plastic on the back, and no expandable storage, the Note 20 is a lower spec than the company’s own 699 Galaxy S20 FE. It appears that Samsung launched the Note 20 merely to make the Ultra look more appealing, as the standard Note 20 would have been heavily criticized had it been released on its own.
OnePlus’ Reputation
OnePlus has spent years building up a reputation for being selective and focusing on just one or two phones at a time, creating hype and delivering on their promises. This has enabled the company to create one of the most committed fan bases in the smartphone industry. However, this strategy has also resulted in OnePlus failing to deliver on some occasions, such as when they released the OnePlus 8T, a phone that was widely criticized for its lack of innovation and high price tag.
Huawei’s Troubles
Huawei has been in a difficult situation since the US imposed sanctions on the company, preventing them from using Google services on their phones. This has resulted in Huawei having to develop their own operating system, HarmonyOS, which has been met with mixed reviews. Furthermore, the company has been unable to release their flagship phones, such as the Mate 40 Pro, in the US, meaning that many of their fans in the US have been unable to experience the latest Huawei phones.
Apple’s Battery Debacle
Apple has been in the news recently for all the wrong reasons, as the company was forced to issue an apology after it was discovered that they had been deliberately slowing down older iPhones in order to preserve battery life. This caused outrage amongst Apple fans, as many felt that the company had been dishonest in its practices. Apple has since issued an apology and promised to be more transparent in the future.
Microsoft Surface Duo
Microsoft’s Surface Duo is a foldable phone that, on first glance, looks like it could justify its hefty $1400 price tag. Its slim and robust design allows it to flex into countless orientations. However, this device is a prime example of a phone that has tried to run before it can walk. The hardware is underwhelming, with a Snapdragon 855 processor and 6GB of RAM, making it a poor choice for gaming and other intensive tasks. The battery life is also subpar, and the camera is far from impressive. All in all, the Surface Duo is a phone that fails to deliver on its promises.
Nokia 9 PureView
The Nokia 9 PureView was a phone that promised much but failed to deliver. It was marketed as a flagship device with a unique five-camera array, but the results were disappointing. The camera struggled in low-light conditions, and the images lacked detail and clarity. The phone also had a slow processor and a poor battery life. All in all, the Nokia 9 PureView was a phone that failed to live up to its hype.
Oppo Find X2 Pro
The Oppo Find X2 Pro was another phone that failed to live up to expectations. It was marketed as a flagship device with a powerful processor and a great camera, but the results were underwhelming. The camera struggled in low-light conditions, and the images lacked detail and clarity. The battery life was also poor, and the phone was slow to respond to inputs. All in all, the Oppo Find X2 Pro was a phone that failed to deliver on its promises.
Google Pixel 4 XL
The Google Pixel 4 XL was a phone that promised much but failed to deliver. It was marketed as a flagship device with a powerful processor and a great camera, but the results were underwhelming. The camera struggled in low-light conditions, and the images lacked detail and clarity. The battery life was also poor, and the phone was slow to respond to inputs. All in all, the Google Pixel 4 XL was a phone that failed to live up to its hype.
Samsung Galaxy Fold
The Samsung Galaxy Fold was a phone that promised much but failed to deliver. It was marketed as a foldable device with a powerful processor and a great camera, but the results were underwhelming. The camera struggled in low-light conditions, and the images lacked detail and clarity. The battery life was also poor, and the phone was slow to respond to inputs. Additionally, the phone was plagued by durability issues, with many users reporting that the device broke after just a few days of use. All in all, the Samsung Galaxy Fold was a phone that failed to live up to its hype.
Huawei Mate X
The Huawei Mate X was another foldable phone that failed to live up to expectations. It was marketed as a flagship device with a powerful processor and a great camera, but the results were underwhelming. The camera struggled in low-light conditions, and the images lacked detail and clarity. The battery life was also poor, and the phone was slow to respond to inputs. Additionally, the phone was plagued by durability issues,
Microsoft’s Surface Duo
Microsoft’s Surface Duo is a flagship device that is designed to revolutionize the smartphone game. However, its plastic frame and thin design have caused it to be prone to cracking, making it a less than ideal choice for those looking for a reliable device. Furthermore, the device is equipped with the outdated Snapdragon 855 chipset and only 6GB of RAM, which is insufficient for a device that is meant to be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. To top it off, the speakers and camera on the Surface Duo are considered to be among the worst on modern day phones. The single camera is not up to par with the triple or quad camera setups found on other flagship devices, and the speakers are not loud enough to provide an enjoyable experience.
Manipulating the Narrative
Microsoft was well aware of the shortcomings of the Surface Duo, yet they attempted to manipulate the narrative by sending the device to reviewers with instructions not to turn it on in their initial unboxing videos. This was done in an effort to hide the device’s flaws and focus solely on its design, which is the only positive aspect of the device.
An Unfortunate Choice
The Surface Duo is an unfortunate choice for those looking for a reliable and powerful device. Its sky-high price tag and numerous compromises make it a device that is best avoided.
LG Wing
The LG Wing is a smartphone with a unique form factor, featuring a swivel design that allows the user to access two separate displays. The primary display is a widescreen horizontal display, while the secondary display is an almost square panel below it. While the device has been praised for its innovative design, it is not without its flaws.
The LG Wing is reminiscent of the 2011 LG Double Play, which featured a similar dual-screen design. Unfortunately, the Double Play was plagued with issues, such as a cramped form factor, compromised specs, and a dual-screen design that was labeled as a gimmick by the media.
Samsung Galaxy Fold
The Samsung Galaxy Fold is a foldable smartphone that features a large 7.3-inch display when unfolded. It was initially released in 2019, but was quickly recalled due to reports of the display breaking after only a few days of use. Samsung eventually released an updated version of the device, but the issues with the display still remain.
The Galaxy Fold is a great example of a smartphone fail, as it was released with a major design flaw that could not be fixed. The device was also incredibly expensive, with a price tag of over $2,000.
Apple iPhone 4
The Apple iPhone 4 was released in 2010 and was the first iPhone to feature a glass back. Unfortunately, the glass back was prone to cracking and shattering, leading to a class-action lawsuit against Apple. The lawsuit was eventually settled, with Apple offering free cases to all iPhone 4 owners.
The iPhone 4 was a major fail for Apple, as the device was released with a major design flaw that could not be fixed. The lawsuit also damaged Apple’s reputation, as it showed that the company was not taking proper care to ensure the quality of its products.
Google Pixel 3 XL
The Google Pixel 3 XL was released in 2018 and was the first Pixel phone to feature a notch at the top of the display. The notch was widely criticized, as it was seen as an unnecessary design choice that made the device look outdated.
The Pixel 3 XL was a major fail for Google, as the notch was seen as an eyesore and the device was quickly overshadowed by other phones with more modern designs. The notch also caused issues with some apps, as it was not properly supported by some developers.
Nokia N-Gage
The Nokia N-Gage was released in 2003 and was the first phone to feature a gaming-focused design. The device featured a unique form factor, with a large screen and game controls on the side. Unfortunately, the device was plagued with issues, such as a poor battery life, a slow processor, and a design that was difficult to use.
The N-Gage was a major fail for Nokia, as the device was seen as a gimmick and was quickly overshadowed by other phones with more traditional designs. The device also failed to gain traction with gamers, as the hardware was not powerful enough to run the latest games.
Motorola Razr
The Motorola Razr was released in 2004 and was the first phone to feature a clamshell design. The device was initially praised
Marshall Phone
Marshall, a renowned audio company, attempted to break into the smartphone market in 2015 with their Marshall Phone. Although they succeeded in the audio department, with features such as a built-in DAC for lossless music and a software equalizer that worked across all music services, the phone was a flop. Its chipset was weak, with only two gigs of RAM, and its camera was subpar, with an 8 megapixel rear camera and a 2 megapixel front camera. This was the first and last phone Marshall ever made, with the reception being so poor that it was quickly forgotten.
Samsung Galaxy Camera
In 2012, Samsung released the Galaxy Camera, which promised full Android functionality and a point-and-shoot camera feature set. It had impressive specs, with a sensor twice the size of the Galaxy S3 and 21x optical zoom, which was more than double what the best Android phones could do at the time. However, the phone was a failure due to its lack of reception. Without a cellular connection, the phone was essentially useless.
Amazon Fire Phone
Amazon’s Fire Phone was released in 2014 with much fanfare, but it quickly became apparent that it was a flop. The phone had a unique 3D interface that was supposed to be revolutionary, but it was clunky and hard to use. The phone was also severely lacking in apps, and its hardware was outdated. Amazon eventually discontinued the phone in 2015.
Nokia N-Gage
Nokia’s N-Gage was released in 2003 as a gaming-focused phone. It had a unique design, with a joystick and buttons on the side, and it was one of the first phones to feature 3D graphics. However, it was a commercial failure due to its high price and lack of games. The phone was discontinued in 2005.
HTC First
The HTC First was released in 2013 as the first phone to feature Facebook Home, a skin for Android that put Facebook front and center. Unfortunately, the phone was a flop due to its lackluster hardware and the fact that Facebook Home was not well-received. The phone was discontinued in 2014.
LG G5
The LG G5 was released in 2016 with a unique modular design that allowed users to swap out components. Unfortunately, the phone was a flop due to its poor battery life, lack of compatible modules, and the fact that it was too expensive for what it offered. The phone was discontinued in 2017.
Microsoft Kin
Microsoft’s Kin was released in 2010 as a social media-focused phone. It had a unique design and a focus on messaging and social media, but it was a flop due to its high price and lack of features. The phone was discontinued in 2011.
Apple Newton
Apple’s Newton was released in 1993 as one of the first personal digital assistants. It had a unique design and a focus on handwriting recognition, but it was a flop due to its high price and lack of features. The device was discontinued in 1998.
Motorola ROKR</h
So, why not have a phone that is curved as well? But the execution was off.
1. Camera Exit
The concept of a Camera Exit was a great idea, allowing users to take a photo and send it to someone on Gmail straight away. However, the issue with this device was that it was not particularly good at either of these things as a point and shoot camera. It was just average and as an Android device, it could not make phone calls. This meant that users still had to keep a separate Android phone with them, thus defeating the purpose of the Camera Exit.
2. Samsung Galaxy Round
The Samsung Galaxy Round was the first phone ever with a flexible AMOLED display. However, it had a smaller battery, no S Pen and a price tag one and a half times higher than the Galaxy Note 3. This made it severely underwhelming and the concept had merit, as the hands of users are curved, so why not have a phone that is curved as well? Unfortunately, the execution of the concept was off.
3. Nokia N-Gage
The Nokia N-Gage was a hybrid between a mobile phone and a handheld gaming console. It was released in 2003 and was a flop. The device was bulky, had a confusing design, and the games were not as good as the ones on the Game Boy Advance. It was also expensive and the battery life was poor.
4. Microsoft Kin
The Microsoft Kin was a smartphone released in 2010 and was targeted at the youth market. It had a unique design and was marketed as a social media phone. Unfortunately, the device was too expensive and the features were limited. It was also slow and had a poor battery life.
5. Amazon Fire Phone
The Amazon Fire Phone was released in 2014 and was Amazon’s attempt at entering the smartphone market. It had some interesting features such as a 3D display and gesture controls. However, the device was too expensive and the features were limited. It also had poor battery life and was not well received by consumers.
6. Apple Newton
The Apple Newton was released in 1993 and was one of the first personal digital assistants. It was a revolutionary device at the time, but it was too expensive and had poor handwriting recognition. It was also bulky and had a short battery life.
7. Motorola ROKR E1
The Motorola ROKR E1 was a music-centric phone released in 2005. It was the first phone to feature Apple’s iTunes music player, but the device was slow and had a poor battery life. It was also expensive and the music player was not as good as the one on the iPod.
8. HTC First
The HTC First was released in 2013 and was the first phone to feature Facebook Home. It had a unique design and was marketed as a social media phone. Unfortunately, the device was too expensive and the features were limited. It also had poor battery life and was not well received by consumers.
9. Sony Xperia Play
The Sony Xperia Play was released
The Roll Effect
The concept of a curved phone was introduced with the idea of a ‘roll effect’ where users could roll the device towards them to check notifications. Unfortunately, this feature failed to catch on and Samsung soon began to invert the design, curving their flagships outwards from 2015.
The Pad Phone
Asus attempted to create a ‘pad phone’, a device that could be used as both a smartphone and a tablet. The idea was to have one device with two separate sets of internals, with the tablet being a shell for the phone. However, the concept failed to take off and the pad phone was soon forgotten.
The Bendable Phone
The bendable phone was another ambitious concept that failed to live up to its promise. The idea was to create a device that could be bent and twisted, allowing users to use it in a variety of ways. However, the technology was not advanced enough to make the concept feasible and the bendable phone was soon abandoned.
The Modular Phone
The modular phone was an attempt to create a device that could be customised to the user’s needs. The idea was to have a phone with interchangeable parts, allowing users to upgrade or replace parts as needed. Unfortunately, the concept failed to take off due to the complexity of the design and the high cost of production.
The Dual Screen Phone
The dual screen phone was an attempt to create a device with two screens, allowing users to use two apps at once. Unfortunately, the concept failed to take off due to the bulkiness of the device and the lack of software support.
The 3D Phone
The 3D phone was an attempt to create a device that could display 3D images and videos. Unfortunately, the concept failed to take off due to the lack of content and the high cost of production.
The Holographic Phone
The holographic phone was an attempt to create a device that could display 3D images and videos in mid-air. Unfortunately, the concept failed to take off due to the lack of content and the complexity of the technology.
The Projector Phone
The projector phone was an attempt to create a device that could project images and videos onto a wall or other surface. Unfortunately, the concept failed to take off due to the low quality of the projection and the lack of software support.
The Solar Phone
The solar phone was an attempt to create a device that could be powered by solar energy. Unfortunately, the concept failed to take off due to the low efficiency of the solar cells and the lack of battery life.
The Waterproof Phone
The waterproof phone was an attempt to create a device that could be used in wet conditions. Unfortunately, the concept failed to take off due to the lack of waterproofing technology and the high cost of production.
The Wireless Charging Phone
The wireless charging phone was an attempt to create a device that could be charged without the need for a cable. Unfortunately,
The Valk One: A Failed Attempt to Revolutionize Smartphones
The Valk One was a revolutionary concept that sought to revolutionize the smartphone industry. It was the first phone to be free to use, with no SIM card, no cost to call people, and unlimited data available everywhere. Despite its ambitious goals, the Valk One ultimately failed to make a lasting impact.
The main issue with the Valk One was that it was constrained by the fact that it had to run on smartphone hardware. This meant that it was unable to provide the same level of performance as dedicated tablet devices. Furthermore, the Valk One was limited to a specific audience who were looking for both a phone and a tablet. This meant that it was not suitable for those who only needed one or the other.
The Pad Phone: A Failed Attempt to Merge Smartphones and Tablets
The Pad Phone was another ambitious concept that sought to merge the capabilities of a smartphone and a tablet. It was a solid device, but its main standout feature was the fact that it could transform into a tablet. Unfortunately, this feature was not enough to make the Pad Phone a success.
The main issue with the Pad Phone was that it was limiting itself to an audience who were looking for both a phone and a tablet. This meant that those who only needed one or the other would not find the device suitable. Furthermore, the Pad Phone was not the best way of achieving the desired result, as dedicated tablets were able to provide better performance.
The Modular Phone: A Failed Attempt to Make Smartphones Customizable
The Modular Phone was an attempt to make smartphones customizable. The idea was that users could swap out different components of their phone, such as the camera, battery, or processor, in order to customize it to their needs. Unfortunately, this concept failed to take off.
The main issue with the Modular Phone was that it was too complicated for most users. The process of swapping out components was too difficult for most people, and the cost of buying new components was too high. Furthermore, the Modular Phone was limited to a specific audience who were looking for a customizable phone. This meant that it was not suitable for those who did not need a customizable device.
The Foldable Phone: A Failed Attempt to Make Smartphones More Portable
The Foldable Phone was an attempt to make smartphones more portable. The idea was that users could fold their phones in half, making them more compact and easier to carry around. Unfortunately, this concept failed to take off.
The main issue with the Foldable Phone was that it was too fragile. The folding mechanism was prone to breaking, and the screens were easily damaged. Furthermore, the Foldable Phone was limited to a specific audience who were looking for a more portable device. This meant that it was not suitable for those who did not need a more portable device.
It was called firefox os and it was going to be a low cost option for people who wanted to get online and access the internet, but didnt have the money for a more expensive phone. It was going to be open source and completely free, but it was a complete flop. The hardware was slow and the app store was limited. It wasnt long before the project was abandoned.
Volk Phones
The concept of Volk phones was to bundle them with a volk router, enabling data to be sent up to two miles away. Each phone was equipped with a receiver and a transmitter, allowing users to create a crowdsourced version of the internet. Unfortunately, orders have been taken since 2019 and still no phones have been delivered. The website is full of renders, raising doubts about the existence of the phone. This earns a six out of ten fail.
Firefox OS
In 2012, Mozilla had a vision for an operating system powered by the web. Called Firefox OS, it was intended to be a low cost option for those wanting to access the internet. However, the hardware was slow and the app store was limited, leading to the project being abandoned. This earns a two out of ten fail.
Firefox OS: A Developers Dream
Firefox OS was a revolutionary concept that sought to shift the way people used their smartphones. Instead of localized apps that had to be downloaded and then run offline, everything could be powered by the internet. This was a developers dream, as it meant that they no longer had to reprogram apps separately for different platforms or make different versions for devices of different levels of power. All they had to do was build the app once and it would work on any device.
The Consumer Perspective
However, from a consumer perspective, the benefits of Firefox OS weren’t as clear. It appealed to a niche group of people who wanted a smaller selection of apps that required an internet connection to work properly. Despite this, Firefox OS had a reasonable start, but quickly lost momentum and kept getting worse and worse until it was only used to power Panasonic televisions.
A Costly Failure
Firefox OS was a costly failure, with so much promise and money invested in the project, yet it went nowhere. This is just one example of a smartphone fail that has had a significant impact on the industry. Other examples include the Nokia N-Gage, the Microsoft Kin, and the Amazon Fire Phone. All of these devices were met with a lukewarm reception from consumers and failed to gain any real traction in the market.
The Rise of Smartphones
Despite these failures, the smartphone industry has continued to grow and evolve. Smartphones are now an integral part of our lives, with many of us relying on them for everything from communication to entertainment. This is why it is so important to be aware of the potential pitfalls of smartphone technology, so that we can avoid them and make the most of our devices.
KaiOS
It wasnt all for nothing, though, because from the remnants of Firefox OS rose KaiOS, an even simpler software that has managed to squeeze into a currently uncontested niche. It is not competing with Android or iOS, but is instead used to provide some smart functionality to 30 phones. Collaborations between two companies that are so aligned can sometimes work, and in this case, a miracle was born in the form of the Garmin Phone. This was the combined effort of both ASUS and Garmin, and is one of the worst phones ever made.
Design
The design of the Garmin Phone suffered from enormous bezels and no headphone jack, and the Android home screen experience was absolutely terrible with garish icons and no traditional launcher. Google Maps was also improving faster than ever, and so the one thing this phone had going for it – navigation – ended up being a disadvantage.
Functionality
Smartphones are like GPS systems, but ones that can also do a thousand other things too. As such, trying to make a smartphone based on being a sat nav was a massive downgrade. The phone was bundled with a car charger and a mount to install it, but this was not enough to make up for its lack of functionality.
Doogee Mix
The Doogee Mix was a one-hit wonder, offering a semi-bezel-less design for a fraction of the cost of its competitors. However, the company’s attempts to capitalize on the success of this phone were less than successful. The Doogee Mix 2 was a different phone, but was simply relabeled as the original. Furthermore, the company’s 2018 press event showcased a number of products that never materialized, such as the Doogee Mix 3 with a pop-up camera, the Doogee Mix 4 with a slider mechanism to hide the camera, a flexible phone, and even a transparent phone. Ultimately, the only product that was released was a prototype of the Doogee Mix.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was one of the most anticipated phones of 2016. However, the phone was plagued with issues, most notably the tendency of some units to catch fire. After numerous reports of the phone exploding, Samsung was forced to recall the device and discontinue production.
Google Nexus Q
The Google Nexus Q was a streaming media player that was announced in 2012. Despite its sleek design, the device was never released to the public due to its high cost and lack of features.
Amazon Fire Phone
The Amazon Fire Phone was released in 2014 and was intended to be a competitor to the iPhone. However, the device was a flop due to its lack of features and high price.
Microsoft Kin
The Microsoft Kin was a feature phone released in 2010. Despite its unique design, the device was a commercial failure due to its lack of features and high price.
HTC First
The HTC First was a smartphone released in 2013 that was intended to be the first phone to run the Facebook Home software. However, the device was a commercial failure due to its lack of features and high price.
Nokia N-Gage
The Nokia N-Gage was a gaming-focused smartphone released in 2003. Despite its unique design, the device was a commercial failure due to its lack of features and high price.
Apple Pippin
The Apple Pippin was a gaming console released in 1996. Despite its unique design, the device was a commercial failure due to its lack of features and high price.
Motorola ROKR E1
The Motorola ROKR E1 was a feature phone released in 2005. Despite its unique design, the device was a commercial failure due to its lack of features and high price.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
The Amazon Fire TV Stick was a streaming media player released in 2014. Despite its unique design, the device was a commercial failure due to its lack of features and high price.
BlackBerry Storm
The BlackBerry Storm was a smartphone released in 2008. Despite its unique design, the device was a commercial failure due to its lack of features and high price.
Nokia N-Gage
Ericsson xperia x1.
Doogee’s Paper Cutout Phone
Doogee’s foray into the smartphone market was a bold one, but ultimately a failed attempt. The company released a prototype phone with a paper cutout instead of a display, a move that was met with confusion and ridicule. In hindsight, it is clear that Doogee had no intention of ever releasing the product, and instead were simply trying to capitalize on media attention. As such, the company earns a seven out of ten on the fail scale.
Sony Ericsson’s Collaboration
Sony Ericsson was a collaboration between two companies, Sony and Ericsson. Sony was largely an entertainment company, while Ericsson was one of the bigger phone manufacturers. This collaboration was beneficial for both companies, as Sony gained access to Ericsson’s phone manufacturing capabilities, while Ericsson gained access to Sony’s Walkman, music, and Cyber-shot camera brands. The collaboration was successful, with the Sony Ericsson Walkman phones selling in large numbers.
Sony Ericsson’s Response to the iPhone
The release of the iPhone in 2007 changed the smartphone market drastically, and Sony Ericsson was not agile enough to respond. The duo’s attempt to compete with the iPhone was the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1, which failed to make an impact. Sony eventually realized that Ericsson was holding them back, and the collaboration ended in 2012.
Sony Ericsson’s Unfortunate Downfall
Sony Ericsson’s foray into the smartphone market was met with a resounding thud. Despite the promise of a 12 megapixel camera, the phone was hampered by a resistive touch screen that required a stylus and an outdated operating system with no apps. This lack of innovation resulted in Sony Ericsson posting a staggering $250 million loss in a single year, leading to Sony acquiring Ericsson’s 50% share and renaming the company Sony Mobile.
Deceptive Advertising Practices
Since the dawn of the smartphone, manufacturers have been guilty of deceptive advertising practices. This involves taking photos with a DSLR camera and then layering them onto the phone’s screen, giving the impression that the photo was taken with the phone itself. This tactic is often employed by phone websites, leading consumers to believe that the phone’s camera is capable of taking stunning photos when in reality, it is not.
The Rise of Fake Reviews
Another common tactic employed by smartphone manufacturers is the use of fake reviews. This involves creating fake accounts and leaving positive reviews for the phone in question, in order to boost its reputation and make it appear more attractive to potential buyers. This practice is unfortunately widespread, and it is important for consumers to be aware of it in order to make an informed decision when buying a phone.
Misleading Specifications
Smartphone manufacturers have also been known to mislead consumers by exaggerating the specifications of their phones. This involves inflating the phone’s RAM, processor speed, and battery life, leading consumers to believe that they are getting more than what they are actually paying for. This practice is especially common in budget phones, and it is important for consumers to be aware of it in order to avoid being duped.
Unrealistic Promises
Smartphone manufacturers have been known to make unrealistic promises about their phones. This includes promising features that are not yet available, or claiming that the phone is waterproof when it is not. This practice is especially common in budget phones, and it is important for consumers to be aware of it in order to avoid being disappointed.
Smartphone manufacturers have been guilty of a number of deceptive practices in order to boost their sales. It is important for consumers to be aware of these practices in order to make an informed decision when buying a phone.
They actually put a sticker of a dog ears and nose on the photo.
Huawei’s Blatant Deception
Huawei’s marketing campaign earlier this year was a prime example of deceptive practices. The company was promoting a series of photos taken on their Huawei phones, but a keen observer noticed that one of the shots looked suspiciously familiar. It turned out that the photo had actually been taken by a professional photographer on a 3,000 dollar DSLR. Huawei’s attempt to pass off the photo as their own was a clear violation of trust and a slap in the face to their customers.
Samsung’s Misleading Portrait Mode
In 2018, Samsung launched the Galaxy A8 Star and were so proud of its camera capabilities that they decided to showcase it in a commercial. To demonstrate the phone’s portrait mode, they paid a woman $250 for a commercial license to use her photo, taken on a DSLR. To make matters worse, Samsung then proceeded to chop her out of the photo and place her on a different background, also not taken on the phone. To top it all off, they added a sticker of a dog’s ears and nose to the photo, in an attempt to showcase the phone’s portrait mode.
Apple’s iPhone X Facial Recognition Fiasco
Apple’s iPhone X facial recognition system was supposed to be a revolutionary feature, but it ended up being a complete failure. The system was easily fooled by a simple mask, rendering it completely useless. Apple’s attempt to pass off the facial recognition system as a secure feature was a complete disaster, and a major embarrassment for the company.
Google’s Pixel 2 Camera Debacle
Google’s Pixel 2 camera was touted as the best camera ever put into a smartphone, but it ended up being a major disappointment. The camera was plagued with issues such as poor low-light performance, inaccurate colors, and slow autofocus. Google’s attempt to pass off the Pixel 2 camera as the best ever was a complete failure.
LG’s G6 Camera Blunder
LG’s G6 camera was supposed to be a major selling point for the phone, but it ended up being a major letdown. The camera was plagued with issues such as poor low-light performance, inaccurate colors, and slow autofocus. LG’s attempt to pass off the G6 camera as a major selling point was a complete failure.
HTC’s U11 Camera Flop
HTC’s U11 camera was supposed to be a major selling point for the phone, but it ended up being a major disappointment. The camera was plagued with issues such as poor low-light performance, inaccurate colors, and slow autofocus. HTC’s attempt to pass off the U11 camera as a major selling point was a complete failure.
Sony’s Xperia XZ2 Camera Debacle
Sony’s Xperia XZ2 camera was supposed to be a major selling point for the phone, but it ended up being a major letdown. The camera was plagued with issues such as poor low-light performance, inaccurate colors, and slow autofocus. Sony’s attempt to pass off the Xperia XZ2 camera
Mediatek Caught Cheating
Mediatek, the second largest supplier of chips for smartphones, was recently caught cheating on benchmarks. A reviewer noticed that a mid-range phone powered by a Mediatek chipset was performing surprisingly well on benchmarks. Its gaming and app performance was significantly higher than expected. Upon further investigation, the reviewer discovered a piece of code in the phone’s firmware that had been distributed by Mediatek. This code enabled the phone to detect when a benchmark was running and dial up its performance to the extreme.
Mediatek defended their actions, claiming that the code was intended to improve the user experience. However, this explanation was not accepted by the public, and the company was widely criticized for its dishonesty.
Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Debacle
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was one of the biggest smartphone fails of all time. The device was released in 2016 to much fanfare, but it was soon discovered that the phone had a major design flaw. The battery was prone to overheating and exploding, leading to numerous reports of fires and injuries.
Samsung attempted to rectify the issue by issuing a recall and offering replacements. Unfortunately, the replacements were also prone to overheating and exploding, leading to a second recall and the eventual discontinuation of the device. The debacle cost Samsung billions of dollars and caused serious damage to its reputation.
Apple Maps Fiasco
In 2012, Apple released its own mapping app, Apple Maps, to replace Google Maps as the default mapping app on iOS devices. Unfortunately, the app was riddled with errors and inaccuracies, leading to widespread criticism. Apple Maps was unable to locate some major cities, incorrectly labeled landmarks, and even showed the wrong location for some businesses.
Apple eventually apologized for the app and released an updated version, but the damage had already been done. The fiasco caused Apple to lose its reputation as an innovator, and it took years for the company to regain its credibility.
Microsoft Kin Flop
Microsoft’s Kin was an ambitious attempt to create a social media-focused smartphone. The device was released in 2010 and was marketed as a device for young people who wanted to stay connected with their friends. Unfortunately, the device was a flop.
The Kin was criticized for its lack of features, its high price tag, and its limited app selection. Microsoft discontinued the device after just two months, leading to significant losses for the company.
Google Nexus Q Debacle
Google’s Nexus Q was an ambitious attempt to create a media streaming device. The device was released in 2012 but was quickly discontinued due to its high price tag and lack of features.
The Nexus Q was criticized for its limited app selection, its lack of support for popular streaming services, and its lack of compatibility with other devices. The debacle caused Google to lose millions of dollars and tarnished its reputation as an innovator.
Nokia N-Gage
Nokia’s N-Gage was an ambitious attempt to create a gaming-focused smartphone. The device was released in 2003 and was marketed as a device for gamers who wanted
Sports Mode
Mediatek’s “Sports Mode” was a unique high performance mode that was designed to enable extreme performance, even at the expense of disabling warnings against high temperatures. This mode was specifically designed to cheat benchmarking tests, as it was programmed to detect when the load was high and activate the code for this extreme performance mode.
Cheating Benchmarks
When the reviewer tested the phone with an altered version of one of the benchmarks, the performance dropped by 30%. This is a major issue, as it is akin to cheating on emissions tests with cars. It is important to note that this issue may not be present in all Mediatek chips, however it is still a good reason to take benchmarks with a grain of salt.
High Temperatures
The “Sports Mode” was designed to enable extreme performance, even at the expense of disabling warnings against high temperatures. This could lead to the phone becoming overheated, resulting in a decrease in performance and potentially damaging the device.
Misleading Results
The “Sports Mode” was designed to give misleading results on benchmarking tests, as it was programmed to detect when the load was high and activate the code for this extreme performance mode. This could lead to consumers being misled into believing that their device has better performance than it actually does.
Unsustainable Performance
The “Sports Mode” was designed to enable extreme performance, however this performance was not sustainable for any period of time. This means that the performance that was achieved in the benchmarking tests was not representative of the performance that could be achieved in apps.
1. Battery Draining Too Quickly
One of the most common smartphone fails is battery draining too quickly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as running too many apps at once, using the device for too long, or having a faulty battery. Regardless of the cause, it can be incredibly frustrating to have your battery die in the middle of a task or conversation.
2. Overheating
Another common issue is overheating. This can be caused by running too many apps at once, using the device for too long, or having a faulty processor. Regardless of the cause, it can be incredibly uncomfortable to hold a hot device and can even damage the device if it gets too hot.
3. Unresponsive Touchscreen
Sometimes, the touchscreen can become unresponsive, making it difficult to use the device. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty screen or a software issue. Regardless of the cause, it can be incredibly frustrating to have your touchscreen not respond to your commands.
4. Slow Performance
Another common issue is slow performance. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as running too many apps at once, having too little RAM, or having a faulty processor. Regardless of the cause, it can be incredibly frustrating to have your device take forever to load a page or app.
5. Random Shutdowns
Sometimes, your device can randomly shut down, even when it has plenty of battery. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty battery or a software issue. Regardless of the cause, it can be incredibly frustrating to have your device randomly shut down in the middle of a task or conversation.
6. Software Issues
Software issues can be incredibly frustrating, as they can cause a variety of problems, such as slow performance, random shut downs, or unresponsive touchscreens. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty processor or a software bug. Regardless of the cause, it can be incredibly frustrating to have your device not work properly due to a software issue.
7. Poor Wi-Fi Connectivity
Sometimes, your device can have poor Wi-Fi connectivity, making it difficult to use the internet. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty router or a software issue. Regardless of the cause, it can be incredibly frustrating to have your device not connect to the internet properly.
8. Poor Camera Quality
Sometimes, your device can have poor camera quality, making it difficult to take good photos. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty camera or a software issue. Regardless of the cause, it can be incredibly frustrating to have your device not take good photos.
9. Unresponsive Buttons
Sometimes, the buttons on your device can become unresponsive, making it difficult to use the device. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty button or a software issue. Regardless of the cause, it can be
The Garmin Phone was a failed attempt to combine a smartphone and a sat nav, and it ended up being one of the worst phones ever made. Its design was poor, with enormous bezels and no headphone jack, and its functionality was severely lacking. Google Maps was also improving faster than ever, and so the one thing this phone had going for it – navigation – ended up being a disadvantage.
Mediatek’s “Sports Mode” is a unique high performance mode that was designed to enable extreme performance, even at the expense of disabling warnings against high temperatures. This mode was specifically designed to cheat benchmarking tests, as it was programmed to detect when the load was high and activate the code for this extreme performance mode. This could lead to consumers being misled into believing that their device has better performance than it actually does, as well as the device becoming overheated and the performance not being sustainable. It is important to take benchmarks with a grain of salt, as this issue may not be present in all Mediatek chips.
