Smartphones are basically smaller tablets which are newer versions of the portable laptop with mobile internet access plus they are a digital camera and video camera and a gaming platform and alarm clock etc. They can pretty much do anything
I use it quite often to message people and surf the net. It's a convenience. Not addicted to it though. In fact I turn off all messaging notification because too many group chats.
I use it for everything. I don't have internet and haven't since 2013. and just recently got unlimited data. So now Sunday worship I can use the hotspot with my laptop, and old smartphones in multiple rooms.
I have a stand that I set my smartphone on for everything. And it's been so useful that I just sent one to my sister that's far away for her birthday. I was told the other day when I was showing my Christmas lights for my house with a couple friends by Zoom that I looked like a professional that had a camera on each room, all because of the stand that I was holding.
If it weren't for my staying at my brothers place, who lives in the sticks where internet is very expensive, I'd have little use for mine. I could use the hotpot for my computer, but tethering the phones unlimited internet to the tablet works fine for now. Still fairly expensive, but gots to have that internet.