My smartphone is specifically and uniquely useful to me for the following:

• Access the Internet without using my work laptop. My employer doesn’t need to know I took a moment to check the weather, answer my wife to coordinate schedules, or respond to an important personal email.
• Entertainment while my dog sniffs the same spot on the ground for 5 minutes, or while standing in a queue.
• Safety, if I need to reach someone while out and about. I can’t imagine pulling out a laptop on the side of the road and trying to call a tow.
• More secure OS for accessing mobile banking.
• I love taking pictures. The best laptop cameras struggle to compete with a mid-range smartphone.

With that said, I think the smartphone is something that you know is useful to you. For most people, the answer is clearly yes that it has a place. It’s refreshing to know that not everyone is so dependent.