Why Phones Moved Away from Metal Bodies

1. Wireless Charging Requires Glass or Plastic

• Metal blocks wireless charging, so manufacturers shifted to glass backs to support Qi wireless charging, now common in flagship phones.
  
• Plastic can allow wireless charging too, and it’s lighter/cheaper than glass or metal.
  

2. Antenna & 5G Reception

• Metal interferes with antenna signals, especially with 5G and advanced LTE bands.
  
• Glass and plastic are radio-friendly materials, making it easier to design for high-speed networks.
  

3. Premium Feel & Design Trends

• Glass looks more premium and can be shiny, curved, or colored, helping phones stand out visually.
  
• Metal unibody phones looked similar, while glass gives more design flexibility (gradient finishes, matte textures, etc.).
  

4. Manufacturing & Repair

• Glass panels are easier to replace than metal backs (which can bend or dent).
  
• Some brands save money by using plastic with a glass-like finish and market it as “glastic” or “polycarbonate”.
  

 Why Are Prices Higher Now?

1. Advanced Features:
   
   • High refresh rate displays (90Hz–144Hz)
     
   • High-end cameras (OIS, periscope zoom)
     
   • Better chips (AI, gaming)
     
   • 5G modems
     
   • Fast charging (up to 120W)
     
   • In-display fingerprint scanners
     
2. R&D and Marketing Costs:
   
   • Big brands spend a lot on software development, design, and global marketing.
     
   • Custom silicon (like Apple’s A-series, Tensor from Google) adds to cost.
     
3. Inflation and Supply Chain Costs:
   
   • Post-2020, component prices, shipping, and manufacturing costs rose globally.
     
   • Even mid-range phones are affected.
     
4. Segmenting Markets Intentionally:
   
   • Brands want to separate premium and budget phones.
     
   • Metal bodies now feel “mid-range,” so high-end devices avoid them to create a luxury image with glass or titanium.
     

 TL;DR Summary:

If you love metal-body phones, you’re not alone! Many people prefer them for durability and feel. Some rugged or niche phones (like older Xiaomi Mi Max or some industrial-use phones) still use metal for that reason.

Want a list of modern metal-body phones that are still worth buying in 2025?