The integration of organic small-molecule-based responsive probes with smartphone technology has emerged as a promising approach for rapid, on-site detection, addressing the limitations of traditional analytical methods, including high cost, complex sample pretreatment, and reliance on professional personnel. This review systematically summarizes the recent advances in smartphone-assisted organic small-molecule probes for on-site detection. The working mechanism of smartphone-assisted portable detection platforms based on RGB (red-green-blue)/HSV (hue-saturation-value) color analysis is first introduced. Probe systems are then categorized according to their target analytes, including metal ions, reactive oxygen/nitrogen/sulfur species, and analytes relevant to food, environmental and solvent samples. For each category, the recognition mechanisms, probe performance, and smartphone-assisted detection strategies are discussed in detail. The current limitations of this technology are discussed, including its dependence on signal contrast, susceptibility to ambient light interference, and limited applicability in biomedical settings. Future research directions are proposed, including development of high-contrast probes, optimization of detection hardware with integrated light sources, integrating deep learning algorithms for data analysis, expansion into biomedical diagnostic applications, and the practical applications of smartphone-assisted probe systems for environmental and food analysis and their potential for industrial adoption. This article thus provides a comprehensive overview of smartphone-assisted responsive probe technology, offering a foundation for the development of next-generation intelligent, portable detection systems for applications in food safety, environmental monitoring, and chemical analysis.
