Which smartphone function do users most often use to replace traditional tools?

A majority of respondents (53%) reported using their smartphone as a replacement for a tape measure. This is attributed to the convenience and availability of the solution in everyday situations.

Why was the smartphone as a metal detector less popular?

While the metal detector ranked second (27%), its use is limited by low accuracy and task specificity. Most users do not require this tool regularly.

What other tools can a smartphone replace?

Smartphones can function as levels, light meters, sound level meters, and even thermometers (e.g., in Pixel devices). However, these features are less in demand due to users already owning specialized devices.

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Hardware

Survey: Which device most often replaces smartphones in daily life?

August 20, 2026

Photo: Android Authority

Quick answer

A user survey indicated that 53% of respondents use their smartphone as a replacement for a tape measure, making it the most sought-after function among alternatives like metal detectors, levels, or light meters.

Modern smartphones come equipped with a variety of sensors that enable them to perform functions once exclusive to standalone tools. A recent survey conducted among Android Authority readers revealed which of these capabilities are most in demand. The top choice was distance measurement: 53% of respondents stated they use their smartphone as a replacement for a tape measure.

Coming in second with 27% of the votes was the metal detector function. However, as experts note, smartphone sensors lack the precision of dedicated devices. Level and light meter functions split the remaining votes, but their use is confined to specific tasks for which most users already own professional tools.

Interestingly, earlier Pixel smartphones featured a thermometer function that allowed measuring body and ambient temperatures. However, this feature was removed in newer models. Despite this, some users continue to actively employ it, particularly for checking food or air temperature.

The survey results confirm that smartphones are becoming versatile assistants capable of replacing a whole set of tools. Yet, for professional tasks, specialized devices remain indispensable.

Common questions

Which smartphone function do users most often use to replace traditional tools?: A majority of respondents (53%) reported using their smartphone as a replacement for a tape measure. This is attributed to the convenience and availability of the solution in everyday situations.
Why was the smartphone as a metal detector less popular?: While the metal detector ranked second (27%), its use is limited by low accuracy and task specificity. Most users do not require this tool regularly.
What other tools can a smartphone replace?: Smartphones can function as levels, light meters, sound level meters, and even thermometers (e.g., in Pixel devices). However, these features are less in demand due to users already owning specialized devices.

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