Smartphone manufacturers continue to release new models annually, yet the pace of meaningful innovation has slowed, with most changes limited to incremental updates in design, performance, or software. This study examines whether such updates deliver tangible user benefits, as perceived by expert reviewers. Using a grounded theory approach, guided by Rogers Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) framework, the research analyses reviewer discourse from 2021 2025 across three technology commentators. The analysis identifies three interrelated processes sustaining perceptions of innovation: innovation displacement, capability utility divergence, and market complacency cycles. While some improvements are acknowledged, such as refined aesthetics or extended software support; they are seldom judged sufficient to justify annual releases. These findings highlight a growing disconnect between industry narratives of innovation and expert evaluations of value, raising questions about the strategic and environmental legitimacy of frequent upgrades. The study contributes to debates on responsible innovation, perceived value, and sustainable technology consumption.

翻译：智能手机制造商持续每年发布新机型，然而实质性创新的步伐已趋缓，多数变化仅限于设计、性能或软件方面的渐进式更新。本研究基于罗杰斯创新扩散理论框架，采用扎根理论方法，分析2021至2025年间三位科技评论员的评测论述，旨在探讨此类更新是否如专业评测者所感知的那样带来切实的用户利益。分析揭示了维持创新感知的三个相互关联的机制：创新转移、功能效用分化与市场自满循环。尽管某些改进（如精进的美学设计或延长的软件支持）得到认可，但它们很少被判定为足以证明年度发布的合理性。这些发现凸显了行业创新叙事与专家价值评估之间日益扩大的脱节，对频繁升级的战略正当性与环境合理性提出了质疑。本研究为负责任创新、感知价值与可持续技术消费的讨论提供了新的见解。