Asklemmy

The answer is yes! It depends on the type of material and the goals. For instance, the iPhone 4 was supposed to have a white version on release but it was delayed. Apple eventually blamed the different in heat and UV radiation being different, if I remember correctly. Vague rumors that it messed with the proximity sensor also floated around. This was during the antenna-gate “you’re holding it wrong” era. Could be all BS and there was no formal explanation given.

Most times it probably doesn’t affect very much but manufacturing engineers spend a lot of R&D to make sure it doesn’t by the time things to get to consumers!

slaps a black vinyl case on every phone I buy, ever

Nope!

Red ones go faster.

I like the word smartpjone. /gen

No.

Yes, surface material and colour can affect the thermal performance of a device. However when it comes to a smartphone with different colours this difference is almost certainly negligible.

Heat is transmitted by 3 methods, conduction, convection and radiation. For radiation heat transfer there are two properties that affect how much heat is transmitted/absorbed by the surface, temperature and emissivity. Generally darker colours have higher emissivity than lighter colours or reflective surfaces, but different colours of a phone are going to be close assuming they are the same material and radiation is a minor component in cooling a phone.

In terms of heat, efficiency etc., the difference would be negligible if it's even there to begin with.

The only real difference you'd see is dirt build-up, which would be more noticable on lighter colors. This would still occur on darker colors but you wouldn't see it as easily.

i have found that brighter ones can be easier to find at the bottom of a bag or on the counter

(Product)^Red^ appliances efficiently makes one look like a sucker for corporate “charity” malarkey https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fraud-plagues-global-health-fund-backed-bono-others-flna1c9465258

Perhaps a lighter/reflective color can keep its temperature lower for longer if you think you might leave it lying under the sun? Overheating damages the battery

I feel like anything other than black is too distracting. Black is the most visually non-intrusive and easy on the eyes in my opinion. Women's white phones would drive me nuts