Some smartphone manufacturers may revisit hardware features that had largely been phased out lately; that’s what a recent leak suggests. The information comes from Digital Chat Station, a known source on Weibo, who claims that several older design and component choices could reappear in devices expected to launch in 2026.
According to the leak, upcoming smartphones may include configurations with 8 GB of RAM and up to 512 GB of storage, paired with 90 Hz displays featuring waterdrop notches. Additional features mentioned include support for dual SIM and microSD cards, plastic frames, and short-focus optical fingerprint sensors. While these specifications were once common in mid-range and budget devices, they contrast with the more premium trends seen in recent flagship and upper mid-range smartphones.
Recently, the industry has largely shifted toward higher refresh rate displays, punch-hole or under-display front cameras, and premium materials such as metal and glass. At the same time, expandable storage via microSD cards has become increasingly rare, particularly in higher-end models.
The potential return of these older features may be linked to rising global smartphone costs, especially in key components like memory and storage. Several manufacturers, including OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, and iQOO, have already increased prices for some of their budget devices. Samsung has also raised prices in certain markets, such as India.
Samsung Galaxy A07 5G and its waterdrop notch.
As production costs continue to climb, manufacturers may be under pressure to balance pricing with consumer expectations. Demand for affordable devices remains strong, but consumers may not be willing or able to absorb continuous price increases. Reintroducing older hardware solutions could help brands control costs while maintaining competitive pricing.
What stands out in this leak is not any single feature, but the combination of multiple design choices that reflect a shift in priorities. The possible return of waterdrop notches, expandable storage, and plastic builds suggests that manufacturers are reassessing how to deliver value in a changing market.
While these changes may appear to be a step backward in terms of innovation, they could also reintroduce practical benefits, such as greater storage flexibility and lower device costs, which remain relevant for many users.