Totally get where you're coming from! It's wild how far we've come from those indestructible Nokias. For me, battery life is a biggie; I hate being tethered to a charger all day. Speed and a decent camera are close seconds, especially since I love snapping quick pics on the go. As for brands, I've found myself sticking with ones that offer good value for money, even if they're not the most hyped.
About smart gadgets, I think they can be a double-edged sword. They do make life easier when they work seamlessly, but sometimes it feels like they add more to the to-do list. It's all about finding what genuinely adds value to your daily routine without overcomplicating things. Have you tried any smart gadgets that you found genuinely helpful?