Smartphones have come a long way since the first model was launched in 1992. The Simon Personal Communicator by IBM was the world’s first mobile phone that offered a touchscreen, fax and email capabilities. It also featured standard and predictive stylus-compatible screen keyboards. By 1996 Motorola had released its flip phone, the StarTAC, which sold over 60 million units globally. This was the first mobile phone to offer a color screen and a vibrate option. It was a popular device that set the bar for the mobile phones we use today.

The iPhone’s release revolutionized smartphones and triggered a domino effect of ever-improving features and functionality. Apple CEO Steve Jobs called the revolutionary device “five years ahead of any other phone,” and he was right. The initial launch sparked a huge increase in the speed of data transmission and created a booming app ecosystem that continues to this day.

We’re now able to use virtual reality, super-fast 5G networks, and cameras that can detect our movements and adjust settings accordingly. But the smartphone is still a very personal, often sensitive gadget that requires special care when using.

This year’s flagship upgrades may not be as dazzling as last year’s iterative tweaks, but value remains high thanks to Samsung’s promise of seven years of software updates and the superior Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Look for a slimmer build and camera upgrades, particularly in the Ultra’s zoom lens, and a higher-capability battery.