A Discussion on Material Choices in Mobile
 

Within the past four years, the smartphone market has changed drastically. Displays have dramatically increased in quality. Battery life has increased. As OEMs converge on largely similar platforms, the material design of a phone has become increasingly important. Almost every OEM has had a major shift in the material design of their devices as the market becomes increasingly saturated and competitive. This is especially true at the high end where the upgrade cycle has become lengthened. As people find less and less reason to upgrade to the latest and greatest, OEMs have to change things to stave off decreasing growth. Overall, this seems to mean going "back to basics" with their new devices, which often entails improved material design.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7984/d...ices-in-mobile