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!

Red ones go faster.

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

Nope!

No.

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.

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.

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

I like the word smartpjone. /gen

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

(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