Most road cycling shorts and bibs skip pockets for good reason—it keeps the design clean and lightweight, which matters most when you're logging miles in an on-bike position. Without pockets, there's no extra fabric, stitching, or bulk around your legs, so you get a smoother, more comfortable fit that won't chafe on longer rides.
The no-pocket design works because road cyclists typically wear jerseys, which come with three spacious back pockets that handle your phone, snacks, tools, and layers. Your lower body doesn't need to carry anything when your jersey does the job.
That said, if you're a mountain biker, commuter, or someone who often rides without a jersey, pocketless shorts will leave you with nowhere to stash essentials. In those cases, look for shorts with at least minimal or standard pocket configurations instead.