Packaging design, cost, manufacturing complexity, reliability. LEDs require a breach on the case for the lens. This requires a couple components plus sealing plus testing. Affects IP seal rating.

The PCB now has LEDs on the edge thdr need special assembly care like the three buttons do.

Most people put protective cases on phones so edges aren’t available.

The top is all screen. The bottom sees the desk/table.

Haptics, screen, vibration do so much the loss of the LEDs is pretty minimal.

Don’t be surprised if the power and up/down buttons go away sometime soon.

Headphone jacks are a huge problem as is USB and speakers.

I hate that everything useful is being thrown out the window for “water proofing.” Fuck that, people need to quit being so lazy and careless with their shit.

And I’m calling bullshit on the dust thing. I’m not saying it’s a negligible consideration, but it’s not something they need to start gelding features for. That’s just their horseshit excuse to effectuate planned obsolescence and sell you overpriced accessories.

I still use an 8 year old phone with a tool-free replaceable battery, headphone jack, and microSD slot. I live in the country, there’s dust everywhere and it would be dead by now if dust was such a problem.