Smartphones Replacing PCs

The cluster debates whether smartphones and mobile devices are overtaking or replacing traditional PCs and laptops as primary computing devices for everyday tasks like banking, social media, and entertainment, especially for billions without access to desktops.

➡️ Stable 0.5x Hardware
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Comments
20
Years Active
5
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#4279
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Keywords

AR e.g II SOME OP AirPlay OK IM i.e PC desktop smartphones computer phones phone computing smartphone pcs pc devices

Sample Comments

fbrncci Nov 30, 2021 View on HN

I don't think it is, just think about all the people (billions) which either can't afford a desktop or laptop, or can't connect one in their home. Now they are connected to the entire world, their families and communities through smartphones. And that cost of entry does keep getting lower. Perhaps it is transitional? Until something better comes along (AR/VR)? Then a smart phone is just a mobile computing device that generates/renders the virtual world around you (while

moron4hire Jan 22, 2010 View on HN

If mobile devices "would overtake PCs" then why does everyone still have a PC?

freeone3000 Dec 16, 2024 View on HN

People have changed habits: most people do not use a PC for their everyday computing. They use a smartphone, and at a stretch, a tablet. There are a sizable number of people, not weirdos who don’t use tech but the average person who does banking and gaming and books flights and checks instagram, who has never used a desktop or laptop outside of an office. It’s all mobile devices. It’s Apple and Android.

pjmlp Oct 27, 2024 View on HN

Until phones get to replace laptops and desktops, it doesn't matter much.

squigz Nov 21, 2025 View on HN

Why just smartphones? Why not all computers?

dottedmag Dec 7, 2022 View on HN

There are more mobile phones alone than PCs, and phones are computers with screens.

zachalexander May 3, 2015 View on HN

Reminds me of desktop computers vs. smartphones. Laptops may soon be a luxury/tool for techies that most people just don't need.

sitdownyoungman Apr 14, 2020 View on HN

the smartphone is the computer. at $1000 many consumers use it for all of their daily needs, many of which ironically have nothing to do with phonecalls.

shortrounddev2 Jun 20, 2025 View on HN

Lots of people don't own laptops or desktops. They do all computing through a smartphone.

forgottenacc57 May 3, 2017 View on HN

Phones as desktops is the future.