In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, it's easy to get caught up in the latest trends and innovations. But amidst the constant pursuit of thinner designs, faster processors, and larger displays, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on the features we've lost along the way. While smartphones have undoubtedly improved in many aspects, there are several legacy features that once made our devices more versatile and user-friendly that deserve a comeback in 2026 and beyond.
The Return of the 3.5mm Headphone Jack
One of the most vocal advocates for the return of the 3.5mm headphone jack is none other than myself. I firmly believe that Bluetooth, while convenient, doesn't eliminate the need for a physical headphone jack. The AUX port is still prevalent in legacy stereo systems and older cars, and I cherish the simplicity and reliability of plugging in my headphones without any wireless connectivity issues. Moreover, the inclusion of a 3.5mm jack allows manufacturers to incorporate high-quality DACs, enhancing the audio experience for users. The LG V20, for instance, boasted a Quad DAC, delivering an exceptional listening experience that modern phones have yet to replicate.
The convenience of wired headphones cannot be overstated. While wireless headphones offer freedom of movement, they also come with the hassle of managing charging and the risk of losing them. Wired headphones, despite their occasional tangling, provide a low-latency, high-quality listening experience that is hard to beat. The solution of USB-C dongles may exist, but it adds an extra layer of complexity that many users are willing to avoid.
Wider Aspect Ratios for a More Natural Experience
The shift towards taller displays on smartphones has been a point of contention for many. I, for one, cherished the wider 16:9 aspect ratio of phones like the LG V20 and Nexus 6. These displays were not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional for watching videos, browsing social media, and playing games. The 16:9 ratio is the more natural aspect ratio for the content we consume, and I believe manufacturers should explore a wider range of aspect ratios to cater to diverse user preferences.
The recent introduction of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 has reignited interest in wider displays, and I anticipate that more companies will follow suit. While it may not be feasible to revert to 16:9 aspect ratios across the board, the market will undoubtedly see a resurgence of wider-aspect-ratio phones. The ability to view entire documents or emails without excessive scrolling is a game-changer, and users will increasingly demand this level of convenience.
The Revival of Expandable Storage
Another feature that has fallen by the wayside is expandable storage via microSD cards. While a few midrange and budget phones still offer microSD card support in 2026, it has largely disappeared from flagship devices. The increasing cost of internal storage, especially the 512GB and 1TB variants, makes microSD cards an attractive and cost-effective solution. Cloud storage, while convenient, may not always be reliable or accessible, and many users prefer to keep their data locally.
The convenience of carrying your photos, movies, and music on your mobile device cannot be understated. microSD cards provide a flexible and affordable way to expand storage, ensuring that users can keep their phones running smoothly for years. With the EU's stricter regulations on phone battery replacement and Apple's compliance, it's a sign that manufacturers may soon follow suit in making storage expansion more accessible.
The Revival of Removable and Replaceable Batteries
The days of easily swapping batteries in our smartphones seem like a distant memory. The LG V20, with its removable back and replaceable batteries, was a game-changer, offering users the freedom to swap batteries as needed. While the sacrifice of water resistance is a trade-off, the ability to keep our phones running for extended periods without being tethered to a wall outlet is invaluable.
The concept of easily replaceable batteries is particularly appealing, especially for those who keep their phones for five or six years. Over time, battery performance degrades, and the ability to swap in a fresh battery ensures that users can continue enjoying their devices without performance dips. With the EU's regulations and Apple's compliance, it's a sign that manufacturers may soon make battery replacement more accessible.
Embracing Larger Bezels for Enhanced Functionality
The relentless pursuit of minimal bezels has led to a loss of valuable real estate on our smartphones. I argue that larger bezels can open up exciting possibilities for manufacturers. With more space, companies can incorporate better speakers, providing an immersive audio experience. While some phones manage decent sound with limited space, the potential for improvement is vast.
Notification LEDs, in my opinion, are far more useful and versatile than always-on displays. The best AODs become virtually useless from a distance, while a solid notification LED can provide information from across the room. Google's upcoming HiLight tech on the Pixel 11 series, placed on the back of the phone, is a step in the right direction. However, with larger bezels, manufacturers could explore innovative lighting options, enhancing the overall user experience.
Biometric Security and Legacy Features
The iris scanner, once a staple on Galaxy Note devices, has been missed by many users. While fingerprint sensors have become the go-to biometric security method, the iris scanner offered a more secure and unique authentication experience. The inclusion of additional biometric security features would be a welcome addition to modern smartphones.
The Clicks Communicator, with its notification LED, headphone jack, and expandable storage, gives me hope for a more diverse smartphone market. While companies may benefit from charging more for expanded storage, the inclusion of these legacy features would cater to a wide range of user preferences. It's a reminder that not every device needs to cater to the same audience, and variety is essential for innovation.
In conclusion, as we move forward into 2026 and beyond, let's not forget the value of legacy features that once made our smartphones more versatile and user-friendly. The 3.5mm headphone jack, wider aspect ratios, expandable storage, removable batteries, larger bezels, and enhanced biometric security are all features that deserve a comeback. By embracing these improvements, manufacturers can create smartphones that cater to a diverse range of user needs, ensuring a more enjoyable and functional mobile experience for all.
