Start with what you already have
Before you buy a new device or pay for an upgrade, find out what your current phone, computer, or tablet can actually do. Most people own features they never use because they do not know where to look. Checking your device takes five minutes and can save you money.
The place to start depends on what you own. If you have an iPhone or iPad, open Settings and look at the top section — you will see your device model and the operating system version. On Android phones, go to Settings, then About Phone, and scroll to find Android version and device name. On Windows computers, right-click This PC or My Computer and select Properties. On Mac, click the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. Write down what you find.
Once you know your device model and operating system version, you can check whether it supports the specific feature you are wondering about. Manufacturers publish this information online, and it is usually free to read.
Key Takeaways
- Your device model and operating system version determine what features are available to you, and you can find both in Settings in under a minute.
- Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung all publish official lists showing which devices support which features — these are more reliable than third-party websites.
- Some features require not just the right device but also the right app version, so check both before assuming your phone cannot do something.
- If a feature is not available on your device, the manufacturer's website will usually tell you which older or newer models do support it.
Check Apple device features on Apple's official pages
Apple lists which iPhones, iPads, and Macs support each major feature on their support website. Go to support.apple.com and search for the feature name — for example, "Face ID" or "ProMotion display" or "Always-On display." The results will show you which device models support it and which do not.
For iPhone features, Apple also publishes a comparison tool at apple.com/iphone/compare. Pick your iPhone model from the dropdown, and you will see a full list of hardware and software features side by side with other models. This is useful if you are trying to decide whether upgrading is worth it for a specific capability.
If you want to know whether your current iPhone can run a specific app, open the App Store, find the app, and scroll down to the "Information" section. It will list the minimum iOS version required. Go back to Settings > General > About and check your current iOS version. If your version is equal to or higher than the minimum, the app will work on your phone.
Check Android and Google device features
Google publishes device specifications on the official Android website and on support.google.com. Search for your phone model name plus the feature you are checking — for example, "Pixel 8 wireless charging" or "Samsung Galaxy A14 5G." Google's support pages will tell you whether that model has it.
For Google Pixel phones specifically, go to store.google.com/product/pixel_specs and select your model. You will see a detailed breakdown of camera features, processor, battery, display, and connectivity options. Compare this against what you need.
To check whether an app will run on your Android phone, open the Google Play Store, find the app, and look for "Requires Android [version number] and up." Go to Settings > About Phone > Android version to see what you have. If your version number is the same or higher, the app is compatible.
Check Windows and Mac computer features
For Windows computers, Microsoft lists system requirements and feature compatibility on support.microsoft.com. Search for the feature or software you want — for example, "Windows 11 system requirements" or "Copilot compatibility." Microsoft will tell you which Windows versions support it and what hardware you need (processor, RAM, storage).
You can also check your own computer's specs by opening Settings > System > About. Write down your Windows version, processor type, and available RAM. Then compare these numbers to what Microsoft says the feature requires. If your numbers are lower, the feature will not work.
On Mac, go to support.apple.com and search for the feature or software you want. Apple lists which macOS versions and which Mac models support each feature. Click About This Mac to see your current macOS version and Mac model, then compare. Many older Macs cannot run the newest macOS versions, which limits what features are available to you.
Use manufacturer comparison tools
Most device makers publish comparison tools on their websites so you can see what features differ between models. These are faster than reading individual spec sheets.
Samsung has a comparison tool at samsung.com where you can pick two or more Galaxy phones and see their features side by side. Apple's tool is at apple.com/iphone/compare for iPhones and apple.com/ipad/compare for iPads. Google's Pixel comparison is at store.google.com/product/pixel_specs.
These tools show you hardware differences (screen size, camera megapixels, battery capacity) and software features (night mode, portrait mode, always-on display). They are designed to help you decide whether a newer model is worth buying, so they highlight what is new or different.
Check what your current software version supports
Sometimes your device has the hardware for a feature, but your operating system is too old to use it. This is common on older phones and computers that stopped receiving updates.
On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, install it. Then check the feature again — it may now work. On Android, go to Settings > About Phone > System Update. On Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
If your device cannot update to the latest operating system version, the manufacturer's website will tell you why. Some older devices are no longer supported. In that case, the feature you want simply will not be available, no matter what you do.
Understand hardware versus software limitations
A feature requires two things: the right hardware inside your device, and the right software running on it. If either one is missing, the feature will not work.
For example, Face ID requires a specific camera setup that only newer iPhones have. Even if you update to the latest iOS, an older iPhone without that camera will never support Face ID. Similarly, 5G requires a 5G modem chip inside your phone — software alone cannot add it.
When you check a feature and find it is not available, the manufacturer's website usually tells you which limitation is the problem. Read that carefully. If it is a hardware limitation, you cannot fix it without buying a new device. If it is a software limitation, updating may solve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my phone is too old to support a feature?
Check the manufacturer's official website for the feature name. It will list which device models and operating system versions support it. If your device model is not listed, it does not have the required hardware. If your device model is listed but your operating system version is too old, update your software first.
Can I add a feature to my device by downloading an app?
No. Apps can add functions, but they cannot add hardware features your device does not have. For example, an app cannot give your phone wireless charging if the hardware is not built in. Apps can only use features that already exist in your device.
What if the manufacturer's website says my device supports a feature but I cannot find it?
First, update your operating system — the feature may require a newer software version than you currently have. Second, check that you are using the latest version of the app that contains the feature. Third, restart your device. If it still does not appear, contact the manufacturer's support team with your device model and software version.
Do I need to buy a new device to get a feature I want?
Only if the feature requires hardware your device does not have. Check the manufacturer's website to see which devices support it. If your device is listed, you may only need a software update. If your device is not listed, a new device is the only option.
Where can I find the most accurate information about device features?
Always use the manufacturer's official website — apple.com, google.com, samsung.com, or microsoft.com. These are more reliable than tech review sites or forums, which sometimes contain outdated or incorrect information. Search for your specific device model and feature name.