I'm sure there are apps for Android that can add items to lists based on voice commands. There may even be some for iOS. But no consumer phone has a dedicated barcode scanner. Using a camera for scanning barcodes provides mixed results and is much more of a hassle than using a dedicated device, especially one geared specifically for automating list creation and as compact and idiot-proof as Hiku.

Even forgetting the software integration for a minute, if someone were considering using a phone for this then they'd have to have that phone available in their kitchen at all times or set up software on multiple phones so that each person of the household could add to the lists. Sure everyone in the house might have a phone and they may even carry it at all times. But we're back at the hassle state when you have to take it out of your pocket, unlock it, fire up an app and then tap the screen at least once to activate the scanning/voice feature.

IMO, Hiku over a smartphone (for the scanning) is like the Nest thermostat over a regular programmable model.