The term “smartphone” isn’t just a catchy name – these devices are truly intelligent, offering a variety of features that go beyond our imagination.
These pocket-sized devices have revolutionized our lives, seamlessly replacing the need for various consumer electronics and gadgets that once cluttered our homes.
Let’s take a look at all the things smartphones have replaced over the years.
Things Replaced by Smartphones
1. GPS Navigation Devices
I still see people using GPS navigation devices, and I’m wondering why when they have a smartphone mounted on the dashboard.
I don’t see a reason to buy a GPS navigation device when you can download Google Maps, Waze, and even Apple Maps.
2. Books
Gone are those days when you have to carry multiple 50-pound books around. No wonder why most people have back pain.
Now, you can have thousands of E-books just right on your smartphone. There are tons of e-book reader apps in the Play Store and App Store you can download for all your readings.
3. Landlines
Why have a landline phone service at home when everyone in your house has a cell phone? It’s a great way to cut the bills.
According to the U.S. Health Department, more than 50 percent of American households only have cellphone services to get connected.
4. Address Books
If you have a smartphone, you won’t need an address book. Why would you, after all? You can add all your contacts to your smartphone and access them anytime and anywhere.
5. Payphones
When was the last time you used a payphone? You can’t remember. It’s even hard to find one in some cities.
If you do find one, trust me, it won’t work. With unlimited phone calls, there’s no need to have payphones around. Thank you, smartphone.
6. Scanners
If you were to download a mobile scanning app, there are so many good ones it can be hard to make up your mind.
Some defaults and third-party apps like Dropbox, Evernote, and iPhone’s Note app even have a built-in scanner integrated.
7. Digital Cameras
The best camera is the one you have with you. No need to carry a digital camera around when your smartphone’s cameras are really damn good nowadays.
8. Photo Albums
With Google Photos, you can store all your photos in the cloud without worrying about storage limits as long as you don’t mind Google compressing your photos.
Google Photos, with the use of artificial intelligence (AI), will create albums, panoramas, animated GIFs, and stories without you doing anything.
9. Camcorders
The same thing goes for Camcorder. Your smartphone can do the job pretty well and sometimes better. Leave that camcorder at home and use your smartphone instead.
10. Voice Recorders
Nowadays, it’s unthinkable to find a smartphone without a built-in voice recorder app integrated.
11. Alarm Clocks
Who is still using an actual alarm clock to wake up on time in the morning? I don’t. I instead use the clock app that comes with my phone. It’s convenient and easy to use.
12. Flashlights
This is a must-have tool in your house, your car, and wherever you are. Luckily, your smartphone comes with a torchlight integrated. No need to replace batteries.
13. Digital Music Players
Not too long ago, portable music players were making the hits. You weren’t cool if you didn’t have one.
Well, now it’s okay if you didn’t have one since your smartphone got your back. Most people stream their music on their smartphones now.
14. Calculators
Even regular cell phones come with calculator apps. Smartphones have come with built-in full scientific calculators.
15. Calendars and Planners
Do you still use calendar paper? The only person I can think of using a calendar paper would be my grandma.
Your smartphone comes with an integrated calendar app that offers more options than a traditional one.
You can also download free or premium third-party apps that offer even more features than the free ones.
16. Notepads
I hate writing with pen and paper, and it might not be just me. You may take a look at some of the best note-taking apps, but the one that comes with your smartphone might be good enough for most people’s needs.
17. Newspaper
It’s getting unusual to see people reading the newspaper, whether it’s on the commute or in parks. With the boom of social media technology, it’s easier and more convenient to read the news.
And, of course, your smartphone is the perfect tool to keep up with the news as they break.
18. Portable Video Players
You remember that you were not cool if you didn’t have a Portable DVD Player. Guess who’s not cool now? Portable Video Player because smartphones have replaced them with online streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, etc.
19. Landline Internet
Why have a landline internet if I have a smartphone with 4G capabilities that can share its internet connection? Think about it, and tell me why you should pay twice for the same service.
Many people don’t know that their smartphone can be used as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. That’s just alarming to me, but I guess that’s fine.
20. ATM / Debit / Credit Cards
You may not be aware of that, but many places have accepted mobile payments for years. No more need to find the nearest ATM to get cash or to use your debit or credit card.
Whether you have an iPhone or an Android phone, with Apple Pay, you can quickly and effectively make contactless payments using Apple Pay or Google Pay. So, why not take advantage of this convenience and ditch the plastics for good?
21. Leveler
I still remember playing with my dad’s leveler when I was a kid without knowing what it was for. I bet you didn’t know your smartphone can be used as a leveler.
Your iPhone comes with a built-in level app. If you own an Android phone, there are plenty of lever apps in the Google Play Store.
22. Webcam
Gone are those days when you were going nuts trying to get your webcam to stay in a fixed position.
I personally can relate to this situation. With your smartphone’s front-facing camera, you can enjoy a nice and crisp video call with your loved ones without any hassle.
23. Light Meter
Back in the day, photographers would need a Light meter to determine the proper exposure for their photos.
Nowadays, smartphone cameras are so powerful and advanced that you don’t need a handheld light meter for your photography needs.
24. Thermostat
Ordinary thermostats are things of the past! Welcome to smart thermostats, where you can control them with your smartphone.
Not only are smartphone-controlled thermostats so convenient, but they also help save energy and cut fuel costs significantly.
25. Barcode Scanner
With a quality barcode scanning app, you can easily read QR codes and scan a barcode to bring up product information such as user reviews and price comparisons. All of that is made possible with the convenience of your smartphone.
26. Measuring Tape
With Augmented Reality, Google and Apple have turned their smartphones into digital measuring tapes.
It’s fairly simple to use, so you don’t need to be tech-savvy. You launch the Measuring app, point the phone’s camera to an object, and then pick two points to measure the distance in between.
27. Credit Card Scanner
Yes, you can use your smartphone as a credit card scanner. With a small car reader plugged into your smartphone, you can start receiving payments with your smartphone.
28. USB Thumb drive
You might remember when USB Thumb drives were a breakthrough technology. With a small piece of hardware, you can carry all your data with you.
They were expensive, though, back then. But now, with cloud storage taking over, all you need is an app to take all your data with you wherever you go.
Final Thoughts on Things Replaced by Smartphones
The list of things smartphones will replace will only grow over time. In the future, smartphones will replace more things as they become more powerful.
If you have any other ideas or suggestions, we encourage you to suggest them in the comments below.
Hi yes amazing the hardware compacted ito such a small space exceeds the computing power NASA used for Apollo
A few other things
Altimeter
Compass
Guitar and Violin tuner
Sound level meter
Tons of games
Weather apps
Portable man machine bluetooth interface for lots of hardware