Changing of the guard: are smartphones taking over from laptops?

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Following the rise of digitalisation, forward-thinking technological advancements have continued to strive to offer a more convenient future for consumers. Fundamentally, this has been apparent in a wide array of different industries, particularly the laptop and smartphone sectors. Given the popularity of smartphones, their regularity within modern-day society poses questions over the future of laptops. So, let’s consider whether a tech-orientated changing of the guard is pending.

Moving toward a convenient future

According to Statista, the number of smartphone users within the United Kingdom is projected to grow to 61.06 million individuals by 2024. By comparison, as per another study by Statista into laptop penetration in the UK, the rate sat at 60 per cent among British people. From these numbers, and when factored alongside the region’s total population of approximately 66.65 million people, it’s undeniably apparent that ownership of a smartphone has become more common than a laptop in recent times.

Intriguingly, there are many reasons behind this social adjustment to remote mobile devices. Importantly, given the busy nature of 21st-century society, mobiles provide a far more convenient approach to a whole host of activities compared to laptops. Regardless of personal interests or profession, the developments made to the hardware and software of phones enable them to provide user-friendly levels of engagement. From this standpoint, the introduction of 5G networks make both remote browsing and working more accessible than ever before, even on public transport.

Furthermore, smartphones are also providing a more pocket-friendly avenue to contemporary means of entertainment. For example, with popular console titles crossing over onto mobile platforms, such as Fortnite, Minecraft, and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, the need for desktops and consoles has somewhat lessened. The same can also be said within the iGaming industry. Operators like Casumo, who provide free spins offers in New Zealand as a welcome bonus for signing up, have optimised their service to cater to the demands of mobile players. As a result of this, prospective players can receive different types of spins upon registering, even on their smartphone or tablet, including first-deposit and wager-free spins.

Specifications capable of providing similar performance

In years gone by, people requiring access to the internet for various reasons typically opted for a laptop over a smartphone because of its high-end specifications. Given the apparent size differences between the two devices, laptops have traditionally offered more space for the latest developments in hardware, making them function more rapidly. However, as technology has progressed, smartphones have become capable of competing with portable desktops.

One of the most vital components of a laptop concerns its random-access memory. Importantly, this element is integral to the performance of the device as it deals with storing a device’s short-term information and managing working data. Pivotally, this component eradicates the need to have to utilise slower storage aspects, such as hard drive, allowing for more to be done at any one time.

From both a business and gaming perspective, this is a much-needed component. It’s in this area where smartphones have not only been able to catch up with laptops but, in some instances, surpass them. The Samsung Galaxy S20 range, for example, typically comes with either 8GB or 12GB of RAM. Impressively, this is more than most Windows laptops, as they’re only fitted with 8GB or less

Is there still a place for laptops?

Ultimately, despite the advancements of smartphones, there is still a need for laptops within modern-day society. While performance-related factors can be altered, the screen size and portability of a remote desktop ensures that they still have their unique advantages. Although this may come down to personal preference, laptops undoubtedly have their perks at present. That said, there’s nothing to say that won’t change in the future. Using these technology depends on your preference and what type of tasks you are trying to accomplish like awesome uses of your old smartphone that can’t be done using laptop.