Counterclockwise: FM radio is past its peak

16 December 2018
Do you feel like fewer and fewer phones have a radio receiver? Our data shows while there's a definite decline, many models still have it.

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  • ?
  • Anonymous
  • PVW
  • 16 Dec 2018

I forget completely on FM feature on many of my phones, simply because they won't work without a headphone attached. That by itself already makes it non-intuitive.

As for content like news, podcast has taken over for a while already.

For emergency, I believe many countries have worked together with the wireless carriers to push emergency notifications through cellular.

    There was a time when a mobile phone must include a radio, but I hardly ever listen to analog or digital broadcast anymore. Analog radio had the advantage of not needing data connection & that was important to me, but unless in case of a catastrophic emergency it isn't an everyday necessity.

      Just like 3.5mm jack. Removing a feature does NOT mean it is not wanted...

      But of course in 2018/2019 they ought to offer DAB+ also

        • A
        • Alien
        • 3RM
        • 16 Dec 2018

        Anonymous, 16 Dec 2018FM Radio is a must, this is to broadcast emergency message,... moreAnd play it on what? Invisible radios? I don't have anolog radios.
        Face it. FM radio, IR (infrared), Bluetooth ​are all ancient technologies.
        Digital radio is way better. You can also record it.
        http://strm112.1.fm/chilloutlounge_mobile_mp3

          • ?
          • Anonymous
          • 25I
          • 16 Dec 2018

          FM Radio is a must, this is to broadcast emergency message, have you ever watched the movie "I Am Legend" by Will Smith, this is my point.

            • r
            • rigurat
            • j5L
            • 16 Dec 2018

            FM radio in the United States is good for local/national emergencies but not so good for music streaming. The playlist is repetitive and the songs are edited and cleaned out. That's understandable because that's to make it fit for a public audience, which leads to the appeal of streaming, custom tailored playlist genre with unedited music.

              • G
              • Genza
              • t@g
              • 16 Dec 2018

              I still use FM radio on my phone because it's the best way to get the news and listen new song when i'm getting ready in the morning or working out because i don't have to stare at my TV or my phone + i don't need internet connection.

                I still use FM radio every day. Shame Sony seems to be ditching it

                  The US does not want to adopt DAB+ because they want their trademarked HD Radio to be used by everyone. This country is so selfish in everything it does... Explains why Disney copyrighted an east african phrase "Hakuna Matata" just because it used it in its movie.

                    • ?
                    • Anonymous
                    • Nu7
                    • 16 Dec 2018

                    AnonD-558092, 16 Dec 2018Note 8 and 9 have FM Radio. At least in Canada Shame tha... moreI agree with you on that

                      It's not a dealbreaker if a phone lacks one. Three of six phones do have FM radio.

                      Xiaomi Mi 3
                      LG V20
                      Motorola Moto E4

                      For some reason, my unlocked LG G5 doesn't have FM but my Sprint-branded one did. I also have a Sony radio for AM broadcasts so I can listen to LA Clippers & Lakers games.

                      It's good to have a small radio around that uses alkaline batteries in case of earthquakes or some natural disaster. That, water, and a flashlight.

                      I really don't use the FM radio on my phones. Only when I'm inside my car. And if for some reason I do listen to FM radio, it's to save battery or I'm growing tired listening to my mp3s.

                        Includes apple just for the heck of it, apparently to call then out. Forgets to include oneplus, the "rising startup". Hmmmmmm.. Way to go, GSMA.

                          • S
                          • Sso
                          • n95
                          • 16 Dec 2018

                          FM radio is the main reason to buy Pocophone F1.

                            • ?
                            • Anonymous
                            • IWN
                            • 16 Dec 2018

                            sr777, 16 Dec 2018I still use FM very often. It helps break loneliness. The c... moreDoesn't your local radio station has digital stations too?

                              • ?
                              • Anonymous
                              • I8m
                              • 16 Dec 2018

                              Supposedly radio is used more than TV and other things still.
                              And I thought almost all phones had it in their soc but it's disabled because companies suck

                                • ?
                                • Anonymous
                                • GRP
                                • 16 Dec 2018

                                "we only included Apple in this chart to point the finger at them" - Absolutely Savage..

                                  • ?
                                  • Anonymous
                                  • KZ8
                                  • 16 Dec 2018

                                  In my country, internet is still not well developed especially in rural areas.. So they rely on radio for information and update... Hence why people there still like phone with FM support..

                                    • s
                                    • sr777
                                    • X}t
                                    • 16 Dec 2018

                                    I still use FM very often. It helps break loneliness. The chatter and the music in the background is a great companion.

                                      • D
                                      • AnonD-558092
                                      • 45}
                                      • 16 Dec 2018

                                      Note 8 and 9 have FM Radio. At least in Canada

                                      Shame that FM Radio couldn't adapt to its modern world. Didn't cost you a penny in data, and battery usage is low. There are still parts in the world where data is expensive, 4G LTE coverage is deficient (or even HSPA+), or both.

                                        I don't find it as a dealbreaker. But it's a nice thing to have. TuneIn App is the way to have DAB

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