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Recently Google launched the latest Pixel 9 handset, while Apple unveiled the iPhone 16. Samsung has also come up with its foldable phones, the Z Flip6 and Z Fold6 and Huawei just launched the Mate XT. The marketing sections of these companies are doing everything possible to make us buy these phones even when we don't need them.  

A close look at the latest versions of these phones shows that they have slight differences from the previous generation. The major difference is that these new phones have advanced AI features and improved camera quality. Poor economic conditions and awareness about the little upgrades in advanced models might have started contributing to the continuous decline in the sale of phones globally. This claim correlates with  Counterpoint (https://www.counterpointresearch.com/insights/iphone-15-pro-max-best-selling-smartphone-q1-2024/#:~:text=Consumers%20are%20holding%20onto%20their,relevant%20for%20a%20longer%20duration.) findings that “Consumers are holding on to their smartphones for longer periods because upgrades are offering limited differentiation in features.”

https://cjp-rbi-icis.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/05/10152244/Annual.jpg
Source (https://www.icis.com/chemicals-and-the-economy/2024/05/smartphone-sales-continue-to-slow-as-consumer-demand-patterns-change/)

But I know some set of people who will always go for the new generation of phones. It is like a yearly ritual that they must buy the latest model of their phone. I have seen some go as far as buying these phones on credit because they don't have enough funds to pay. The most troubling part of it is that they are not using these phones for business or any productive activities.

It will not be a bad economic decision to reconsider and adjust our craving for these new products especially if they will not be beneficial financially.

Reference (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxrv97djw9o)

Well smart phone is now a trending thing in the modern world. Some people tend to rank them self amongst their peers using the lastest smart phones they bought and since it's very expensive, they gain more like a respect from others. I just wanted to say that you should only speak for your self though. Theses companies produces these phones due many consumers requests and taste. If you take a look at the first iphone, it's size and function back then very was small and not having more features compared to the lastest phones we can see today. If there wasn't a chase for an upgrade then maybe those phones will still be in play.
The truth is as the world is growing, new technology will be designed and old ones will be forgotten. The mass wants something new so these companies will have no choice but to give them their best.

In my opinion these phones sell status rather than quality. If we are being honest the constant release of new generation phones from this companies is rather too much. Every year a new one is released with very little difference from the previous once they had already released.

I see no difference owning an iPhone 15 pro max and iPhone 16 pro max. But the world has become about status, everyone wants to appear rich and luxurious, so what does this phone company do they make small adjustments in quality and increase price boom a new phone is released.

We have seen this strategy with Toyota when they created their Lexus brand. Most Lexus cars aren't different from their Toyota alternative but the fact is they sell to us the idea that Lexus is their luxurious version and then everyone thinks it's better.

I think if there is a decline in sale for this mobile companies it sure has to do with poor economic conditions because we have many people wanting the social gratification and that's why this companies would constantly feed on that

There is a competition in the market of smart devices especially that of Smartphones, so far apple has been the leading company and has most sales than samsung phones talks about others. Like I does, I am not a freak of phones who go about changing these devices to please my taste and desires for phones. To me I mostly love Samsung due to its battery durations and it more preferable than Iphone though never knew of others because it's actually that populous within our regions. Like I don't really consider their phones what I mostly look how lasting they will be while using because most the heavy internet users may not like and couples with our economic nature where we need a stable power to be using those phones.

Every time Apple releases a new generation of iPhone or other phone companies release new products, the topic of spending or comparing it to investing in bitcoin comes back. ;D ;D ;D

I think it all depends on the person, like hobbies, job needs...if you are a reviewer and make money based on reviewing new tech gadgets. How can you make money and stay in business if you don't spend money to own those new products? Don't think that everyone who buys the latest phone is wasting money or spending beyond their means, don't judge people when we are not them.

Owning an iPhone 16 or a foldable Huawei doesn't say anything about someone's life, don't judge others just because they own a new phone or wear expensive clothes.

I think let people be free to do what they like because they are spending their own money, not ours. We should focus on ourselves and stop teaching others how to spend money.

Over the years there have been increase in production In The mobile production Market. And this is as a result of competition of who will be at the top in producing a better  phone, and it has Leed to several upgrade in version and functionality to attract consumers and more people are tempted by the new features and abandoned their old mobile for the new one. The point is that does it worth it? Because this new phone are not much different from the old version. There are just some adjustments in the newer versions, some old version are even stronger than the newer versions. I saw the new version of iPhone 16 fold how it was advertised on social media, while it was not long the 15pro max was introduced. For me I see no need of changing or buying latest phone always to keep to date otherwise people will end up spending unnecessarily. It is better we invest it in a volatile assets like bitcoin or any other volatile asset.

A good business man/woman who knows financial management will not be doing that, instead they will look for a phone that is compatible for their kind of business, provided it has a good features that satisfies them. those money should be used to invest in a more productive business  than buy new phone. I believe the consumer or the people that patronises this company is the reason why they still flood the market with new phone every month. If the demand is low they will reduce in production. So it is obvious that the demand is high that's why the grash is going higher.

I could afford any smart phone without worrying about my financials, but that is not the reason why I don't buy a new phone. After a point in time the newer ones stopped getting better in any major sense. My Google Pixel 3a does mostly the same as the newest version and has  almost just as good a quality of a camera.

Sure. if I were a enthusiast I would care about every little detail but I am not so I don't.

That yearly ritual will be the root cause of some people's inability to transform riches to wealth because, rather than investing and looking for ways to multiply the resources that they already have, they are using the money to buy liabilities. The day you realize that these tech companies need to keep releasing updates and new devices to stay in the market and maintain profit, that day you will understand that there is really no need to update your devices to the latest expect there is a real reason to.  

Investments that you make today will get you the latest devices tomorrow if you want, and those who skip investments today because they want to get the latest devices and look trendy may never be able to afford the latest device tomorrow.

Yes, that's the point. I don't think that my old smartphone lacks any fundamental feature that I would love because it's not the last model, and I'm convinced not to change it until the battery dies (even this has a better solution -getting the battery changed- than buying a new phone), OS support is discontinued, apps don't work or it shuts down in moments that make no sense.

In fact, I recently heard that every time you change your smartphone before the end of it's life cycle, your hands are a little more stained by the blood of many slaves who work not only in the coltan mines but in many other points of the production chain.

Better for your pocket, better for the people, better for the planet. Getting the newest device for the sake of fasion is just another madness of our times I try to avoid.

Therefore, we must do everything possible to protect the marketing department from the contents of our pockets. :) Their task: to put their hands as deep as possible into our pockets and we should remember this when choosing the next phone model under the influence of marketing.

These "new products" don't offer anything fundamentally new, and you can get by with the "new" functions (a little more pixels, a little more power, a little better photo quality, etc.).

If this group of people likes to spend money and sponsor other people's businesses, then that's their choice. The more sensible ones, instead of spending money, will try to multiply it by investing. Well, you know what asset I'm hinting at, right? :)

The most profitable solution is to change the smartphone if it has broken down and repairs are not cost-effective, or if it is morally obsolete and is not capable of performing modern tasks. For example, launching applications after their updates. By the way, this is a separate topic for discussion when application developers specifically make it so that apps stop running on old devices, which looks like a conspiracy with smartphone manufacturers, pushing for forced purchases of new devices.

I don't want to buy a new version of Mobile phone. I am running the phone which I am using from 3 years and I don't need to take update version of that . But I saw poor who prefer to buy costly and new version of Mobile phone but I don't like that . The money should be invested in the assets which are profitable for us and  Mobile is debit for us and most of the people are using mobile phones for bad purposes.  People are addicted of social media and they waste their time on social media and that's why their health is not good and they are wasting their time on useless things. Smartphone is destroying our generation and new generation has many bad habits which no body can emit from them and they are destroying our society.

Buying liabilities- This is something that could really be considered accurate on which its true that despite on having already the device or things that they do currently have, but having those changing trend or the latest innovation or on whats available then they would really be that immediately making up some upgrade on which this kind of behavior is never been that ideal or could really be something that makes you poor or having no savings. It would really be always been part of human nature for us to like to have the latest gadget specially on smartphone on which we dont really like ourselves on getting behind on the latest tech. Somehow
there are really people who are really that fond on those latest things which isnt bad, but on the moment that you are already buying up everytime there's a new release then you are really that putting up yourself into trouble..

One smartphone should really be enough and this is something that you must realize. Never ever buy multiples not unless if you are rich and could be able to afford and not be able to affect out your finances
then it should really be just that fine, but on the moment or time that your life savings is already affected or to those amounts which are intended for more important things then better think not.
Smartphones value does depreciate overtime and same as with those cars and other stuffs and thats why it would be ideal that you should refrain on buying up on whats new.

Personally I don't buy a new mobile unless my old one becomes useless, I don't believe in all these features that I call empty luxury, why all these features that we rarely use or don't use at all.

I use my phone mainly for calls, but now with the need for wallets and some crypto related applications that no longer work on old phones I had to buy a new phone, I bought it from Xiaomi because Samsung is expensive in my country.

People have always been in love with phones and they have this habit of using phones to rate a person's status  which is very bad and the two leading companies because their people that love iPhones and their people who actually love Samsung just that iPhones have more fans than Samsung. And if not for recognition I don't really see the importance and their people that they are always going with the trend as it is coming out they are our purchasing and this companies keep realizing and they keep making money out of people. I like devices but more video games and not phones because I don't see any major difference with all the phones they have all the same functionality except for iPhone that have a very high level of security compare to other phones and for other phones you can keep them safe also.

With all this hardship that people are looking for ways to better their life that what you will be focusing on will be cell phone and it is not as if anything is wrong with the one you are using, why not focus on other things and that way you won't have a problem because you have choosing your priorities. And if does using them if you as them they will have a reason for all this things they have been doing but as for me phones are. It really a problem to me for now.

About the use of AI, most previous versions can run the lastest OS. So likely no much difference. The main difference are there cameras. I do not even see the built quality to make huge difference in my opinion but I know most flagship phones are now using titanium instead of aluminum and also having slimmer bezels.

Although, this is not what I will like to talk about. Some people are very rich and sometimes it is good to enjoy life than to be stingy to yourself. But if you have no much money, not necessary to keep wasting money on things like this. Buying assets like bitcoin and gold is better.

I have not been one to care about the latest versions of phones. As long as my phone gives me everything I want from a phone I'm good. I make all my money from my laptop and my phone yet I don't pay much attention to the latest versions until I sense that either the phone or the laptop is no longer performing at the level that is required then I can change it. I get surprised when I see people who don't use their phones for anything spectacular doing all they can to get the latest version of phones.

It's actually cool if you're a high-income earner and can afford that phone without breaking any sweat whatsoever, but if you need to work hard to afford a phone then having such a phone is not a very wise decision if you're not making money from that phone.

They used it to have an edge to other people and a sort of validation that they belong to high end society, which they are not, These people are addicted to the latest gadget after the purchase they are saving or try to complete  their credit card payment so they can buy the next model next year, its a vicious cycle, its not actually the features but the model and the name that they want.

Its their status symbol I know some people who even take out a loan to buy the latest phone; its a sign of being vain I don't think I can do such thing I am more attached to my latest phone and only upgrade if there is a need to do it

Aside from the trends we have some of those phones that comes with the latest features that aid alot of remote working and for such the new model of smart phone does alot more that makes it demands to be high in the market, and for such many people tend to go for this phone not for fansy but as a way of improving their own productivity on the long run, take for example, a content creator will need those new features on the latest iPhone to make his or her production more easier and clear and I think that is why most of the content creators are seen with the latest of iPhone.

Enough with some few segments mindset who think holding the latest phone means alot on term of their fashion sense and how people may rate them based on the model of phone their are carrying, phone is very OK and a great tool.

I think that's something that people should adapt when it comes to long-term beneficial. There is actually no need for us to get updated with those latest smart phones and iphones if we are not also benefiting it at its highest advantage, and not using it for our future productivity. Irrespective if you can afford it or not, do not just think at its present but always consider if it would be more useful in the long run. Otherwise, you are only spending your money out on not so needed gadgets just to ride with the trend rather than using it to earn some income and make your own financial status improve.

Personally, I do not need the latest smartphone or other gadgets if the older versions are still very functional and it has no impact on my job. Extending this further, I do not need the latest car model of any brand if mine still works perfectly well and doesn't directly impact on the job. However, of I can afford the latest smartphone and gadgets, cars because I want to spoil myself and it wouldn't impact on my financials then, why not. Yolo right?

This thread is for me, I am using a 2018 phone and a very unpopular brand which many hates it. I wouldn't mention it but for people like me, even if I'd like to stick with this old phone of mine, it has became so slow and its storage and capacity is no longer enough. 32 GB mostly for all of the updates of the apps that are installed on it, I've got 1%-2% of its storage free whenever I do an entire cleanup of junk files. For me, I really need to have the latest smartphone or even it's not latest as long as the specs will suit my need. More rams and storage. And for someone who's ticking their craves with the latest gadgets, do it, we don't live for so long to enjoy the nicest things that we have. As long as you can afford it, not from credit, all plain cash, enjoy!

I believe it's much more prevalent with iPhone users? It's like some sort of cult at this point that whenever Apple releases a new product, they just automatically buy it lol. Now I won't judge for others for the most part since idrk how much the specs improve to the point they'd find it justifiable for say, their job, but in general afaik most people use their phones for, well, tasks and I don't think that warrants an upgrade lol. It's not like there's any specialized job out there that specifically requires the latest types of phones. As for the AI tech, pretty sure it's backwards compatible to previous models (otherwise it's a pretty dogshit upgrade ngl), so I don't think that's a reason to upgrade.

Definitely a bad idea imo. For me personally at this point any mid-end phone is actually fine and I'd probably be able to use it for at least 5 years since I mostly just do reading on my phone.

I've seen that Huawei's Mate XT has got millions of pre-orders. Of course, their very own phone from the Chinese people supports their own products too.

Huawei's triple-fold Mate XT reaches 5 million pre-orders, but converting to actual orders will be challenging (https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20240912PD208/huawei-smartphone-price-yield-rate-sales.html)

There's a crazy great rush for these newly launched phones in the market but if you're modest, you'd understand that you don't need any new phone as long as it's working.

While it's tempting to buy these new gadgets so that you'll be "in" with the trend but to me, as long as my phone is working, cut the crap and forget about these new devices. I'm happy with what I have as long as it's functioning.

Sometimes people do not see the need but rather the lifestyle and buying a new generation of mobile phones is generally used only for style. What is even more stupid is that people want to pay in installments to get a new mobile phone and this is not a decent lifestyle to live. The problem arises when the use of mobile phones is not used for productivity needs but to fulfill a lifestyle so that others see them as sufficient. This phenomenon occurs in almost all countries and most people aged 20 to 30 years still see the issue of lifestyle.

In fact, the current economic conditions are not good and are a problem and such people do not see the long-term prospects of the activities they do. Lifestyle is much more important than seeking financial freedom, so it will be quite difficult for people like this to develop to find better economic freedom.

This condition is indeed quite concerning, where many people prioritize lifestyle over actual needs, even willing to go into debt to get goods that do not support their productivity. This shows a lack of awareness of the importance of long-term financial planning, especially in the midst of unstable economic conditions. Wrong priorities, such as prioritizing image and appearance, often hinder them from achieving financial freedom. In fact, focusing on more essential and productive things can help create a more economically stable future.

With the current economic conditions being bad, following the trend of buying a new smartphone just for lifestyle is not a wise decision. Financial priorities should be directed more towards things that are truly essential and can provide long-term value. Buying a new smartphone every time there is a new model will only burden finances, especially if it does not support productivity or more pressing needs. It is better to focus more on healthy financial management and ensure that the expenses we make have real benefits in the long term.

No, we don't need it. Any $300 smartphone puts at your disposal a series of resources that, seen from a historical perspective, not even medieval kings could dream of. I usually spend more, however, but because my financial situation allows me to do so and I see it as a purchase that I divide by time of use. I usually buy the model before the last one. So if now I need to change mobile and the S24 is the latest model I buy the S23, and if it costs me $800 and lasts 3 years I get $0.73 a day. I pay it in cash, of course, no financing.

You shouldn't judge other people based on what you see, do you really know them and live for 24/7 with them?

It's important to have phone with the latest model because it would increase your chance to meet with rich people especially if you're a woman. Other people see woman based on their beauty and attractiveness, they need to spend money to take care of their body, wear luxury outfit and own the latest model phone to make them to be "high class".

At least even you didn't find any sugar daddy who want to groom/marry you, you can open only fans account to earn money.

I’ve said this before. Latest model of phones especially Iphones are nothing but a flex of wealth. Especially in my country where if you have an Iphone, you are deemed more superior already. Android users, despite having the expensive ones, are considered inferior than those with Iphone. People just want to belong or at least feel like they belong with the rich ones.

If a phone is working the way you want it to, what is the need for overly expensive phones?
I understand buying latest phones as a reward or gift to oneself. Which is acceptable once in a few years but if you are buying it every year then you are just wasting so much money not to mention the environmental impact you are causing.

My logic is that if you need to buy it through credit then you shouldn’t just buy it at all. Wait until you have enough money to spare for an Iphone.

These tech companies always try to make you feel FOMO whenever they release a new phone. I watched the Apple presentation last week and thought it would be really cool to have the latest phone but I realize that I don’t really need most of the features. I am not trying to take professional quality photos on a phone. The quality is good enough on older generation iPhones. If you want to save some money, you can buy last year’s iPhone Pro and you will still get many years of use out of it.

One thing you should know is that each version of phones comes with an upgrade to recent features and facilities because when a phone's version starts getting old some of it's features becomes outdated so there's nothing bad in going for the latest versions if you got the money and since technology is advancing there is also a need to consider making sure that you are up-to-date with recent build ups and all that. Because the economy is harsh now doesn't mean that people shouldn't go for recently updated version of phones regardless of the fact that little changes are just made from the previous version. Phones are portable since you can carry it conveniently in your pocket wherever you go so being able to own a good recently upgraded smart phone shouldn't be a bad idea.

It's the result of a "disease" called Consumerism. People buy things they do not need. Of course this is exploited by the big corporations when they convince us that we need to buy these things with constant advertisements everywhere!

For me personally, minor differences in AI features and camera quality is not a good enough reason to upgrade very often. As a matter of fact, global sales of smartphones are showing signs of decline due to many people holding onto their devices longer according to IDC, while there is a minor recovery in the early parts of 2024, this will not deny the fact that due to economic challenges and minimal feature differentiation, consumers are getting more cautious and selective. https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS52032524

However, despite such a trend, some sections of consumers, as you have identified, still feel the need to get the latest models. Sometimes it is brand loyalty or social pressure and not really about need, which leads to poor financial decisions like buying phones on credit. What makes more sense, rather than falling into this trap, is to determine if the upgrade is value-added, especially if it will not be put to productive use.

In my opinion, it depends on the budget that each person has left per month after paying all the bills and investing in the things they want. Because nowadays, modern phones have become more of a means of showing off on social media than something that people urgently need. For example, now that the iPhone 16 has come out, there are people who have an iPhone 15 but who will rush to buy the iPhone 16 as soon as possible so that they can post on social media and gain their minutes of attention. The fight for attention is reaching alarming levels. People who use their heads correctly will first prioritize more important things and after years will buy that iPhone 16 for a low price. But people who are desperate for attention will rush to buy that iPhone 16 even if they currently have an iPhone 15.

I know people that get crazy and that's their goal, to be always on the latest trend.
Having this type of belief is the fastest way to get poorer. Why so? that is because if this type of hobby isn't in line with your income.
You're pleasing people and much worse, you'll take loans just to get ahead of time from the others that are happy with their old gizmos without having to think of paying a debt or a loan.

In addition to the above, I would like to add that now in the Russian-speaking segment there are such articles that the update to iOS 18 brought a lot of inconvenience to the owners of older iPhones or those with non-original phone parts.
https://appleinsider.ru/ios/govoryat-chto-ios-18-ubivaet-otremontirovannye-iphone-v-rossii-chto-proisxodit-na-samom-dele.html

What can be concluded from this? Owners are recommended to buy new, fresh models :).
But for me, the race for a new model and owning it is just a sign of human vanity. And as you know, vain people like to hang themselves with fashionable things, but inside themselves, they do not represent any human value.

I don't think there is any place in the thread that talks about not buying phones to invest in Bitcoin. The thread was motivated by an article I saw in BBC about the decline in phone ownership globally.

I also said there is nothing wrong with buying new phones if you are using them for business. Some content creators need these advanced phones to create quality content.  

People are free to use their money as they want, it's their life. But the main point of the thread is that there are just a few improvements in these advanced models and people shouldn't see buying new phones as a must even when they cannot afford it.    

It's a bit of a paradox that these companies put themselves in, but due to high competition they have no choice. They must build (or at least aimed for this standard in the past) the highest quality products, which naturally you might expect to last a long time and be ever more durable. There are very few ways that companies are able to distinguish themselves now, as they're all using similar megapixel cameras or running similar speed hardware. Then you end up with gimmicky stuff, like Apple trapping people with their unique charger or these foldable phones that you just know will not last like the other kinds.

First of all, the price value of the iPhone is not for the masses. Especially if they have a newly released version of the iPhone that everyone knows is definitely expensive. In short, for people who have a simple life and their income as an employee is not at the minimum, it is not practical for them.

They don't prioritize luxury, especially if they have a family to support; the ones who buy an iPhone are just following the trend, or they are really capable of buying because they have a large source of income, or they have a business that gives good profit so they can afford to buy. But for people who are poor or in the middle class, that is not really practical if practicality is the priority.

Perhaps for people who always go to many places needs a new mobile phone. But for ordinary people, they may not need to have a new phone and will buy that if they really needs. But young generation always want to have a new smart phone which have more space to save their data and they buy those phones on credit. They willing to do many things to have a new phones but that is not for many of them and only for some.

We can not deny that in a month, many new phones with better qualification launch by each companies. That makes us difficult to follow or even to search for what we need. The thing that you should know before thinking to buy a new phone is try to check your money and your phones. If your phone is okay and not crash or error when you use it, you don't have to buy a new phones.

Here in our country, I've seen teenagers wanting to buy the latest version of IPhone and they will spend hours in line just to have that new IPhone. This isn't only for IPhone, but for all models as well. I'm just saying to myself "It's good that I didn't have to feel the same way as they are because if that's the case then I might not have any savings anymore." because I don't see the reason why there are people that are willing to spend time, and money just to be with trend. The "Latest Phone" trend.

The decline of revenue between these big companies is the effect of what an average people are experiencing right now. There are some people that will prefer using their money to buy the things that they need rather than buying another phone. The mindset is starting to shift already because of the hardships that we are facing globally. If you're into Smartphones for quite some time already, you already know that Smartphones depreciate way faster than we can imagine. I remember the time where I bought a newly released phone and after 3 months, it's price in the market cut into half already after I bought it because they released a newer version of it.

If we don't need it, don't prioritize it. Needs > Wants and a new smartphone will not make you rich. Sticking with your old phone as long as it's still working would always be the best option for me.

I think this pretty much sums it up. To me, the amount of new features does not justify the rate in which these new models are being released. I would rather save money for other things and wait to replace my phone when my current one actually has issues. With today's economic conditions, this is likely the stance many people will begin to take.

However, there will always be those who go for the latest model because they buy into the hype and trend. Having the newest model among a group of peers can be a symbol of status, especially since newer models also means higher prices.

Likewise me I cannot be looking for an upgraded version of my smartphone when the one I'm actually using is working perfectly fine besides sometimes when they talk about the upgraded version some persons will start thinking that there is a whole lot of things inside it without knowing that is just almost the same thing as there current one, actually is just funny that most people do not even no what to do with there money because I have seen people who changes smartphones on a regular basis, any moment they introduce a latest smartphone they would always make sure they get it, I don't no why most people do that but I think is a kind of way to show off to there friends that they have the money. Though there is nothing wrong in getting new things or upgrading ourselves to another level but those things are not important if there is no need for it.

I got an Ulefone 5 inch rugged phone now in its 3rd year.
The button I had to glue on, the battery lasts now 2 days, (no instagram tiktok on that phone) When new 5 days was the norm.
I reckon next year I need to look for a new one.
Its entirely up to you if you believe that you need the newest version of xxx phone.

The key on here is that, why would be needing a new one if the current phone you do have is perfectly working fine or really just that still doing good on what intended to be? It is really just that because of human nature that not wanting on getting left behind on whats the current trend on which what makes them having that kind of behavior on buying something or with the latest one. Somehow it cant really be denied that there would really be those individuals that wanting or loving to have those things no matter what the cost, and the worst they would really be taking up some loan for them to be able to acquire those things on which we know that this is something a very common human being behavior or trait and there's nothing we can do about it. Sooner or later they would really be able to feel out into the things or actions that they had made specially if you do consider yourself included into those individuals who are living into that average to poor conditions.

If you are somewhat rich or wealthy person then it wouldnt really be that an issue on having this kind of trait since you could be able to afford and wont really be compromising your financial condition then this wont be an issue but if you are someone whose really that living on paycheck to paycheck then this would really be a huge problem and this is something that you do need to think up well and act accordingly.
It is really that understandable that there would really be things that we do want in life but control and moderation will really be much needed on this case.

Looking at the current economic situation in my country I do not think most people who claim to be poor will think of going to get the newly released set op smart phones this is because the prices are so high that it takes someone who is a millionaire to afford the phones because the prices ranges from millions. Using my country Nigeria as a point of reference, there are high numbers of content creators who have been making huge amounts of money from Facebook, YouTube, X and Tiktok and they mostly make use of iPhones because of the camera and other features which helps in their video quality and good editing so I think the online content creators will definitely be buying more of the latest smartphones since they are always making money with the help of the phones.

I still remember someone who came online to claim that his G wagon of 200million was bought with the money he made from shooting content with his iPhone 15, he actually made the statement when people were comparing the amount of the latest smartphones to the amount of getting a landed property that will generate more money in the future. If the phones are useless to the buyers I don't think they will keep on getting the newer versions when ever it is produced.

I don't just buy phones for the case of trying to use the latest iPhone, Samsung galaxy series, or any other brand of Android phones in the market, but rather I buy phones base on need ,what it can do for me, in term of memory space, internet processing speeds, long lasting battery capacity, if you're someone into studio or video editing, think of buying iPhones, Samsung Z Fold series ,these are phones with sharp cameras, phones should be bought base on need and problem solving, if you're into graphics design, if you're a traders you need fast Internet processing phones, but here in my country, I have seen a some people who bought phones that aren't solving their problems, rather just to show off.

It is a wrong financial decision getting an expensive phone that doesn't generate income or good value, it is a total waste of money. I think the reason for getting these expensive phones are for purpose either for contents which requires a good quality camera,  or even for tech works, trading etc. When are expensive phones are use for work purposes the money that was use in getting the phone is not a waste because it is generating good incomes in return but when the phone is used for nothing and after some years the worth of the phone will reduce because when you compare the money used in purchasing the phone and it current price it is not the same.

The people who are producing these phones they know what they are doing because technology is getting more advanced every day but some people choose to get these phones for formalities just to meet up with the latest trend.

It depends on your current preference. If you still have a good and useful one, why need to acquire a new one when you can still use and make benefit with the old one? It's okay if you have a spare money to spend on something you don't actually needed the most, but if you're still on a tight budget, I suggest just stick with your old smartphone because as long as it can still serve its purpose, then it's not practical to buy another one just for the sake that you can ride with the trend.

It's been more than a year and a half since I changed my primary device and I also held another one for 4 years now which is pretty much capable of doing any tasks I do and definitely, I won't be an Apple guy ever for personal reasons. At some phase, we have been doing that but we all past the period and unfortunately it takes forever for most people.

People who are rich or making in five figures can buy that one if they want to but buying it when there is more important things to do on the waiting list is poor financial decision and mostly it happens due to peer perssure, someone in your circle bought it so you have to buy it now or you will be less to them. ::)

I don't see any need to change our smartphone based on industry trends if it works well for us, doing everything we intend to use a smartphone for. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with getting the latest smartphones because of the new features or to show off, as long as they are financially capable of buying them and still be stable financially. All hands are not equal so if I see someone whose hands are enough to buy the latest smartphone no matter how expensive it is then there is no need for me to judge them.

Besides everything I am a smartphone lover, and I always wanted to be a witness to the Laters features in the brand I am using Samsung then. But I stopped after I noticed that there's now competition between these brands which has made them not do anything interesting in the new smartphone. All they do now is either enhance camera quality, remove the notch, change the build, and make it more interactive. Nothing is interesting anymore in the new smartphones that is why I am satisfied with my current smartphones.

I've been keeping my Samsung Smartphone since 2018 and I expect to continue using it while it's still working. I already notice some delays and lack of internal storage on the device, but I think I can make last a little longer yet... If customers were more conservative on this matter, the industry would feel pressured to manufacture goods with superior durability, otherwise, customers wouldn't purchase the product.

But since most people don't care, and just accept buying a new cellphone each new year, the industry maintains their strategy of holding current technology available to be launched only on the next year, on the next edition. It means that what is being launched right now, must have been available since the last Iphone was launched (or who knows, even before...).

It obviously doesn't make sense for someone who can't afford it to buy a new smartphone only because they want to have the latest version. It's not an app or something which if you don't have the latest version won't work. If you have a working phone that is okay and does all the work that you need done then you should be okay.

It should only be people who can easily afford to buy these new and expensive gadgets who should be doing it. If I'm not earning a lot of money, and I know I can't afford to spend so much money on something that I don't need but I want. Only millionaires and those people who have their futures secured can afford to spend money on what they want, people like me and many others who earn some money, pay the bills, bear monthly expenses, and need money again the next month can't do shit like this.

Those who are buying new smartphones using credits are out of their minds and they lack two things in their lives, future planning, and proper guidance.

If this is your key towards your knowledge acquisition and financial productivity, then you need to have the latest smartphone. That will be a good motivation for you because aside that you have the most featured and best quality smartphone, you can also use it to your best advantage.

However, if this is just part of your personal collection because you don't want to miss the latest unit of smartphone regardless if you still have a good quality and well-functioned smartphone, I should say you are just trying to waste your money on something that won't be giving you the highest advantage when it comes to money acquisition. Know when to buy a new one, and when not to. At the end of the day, its value will just depreciate every time a new unit will be released, it will be a loss for you then.

As long as my current gadget can do everything I need, there is no need to satisfy my wants.

The difference between wants and needs is the major issue with people and that has left many to keep purchasing latest release models of their gadgets, some just get them for absolutely no reason. I know someone who just gets the latest phone for no specific reason even though I know his so wealthy that he can afford to get this latest gadget as much as he wants but I still feel it's just waste of money but if you have the capacity you can do what you want afterall you have only one life to live.  ::)

That makes absolutely no sense at all but they still do it and I have no idea why they do that. We should definitely see this as different and because of that I think we should see this as something that will take a while and we can't really make that much situation at all. The reality is that we are dealing with something about society and some people think that having the latest things gives them some status, when in reality it has nothing to do with that at all, it is not a reason to be happy at all but some people feel that granitization for a second and they spend so much for that.

Spending money is something we all do, but doing it on useless stuff makes no sense to me, spend it on living and doing something good, you will live a better life. Get a cheaper phone, and use the rest for a vacation, the vacation will end but the phone stays with you however the vacation means you had a good memory in your life, you lived, when you die, your memories will be what's left of you, not your possessions.

If your income is good then you can get a new phone no problem. The difference is whether the phone you have is good or not.  If yes then you can get a phone to fulfill your wish.  But if you say that I want more than one phone and that too if there is no work on it that will benefit you, then it is of no use, so you better invest your money in something good, which is what you will get tomorrow.  can benefit  I have seen this phone but not played it and heard it's praises. That its camera is very good but it also has its disadvantages.  And it's his panel that deals a lot of damage once broken.

You are right about not needing an upgraded version of phone when the one in your possession is still in good condition but as the new versions of phones are upgraded that's how the older ones becomes outdated and in life there is always need to do things better and I believe that is why most of the phone brands like Apple phones upgrade their version every year though it's not as if there is any major changes in the upgraded ones. I don't think people who seek to get upgraded versions of phones are people who don't know what to do with money except if it involves someone who is not financially buoyant.

Usually doesn't work that way; as someone already mentioned, some people do it for status recognition. I've seen a decent number of people buying such expensive devices who actually can barely afford them and will constantly whine about not having money. If you ask them, the majority will reply that they are taking advantage of their "advanced" features, but in reality, a much simpler and cheaper device would suffice. They do it because they're show-offs, and because luxury items temporarily saturate their thirst for the latest gadgets. I had my previous phone for almost three years; it was a basic Motorola with stock Android, whose battery lasted over two or even three days. I wouldn't have changed it if I wasn't gifted a new one, which is still a mid-range phone with which I'm satisfied as well.

I remember seeing an interview or article from a luxury clothing and accessories brand, such as Gucci, claiming that it's not their rich customers making the majority of the purchases, but those who want to look rich.

To be fair, constantly changing our phones doesn't do us any favors other than showing off and asserting our style. But there is nothing wrong with owning and changing the latest phone or car models if we have stable finances because that is also the way we enjoy life when we achieve success in life .

In my opinion, it all depends on each person's needs, preferences and financial situation . If someone can easily buy and own it as a cheap item for them, then there is no waste . We consider it a waste just because it is beyond our financial capacity, and beyond our spending capacity, but for many people it is not a big problem .

You collect data on the smartphone industry and user's behavior. Sure, fresh versions seldom come out with enhancements. That makes it difficult for the consumer to justify spending money. Especially during recession times. Waiting a little longer is evidence of better insight into the fact that different features are two distinct items. This might be due to preference change.

The last cell phone is bought but can only be obtained by credit. It celebrates a cultural obsession and the threat of obliterating fiscal accountability. In many respects, the desire for new technology It is costly. This needs to be considered in your future fiscal well-being. Encouraging more restraint around technology purchasing will enable consumers to make choices that are more aligned with their specific requirements rather than those that are forced upon them due to societal pressure. It could be useful to create a discussion around sustainability and true value of such innovations. In particular, if there is no productivity acceleration.


And then there is the issue of personal luck and financial responsibility - for those, of course, who can upgrade their equipment without affecting their profits. One rewards oneself with the latest technology, a selfish way to celebrate success and to express personal style.

Again, the ultimate decision lies in a personal preference. This is because different people have varied priorities and discomfort levels over expenditure. A decision if well-informed, of appropriate suitability to your finances, and resonates with value. Nothing is wrong with upgrading. Different conversations pertaining to smart spending can make people take a step back and then later on seek to strike a fair balance in affording the fun life and being financially smart.

Before you decides to buy a new phones with the new generation, you should calculate and knows if you have the money. But that will not necessary if your old phones can still be used without having a problem. Buying a new phones is not a primary things for those who already have their phones.

We see that the company will launch many new phones so that can attracts people to buy the newest generation. But that will depends on people itself whether they will buy a new phone or still stick to the old phones. We must think that buying a new phone while our phone still work is not too urgent.

Besides that, the newest generation of phones will not have too different with the old. If we use the phones for a daily and not have much requirement, we don't have to buy a new phones.

Apple is really selling the status and the reason why I am 100% confident in this is that girls only buy their products, not Samsung, Google and other brands. I have a friend who told me to suggest her a laptop for basic stuff like internet browsing and watching movies. I told her that a basic 200 euro laptop would do that without a problem but you know what she did? She bought a MacBook for a thousand euros. I asked her why she did it since she only wanted a computer for internet browsing and movies and she told me that it has Apple logo and looks cool, that's the reason.
More than half of the population buys products with this logic.

My Galaxy s10+ works phenomenally well. At the moment I see no reason to upgrade. If I want a camera, I have Sony A7 iii. At the moment, it does its job without any problem. Battery still rocks, processing is still fast, nothing lags, so...

I actually love the conclusion of this thread. First of all, it is preferable to purchase an asset and not a liability and am fully aware that what some smart phones can do, these newly launched and costly phones can not do it, even if they can do it, how about we consider if after buying the phone, can the phone be able to generate a good revenue that is above the amount spent in purchasing the phone?

Lately last year, I spent about $200+ to purchase an infinix smart phone and between then and now, this phone which am using to drop this comment now have earned me more than 10x the money I spent buy it.

So, my own opinion and conclusion is that, if one is buying those costly newly launched phone, the person should consider of the phone can be able to generate the money that was spent in buying it. If not, then what is really the main purpose of purchasing the phone? Meanwhile, there are cheaper once that can still do everything you want a phone to do for you.

If the phone you are using is working, there is no need to buy a new phone. The decision to buy a new phone is usually made by people who use all the features of their phone and can do business with their phone. If you do not have such a job or do not use all the features of your phone, there is no need to buy a new model phone.

It is not good for users when support for old models is stopped as new models are released. I think they should give back the support they withdrew from old models instead of releasing similar models. Not everyone can buy a phone whenever they want and they may have to use the same phone for a long time.

I think, those who have a good understanding of financial management, will not spend their money on the grounds of following the latest trends. However, for those in business circles, it is a necessity even though they basically have different needs. If the cellphone that is currently being used is still fairly good, and can be used to support daily needs, I think it is better to save the money and just use it for other needs. It is better to use the money for investment, which in the future can bring benefits to us. Although sometimes the cellphone that we are currently using is boring to use. The decision to change cellphones or not should actually be seen from the perspective of needs, the rest may be that each person has their own style and point of view in assessing the latest products.

I'm an Apple user. I bought the iPhone 12 when it was launched and I still have it. I had never bought a new phone before. This was my first time. For those who want to cut costs, I don't see the need to buy a top-of-the-line smartphone or change phones every year. That's bullshit.

Nowadays, smartphones don't have much room to improve, which is why we see so few innovations from one year to the next. But people still keep changing their phones, even though they're still very good. Some people feel the need to always be "up to date" or show off their status and social medias. However, for influencers who have the budget for it, because of the new model's cameras, it might be worth upgrading to the latest model.

I think it's much better to accumulate SATs to change phones every 4 or 5 years than to spend every year on a new phone.

If you can afford any mobile device you want, without it affecting your financial life in anyway, then there is nothing wrong in buying the most recent model, just like people who spend on the newest cars, even when they have cars parked in their garage that they haven't driven for months.

It is all about how rich you are, a person who isn't rich or who has to do crazy things to buy the latest phone is stupid and such decisions will only run them down eventually. If you can't afford it, then don't go for it, and affording it is when it does not affect your finances at all.

Exactly this new trend  of phones is becoming so alarming I must say and I think this company have a reason for doing so inorder for them to make more sales in their items and make alot of money as well but I don't see anything wrong in it cause this phone companies are always top in their market strategies and they know every form or ways that a particular items could be sold faster to the public.
The thing is yes alot of people care about owning luxuries rather than investment so the only way this companies make it more it's generate a new modern of phones that will attract attention to this person's and keep them unbalanced if they don't own it, but you know what the companies don't care what people think, as far as they can market their products and get buyers they're good to go.

Even my Redmi note 10 which is already that 3 years or almost 4 years since i have bought it on which it is really that still works perfectly fine for me and there's no reason for me to buy up something new. If it does works it works and there's no need for you to buy something new just because you are really that trying yourself to go along on whats the current trend on which it is really just that other people are really that too active on having this kind of buying consideration on which we know that it is really just that a waste of money on which instead on buying something new then you could really be that making use of it into other means like investment considering buying up flagship phones could cost around $900-1200 or even more.

One of the best things that i do like Apple products is because of their software optimization that even on how many years you've been using it then there's no sign of sluggishness
or lags on which you could really be able to say that it is one of its main features or main consideration on why people do really love it. Yes, it cant be resisted that on the time that you do see
that there's something new then you are really that tempted on buying it out on which there are really actually those people who are really that wanting to have the latest gadgets
and there are ones who do are really thinking up their future about spending up the money in something more which is important or more worth.

No matter how you do the economics analysis and wasteful it is to be buying latest phone devices, there are millions of people that will buy it and wouldn't look back because it's what they do, they do it without been financially affected. However, I will draw the line when someone that is not financially standard to buy and yet went ahead to buy it at any cost. Some people buy the latest iPhone on loan and pay gradually which is nothing but madness.

Most of the reviews I have seen online are not saying good things about even the last iPhone, it's just the usual things and the latest ios upgrade. There is nothing special about it but the day of release, there were queue that day in apple stores all waiting to buy the iPhone. I think people will choose what makes them happy but I don't know, I don't fancy iPhone and nothing special about them.

If care is not taken iOS  will launch more expensive product with little or no difference compared to other apple products. Well I can’t speak bad against any company or product because they’re actually making their money and they’re doing everything in their power to create, convince the wealthy ones. Due to the high level of maintenance people avoid getting phones like this and it’s obvious people who purchase expensive phones for camera purpose or other quality features it’s either they’re benefiting from it due to the nature of their jobs for example skit producer, content creating, influencer etc besides all this are directed to social lifestyle.

people actually finding out that changing phone every year is unnecessary, since samsung and apple released the same thing every year these days people are less concerned about their phone being obsolete, it's the same thing and as long as it still works, your old phone is as good as the new phone.

I personally consider changing phone every year an unnecessary behaviour that could drain our money, we all know how much these flagship phone costs and how fast their value plummet, from the economical perspective, you're essentially wasting money changing phone every year, just buy the best flagship phone and use it for at least 5 years you already saved $10k out of unnecessary buying spree.

Indeed, it has become a trend nowadays, it feels incomplete if you don't change your phones, because every year there is definitely a new release, even though people force themselves to buy it, it's something I find hard to think about because they are captivated by the features of the latest cellphone, by doing various ways they want to have it.

I agree with you because if someone is very wealthy is very understandable because even if they uses any amount to purchase anything or buying as many smartphone as they can, there finance will always remain the same because they have different source were they are receiving the money, so no matter how often or regular the rich changes there new smartphone it can never be regarded as a bragging but however this discussion is mainly for those who always wants to leave up to the status they are not supposed to, being adjustable in life is very good because it allows the person to manage whatever situation or the level they found themselves, though being able to afford everything is good but sometimes there are more important things to use there money for other than always buying every latest things

Yeah, we can save the money for other things. Buying a new phone depend on the necessity so we must adapt to our situation. But we know that people buying a new phone because of trend and that is what happen now.

Young generation attract to buy a new phone because they see their friend using a new phone with a new model. They ask a new phone to their parents but unfortunately, their parents doesn't check what their child needs and only buy that new phone. It would be like spoiling your child with all the new stuff that is not really needed.

The company release a new phone because they want to make a profit from the other models. That is normal because they see the intention from people to buy a new model still high. They use that for their benefit so people should not too consumptive to buy every new product but adjust with their necessity.

Answers may vary. If your work demands those latest software advancements and security patches, then I suggest go for the newest and latest smartphone in the market. However, if your work is not that concern with highly innovative smartphone, then settle with your old one as long as it still serves its purpose.

After all, over all performance does not solely rely on your device, but its on the user itself how he will handle his skill and strategies to succeed whatever task may ask.

As regular users, many people think it would be a waste if we constantly run after the latest phone models, while we never fully utilize the functions and utilities it brings. Meanwhile, as a seller of those phones, attracting customers and making them willing to spend a large amount of money to buy their products is a huge success.
But in the end it all depends on the individual, our needs are not the same and we are all different. So criticizing others just because we see them spending money on new products is just jealousy.


If I meet someone using the latest generation phone, I really admire them because they can own expensive things and I will try to get those things. I would feel ashamed for not being able to afford those things instead of thinking I was smarter than them by not buying the new product. To put it bluntly, owning the latest iPhone, Samsung or other luxury items is always everyone's dream and goal, but not everyone can do it.

There are queues outside Apple store in India where there are people who are standing for 21 hours to get there iPhone www.news18.com (https://www.news18.com/tech/standing-in-the-queue-for-21-hours-iphone-16-buyers-craze-in-india-shows-no-end-9057149.html). Clearly there is nothing new in smartphones except the camera, size along with new marketing tact from the companies. I have a smartphone with for past 3 years and it's working fine, though I have money to buy new phone but I don't think its useful to go for new smartphones.
May be for some advance smartphone users new models are necessary but for most of us old sets are good enough. Just like some people have interest in wrist watches likewise its new trend to have latest smart phone.   

Part of the society buys the latest model phone every time it comes out, while another part uses the one they have until it breaks down. Those who buy the new models do so not out of necessity, but because they see the gadget as a status symbol. Someone who knows the value of their money doesn't make such unnecessary expenditures. Also, the products produced in the past were of much higher quality, now everything is subjected to planned obsolescence and consumption is aimed to increase.

The bad thing is, you will never be happy...

Because there's always someone better than us in this world, if you think your friends have better life than you, the life of big influencers in your country is better than your friends, the life of local businessmen is better than big influencers, the life of international businessmen is better than local businessmen.

I'm also like you buddy, I guess we need time to deal with that.

Flagship smartphones have a very powerful processor and good photo and video quality.

However, they usually get very hot and their battery drains quickly. Many of them also have a screen problem called PWM. And almost certainly none of the flagship smartphones have a 3.5 mm audio jack. All these are not advantages, but disadvantages. In general, the quality of expensive phones grows much more slowly than their price. Therefore, many users prefer to buy mid-budget phones instead of flagships. A smartphone is a working tool. That is why, in my opinion, it is advisable to avoid buying flagship smartphones. Flagship smartphones are created to show off all the technological capabilities of the manufacturer.

However, users often need cheaper phones with better balance and more modest characteristics.

You make a lot of sense and I think the competitions between many of these tech companies trying to give users a reason to change their phones to the latest ones is just unnecessary. I don't really know why someone that is currently using iPhone 15 maybe he bought it some few months ago and now planning buy  iPhone 16 is quite unnecessary. Without bais I think what the new iPhone 16 can do, the current iPhone 13, 14,15 will do the same thing. The differences can be based on the upgrade, camera, and few things that don't really make a difference. Changing phones twice a year or more is not that necessary if there is no urgent need for it, maybe in a case where the previous one got spoilt or can not be useful again.

If you bought a new model of a phone from any brand two or three years ago, you can still use it.
As the research shows, new phones are released every year with the most limited innovations, so there are no major differences.
I think I know crazy people who want to renew their phones every time. :D

The era of smartphone fascination seems to be over, right? This technology has reached a point of maturity, with few significant innovations in recent years (and perhaps none of them were necessary). Now, with each new model launched, like the iPhone, the enthusiasm is minimal. Quite different from what we saw in the last decade. For enthusiasts, it was incredible to witness this evolution. It was a remarkable period, but it's now behind us.

I think about this when I feel like buying a new iPhone or any other brand of cell phone. Not to mention that Apple guarantees 5-6 years of updates for its devices, keeping iPhones relevant and secure for several years, something that is not so common on Android, unfortunately.

It's not only annoying, but very detrimental to the poor individual living a fake and poorly packaged life. It's no problem for those who has lots of money and could afford it effortlessly, I support it when you've the money to finance it comfortably. It's a major problem when you're indeed broke and you're still trying to measure up with those who are more financially stable than you, it's a crime against oneself.

It's a good thing when you make your scale of preference and go for what you need, rather than things you want. Saves you lots of trouble financially and aids you in being more accountable and less financially reckless.

In my opinion, people who buy the latest iPhones and gadgets have been brainwashed. I do not understand how a teenager with no investments or job, living in a third world country will buy a phone worth over $1000. It shocks me how many poor people walk around with an expensive iPhone just because they believe owning an iPhone is an upgrade to their social status. I think it is stupid to spend so much on a mobile phone when you can get a cheaper one that gives you the same basic service.

If my phone still works well, why should I buy another one without any major upgrades? Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for many people, who prefer to purchase the latest phones at any price simply because others are doing it, or because certain expensive phones symbolize wealth and status.
This matter gets worse when some individuals take out loans to buy the latest models, despite having other priorities and healthcare costs (I know some people in this situation)

Moreover, expensive phones are not always the best option. If your are looking for security and better features, there are many phones on the market priced under $500 that can last for years beside that.

And we do know that these compeittions are really just that an advantage or edge with the consumers on which it is really that  giving out that more options for us to choose on which one we would really be able to buy.
Competition on mobile phone nowadays is really that feirce on which you could really be able to say that companies are really that thriving their very best for them to be able to get the latest innovation and updates on which we know that this will really be putting up them ahead on the competition. Its true that if you are a mobile tech lover then you couldnt really be able to resist most likely into this kind of approach specially
if you do have the money then you could be able to buy up something despite of having still your old one. Well, its really that something that do talks about your own money on which you do have the full rights on what you should gonna do, but in general essence that if we are someone who doesnt have that much then it will really be that wise that you should really be saving up your money and make use into something more worth
or something which is more important or something which should really be put up in priority on which we know that there would really be that we should really be minding on.
People sometimes cant really be able to resist out the temptation on buying on which i have said earlier that if you are a mobile tech lover then you will really be always loving on having the updated and latest
if you do have the money that you could be able to buy on.

Some individual want to be treated as rich people when they're not and they think holding the latest phone shows how wealthy they're. They take loans and buy this phone on credit to keep getting in debts without anyway to come out. I don't support changing of phone yearly. Only buy a new iPhone or other phone when the one that you're using isn't working properly again and has developed fault that repairs will not be good decision. Since your phone isn't giving you money, you don't have to spend too much in renovating the phone. Don't buy new phones yearly but you can buy Bitcoin or other assets that is going to make you rich for real and not just look it.

I do not think that "poor" people are buying it, it's a lie that the media talks about but there are few poor people who actually does this, sure there are some because there are exceptions but where I live, poor people just use android phones and iphone is something that the rich people use and not the poor people.

Of course this is a troubled thing to see because we would love a world where everyone can buy the brand new one if they can, I do hope for a world where all of us have the latest whatever we want, it could be iphone if you are into that, it could be Samsung, it could be some other product, but being capable of it and deciding not to is fine, as long as we are all capable of affording it, the fact that we are telling people that a phone is a luxury, it is not a good world to live in and that's a tough thing to accept that yes it's useless spending to get the latest one, unless you absolutely need it for work or something, we shouldn't live this poorly that a phone is too expensive.

Do you really need audio jack these days? I haven't used wired headphones in years. That feature was removed because it costed them money and people weren't using it anyway.
Yes the battery drains fast if you're using it, but you shouldn't be sitting glued to your phone all day. I'm aware of the fact that if I keep using my phone throught the day it will be almost dead in the evening, but that's where the charger comes in ::)


I don't agree. By all means buy flagship smartphones, just don't buy them when they come out. I usually wait a year or even 2 and buy an older generation flagship for cheap and get all the premium materials and features at half the price.

Doesnt matter whether its an iphone or andoid on which as long those amounts or value is really that goes beyond your budget then this is something that an issue that you would really be needing up to check on.
There would really be those individuals that will really be finding up ways for them to buy on the things that they do like or wish for and even if it means that they would really be taking up some loan
then they would really be doing it on which i could say that it is really not ideal because on the moment that you would be facing up some issues or emergency then there's nothing left on you.
So whats the result? You would really be starting on selling out your possessions including your phone and would be experiencing on the same all over again on which taking up some loan until you would
be finding yourself on deep debt.

Dont buy on something that you cant afford. This is my primary rule when it comes into this situation on which if i cant afford then i would skip on buying.
Always check it out whether you do really need new or not. People are really that materialistic, although not all but majority does really like or wanting have the latest.
They dont really like on getting behind on whats new and thats why they would really be eager on acquiring things as much as possible.

When you are mature enough, you will realize that material things don't matter anymore. It is how you live your life, if you are at peace and contented for what you have. People who are buying new phones definitely have their own motives, however, they are the ones who will suffer if in case they are really having financial difficulties and are only trying to catch up with the latest trends.

The invention of those advanced smartphones has no problem to the economy rather the developers are only following up to as well meet the trends as much as the World also advances in technology and as a situation where the governments has also set a hike of economy in inflation, of course productions would also go hike based on their qualities.
It is just stupid for anyone to ponder over expensive materials that are not affordable and not productive of yield incomes for them.
So basically, such exorbitant devices as mentioned were meant for who could afford them and not for everyone who just like the features of the devices.

We live in a modern world where technology dominates everything and penetrates every corner of our lives. So it is not entirely correct to say that mature people do not value material things. I wonder how we can have a good life without modern conveniences in today's busy world?

Frankly speaking, owning devices with the latest technology is a good thing as it brings us many benefits and conveniences in life. But we should buy them according to our financial ability and needs, not just for the purpose of showing off.


The iPhone 16 has almost no significant upgrades in appearance, but integrates AI and this is considered a significant upgrade when AI is almost being applied in many fields. In addition, the camera, battery, and display have all been upgraded. For those who own an iPhone 15 or 14, switching to an iPhone 16 may seem unnecessary, but for those using an older generation, they can consider buying an iPhone 16. But like I said, it depends on needs and economics, and owning the latest tech devices is not a bad thing because life is for enjoyment.

I bet we all here want to own an iPhone 16PM but our financial conditions don't allow it but if someone can afford it then there is no reason not to buy it.

Flagships never cost half the price in few years after release date. They are still expensive compared to most of the mobiles. I am sure with top iPhone and Samsung models, but wont speak for every mobile manufacturer. Maybe some sort of flagship by Mr.DingDongDang could lost half of its price in few years, but who needs a flagship from it?

Nevertheless, the reason for no need for a latest smartphone I see different than cutting cost. Latest smartphones rarely offer anything new. Majority of users dont use every mobile feature and are not so dependable from tech specs. Few care about the speed of their mobile or camera resolution. Many still use mobile for phone calls, chatting and taking pictures to look them on the mobile screen only. 2-3 years old mobile does all that similarly like latest mobile.

Yes, that's right, bro, cellphones basically have the same use, it depends on each of us, whether we use cellphones for our daily needs or just for style, if we follow the trends from time to time then we will perish when we don't. to be able to follow current trends, use a cellphone as is, as long as our cellphone can still work properly without having to follow the current trend, when we follow the latest trends it will not stop, all of them will be released every year, if every Every year we replace our cell phone with a newer one without knowing its use for ourselves, we have fallen into waste without any benefit for ourselves.

I am also like you, buying a phone according to my needs so I can cut costs. In my opinion, many are trapped and cannot save costs because what is happening now is that the industrial conditions seem to force people to follow trends, especially since some applications make updates that sometimes force users to change devices, even though the application is very important (especially for work).

Regarding the application on the old phone, sometimes it can't be used for work anymore, after looking for the cause, it turns out that you have to replace the new phone because it adjusts to the operating system update that is needed.

However, in essence, buying a phone is okay as long as it is according to your needs and finances, don't buy a phone because you are following a trend and that's called waste. But in reality, it is a shame that many people buy things because of trends and prestige. They are willing to take credit to buy something prestigious. Especially in my country, Asia which is a lucrative market for mobile phone companies. They know that the mindset of people in my country is very passionate.

At this point in time there's just been so few improvements or advancements that make it worthwhile upgrading to a new phone like in the past where for a while there each new iPhone came with some major improvements.  I use and iPhone because their apps are a lot more smooth that android but the phone really hasn't changed much.  I think the one thing that might get apple users to get a new model in masses is whenever they finally release a fold-able version.

Your assertion is right and I don’t think it is mandatory to go for the latest phones when it’s not bringing any productivity out of it. I also know a lot of people that always want to be the first to use the latest phone in town especially the iPhone series of phones. It is like a disease instilled in some people that is incurable. Sometimes I don’t blame them, it looks as though that is their likes, while some people prefer to be with cars and want to buy the latest cars in town, that’s how I view people that get latest phones also.

In all of this, if what you’re buying doesn’t bring anything productive for you, it’s advisable to let them be. Going to the extent of taking loans to buy the new phone is just too much to me. Why not buy at your own discretionary expense, it would be better. If you can’t afford it, it has no much difference with the current ones, you can be managing them until you have enough money to upgrade. In one sense, I blame them while in the other one I don’t blame them for that’s what they’re attracted to but it shouldn’t be at the expense of anything. It’s always good to cut down cost.

Most of the people getting the latest phones now are just doing it to show off, they just want to impress people close to them, they want people to know that they're also rich, which I don’t really think is necessary. You don’t have to impress anyone, leave your life comfortably and spend money on necessary things. Don’t end up being broke just because you want to impress people. Some people do use everything they have just to upgrade their phone, just because they want to impress people.
 
Most of these mobile phones have just a little difference, something’s are not really necessary, so I shouldn’t just keep on wasting money upgrading phones every year. As long as the phone I am using is doing the basic things that I need, then I don’t even think about changing it.

Yes, it could also be because of excessive prestige, so that if you don't have one and can't get a new one you feel left behind by others, so that function is no longer the main thing. But this is a new phenomenon, especially as you said in Third World countries. It has become a trend to show off what you have, it is really sad, but it has become commonplace and is considered normal.
Of course, something that is too forced because the main function is for communication etc, but not for showing off.

it's apparent anywhere around the world that people think iphone is a prestige which is actually not true, people can carry iphone while in debt, even $1k i'm sure any ordinary average people can afford it even having minimum wage if they are willing to save so no it's not a prestige.

I'd call lamborghini a prestige becaucse not anyone can afford it but Iphone really?

this is why so many people are entangled in debt these days, the need to stand out in society by using expensive thing to look rich while in reality they're completely opposite, just doesn't work well with principle of financial management and just plain disaster to our livelihood if we follow such trends.

It is just terrible to see a student who has not paid his fees buying a phone because it is an advanced model of his product. Social media has increased the craving for materialism and this has made people start living false lives. People now want to live like so-called celebrities and in most cases, these influencers also live fake lives.

Another problem is that some of the poor like looking rich. They want to go to rich restaurants and clothing shops, so they also need big phones to show that they are rich. Some of them end up in debt and will never invest in a profitable venture. The iPhone market in my country which is developing is doing well which means they have a good customer base. But the majority of the people who live in the country are poor.       

Smartphone has turned from a simple gadget into an element to show success. Same refers to clothes, cars for example. We can use any clothes to cover our nudity, and use any transport to get from one place to other, but we need brands. I agree that many buy latest smartphones to show off, but many also buy latest smartphones to show their status. If you say that you are a successful investor and use Nokia 3310, people would have doubts about your words.

It all depends on your budget and what are into, there are some things you might be involved that would require a phone with a high storage capacity, most phones with a random access memory of 6gb are slightly expensive but you must consider how much you have first and what you want to use if for, if you know it's something that's going to be beneficial to you then it would be a good idea to just purchase it. But phones that are extremely expensive are not necessary people just buy those phones to show off and follow what's trending

I do agree somehow into this sentiment on which just like when wearing up some good branded clothes which this do really shows up something on how rich a certain person would be. Yes, its really that not right that you will be basing up someones status basing up into what they are wearing but we do know on how this society do really judge up a certain person basing up on how they do look and this is where some people would really be that trying out their best to show off as much as they could and there are individuals who would really be trying out their best on trying out to impress into those people who are really that around.
Despite of having that financial difficulty but still they were able to make themselves that looks rich and that do really satisfies them.Its really that a bit shameful if you do have this kind of behavior i must say.

In the end of the day you would really be thinking up on how you would be able to survive on day to day living. The main priority should really be that focusing on how we would really be able to sustain ourselves
into this world specially on having that becoming worst economic state. People who do focuses out too much into those things which arent that important will really be sooner having those realizations
that they shouldnt have that wasted up their money into something that they arent really that wanting or needing. People do only realize when its already too late.

        -        I can't deny that smartphones nowadays I can say that they are really a necessity, and also for the masses to be honest, they can no longer be considered a luxury in my opinion.

Although there are other smartphones that are also expensive, there are also some that are cheap so that an ordinary person can avail them for their loved ones in life, especially for children who are studying, which is a great help not only in communication but also in learning. students study.

Even though a lot has been said already here, I still consider latest, expensive or modern smartphone more a status item, or an item that one person simply likes, than a way to show off. I dont think that buying latest smartphone is the best way of cutting cost. Previous models, or the models that were released few years ago are still expensive. Cutting cost will be buying a phone with buttons and black and white screen, because it performs its primary function of making a call perfectly. As a cutting cost examples would be buying any clothes, even using a rag to cover nudity can be considered as clothes. However we still prefer to buy clothes that we like they look. Same with car - any vehicle will do the same, move body from place A to place B, however we still select cars that we like how they look and options they have.

Well I'm not against anyone who has the money and can afford to use the latest generation of their phone. But I think it's foolishness for someone to buy a phone on credit and you ain't really using it for business. These phone companies are just after their own money and they will do everything possible to bring out a new generation of phones on yearly basis. You are right actually, there are no major differences between the new generation and the old ones, if not for the camera quality and storage space. It all does the same thing yet the price of the new one will be hiked. I hardly change my phones, I use my phones for 3 to 4 year before thinking of getting a new one. With the way the economy is I don't fancy the idea of changing phones on a yearly basis. If everyone thinks the way I do, these phone companies won't be producing new generations of phone on yearly basis, It would taken them 3 to 5 years before thinking of producing a new generation.

This is a reality that occurs a lot in society about cellphones that always appear the latest types from each brand. In my environment, the most respected cellphone is the iPhone or Apple, with its quality that is indeed different, this makes many people want to have it, especially among women who are still young, but with men it is not much different. In my environment, there are many young people who force themselves to have one of these cellphones, even though their financial situation is standard, but there are some who force themselves to get involved with online loans. We must be able to limit our own style standards, besides, I think all cellphones have the same main function, which is to communicate with each other. I myself still use a cellphone that is fairly middle class with its performance that has decreased, but as long as it can be used, I think it doesn't matter. Maybe I will buy a new cellphone if the cellphone I am using really can no longer be used. However, I myself have a choice in cellphone brands, if I was asked to choose, I would choose Samsung, because I feel that the product is suitable.

The right argument. Just look at the iPhone brand and now they have released a new product again, Of course with new features and appearance. For owners with ordinary performance levels, I think the standard one can be used as long as the internet quota is always ready.

But, if you are playing graphics and trading, the speed capacity in optimizing the network is also very necessary. So my conclusion is that it depends on each person's personal needs.

Even if they pay in installments, it means they can afford to buy new phones and they are not as poor as we think. Furthermore, the important thing is that as long as they are happy with what they do and satisfied with life, I don't see anything wrong with it. We should stop judging and criticizing others just because they wear new clothes or buy a new phone.


The iPhone 15 and 16 generations do not have too many differences, only small improvements and in my opinion are insignificant, but you are wrong because their prices remain the same. The iPhone 16 is still selling for the same price as the iPhone 15 when it launched last year. But for Huawei, the change this year is huge as they announced the world's first 3-screen foldable phone and only those with money can buy it.

Just because you rarely change your phone doesn't mean everyone else does, you and I are struggling with the current economy but not everyone is like us. In my opinion, it all depends on each person's preferences and finances. We should not impose our thoughts on others because we are not the same.

Yeah, they now how to trap their consumers, releasing new one in less than a year, Moore's law.

And so that is what this big companies are programming us, that in the next year, you need to buy a new phone from us. And the thing is that there no new features to begin with. So for me, as long as my phone is working, i.e. receiving text message and phone calls, so No, I wouldn't buy a new one.

I know that it's a sign of social statues in some countries, but for those who are frugal and not into what is the latest, then they will not upgrade their phone until it's broken.

   
In terms of whether it is necessary to buy new devices every year or even every 2 years, my answer is of course no, because technology cannot change in such a short period of time to the extent that such a purchase would be justified. On the other hand, everyone should consider buying a new smartphone at the moment when the device they are using stops receiving updates that are important for the operating system, and therefore for the security of the user and his data on the same device.

There are people who have the philosophy of buying cheap smartphones that usually break down within 2-3 years of purchase depending on how they are used, and there are those who buy premium devices that with proper use can last at least twice as long. I believe that investing in a new device every 4-5 years is quite logical.

This is very popular amongst young ones that are trying to meet up with what's trending around thier environment and that thinks that once you've gotten the latest brand of phone or you're using the most expensive item, you've attained a certain level of prominence in the society.

Apart from those that needs to make those upgrade based on the feature the new brand comes with and how it will aid in there productivity,  It's immature to want to get the latest iPhone just because the company just released a new product into the market.

If your phone is just primarily for making of calls and sourfing through the net, there's no point trying to get the latest iPhone or any brandy phone. For the regular guy, what you really need is a phone with fast browsing spead, good camera and a moderate storage space that's enough to take most of the files you would want to keep on your device. As long as your phone can do any of those things, you don't have to change into a new brand for just the sake of it. People's preference and thought towards this matter might differ but for me, it's not economically wise and anyone that's concerned about how he manages his finances wouldn't allow himself get to the point of wanting to get any latest thing that comes to the market.

Around me there are people like that, whose lives are always in debt because they can't stop themselves from buying the latest version of a smartphone, and it's bought just for lifestyle, not something productive that can make money.
My smartphone is currently about 3 years old and it's still quite helpful in my work and considering buying it because it's worth replacing.

You may buy the latest smartphone every time there's a new version, as long as your economy supports it, but actually it's not that important., and even the review channels about the latest smartphones that I often watch videos of will sell smartphones that have been reviewed because it's not that important to always have the latest version, because we can save enough to make our economy better if we invest it.

Some people are indeed addicted to the latest technology, especially iPhones and Samsungs. When iPhone13 came out; some people were caught stealing just to buy the phone. People were demanding a lot from their partners just to buy the phone. Like, the urge to get the latest phone by some people is really causing harm than the good it's supposed to do.

Some people go on to say they need it for work; it has good picture quality, internet connectivity is so fast. Hmm, in my opinion, getting a good phone is all you need; you don't have to get the latest one.

But yeah, some people are addicted to the latest technology. If you have enough budget for it, like you can comfortably get this phone and not be in debt or neglect your duties, maybe as a partner or even to yourself, properly feeding and all that, then you can go ahead and get it. It's your choice; I mean, it's your money.

Not everybody will buy the idea of saving for the economy because a lot of people are like, the government is supposed to do more in stabilizing the economy and making the citizens financially stable. So why would they use their personal money to do all that?

So if you are very comfortable and financially buoyant and you can afford it, fine. But the one I don't see sense in is having to beg, borrow, steal to get this latest technology. These companies are only doing their business, getting the latest tech in the market and promoting it; they are just about their business. It is the individuals that will not caution themselves that have the issue here.

Same here or simply this do really pictures out our neighboor and not really just that being too minding about their own actions but you cant really be able to avoid on not to say something basing up on what you are seeing. I do have a neighboor who do have also tons of debts on which you could be able to see that there are tons of debt collectors that do came everyday on trying to get some day-to-day collection of their debt amortization or whatever its called. You will really be able to assume out that its just fine to have a debt but  you could really be able to see that they are really that having the latest gadgets plus having that kind of travelling and other things which you could be able to say or thought that as if they dont have any debts or have the money that could spend out, but its really actually obvious that those are loaned money that been used for.

As for the question, if we do really need up for a new smartphone? It will really be that basing or according into your needs but of course if our current mobile phone is fine and working, then why would replace?
It is really just that people are really that too way to impulsive on buying on whats the latest and they dont really like on getting behind specially if he do really goes with those people who are really that
also having the behavior. There are ones who do buy because its compulsory or something that they are needing it but there are ones who do really just simply buying it out because they do want or like
to have the latest.

Most people have their phone on a 2 year contract (or even longer) so no, everybody doesn’t need the latest smartphone. Apple brings out two new phones per year usually, for most people it’s impossible to keep up because they are expensive. It’s stupid to keep updating any way, most of the new releases are hardly any different to the previous ones any way. There are much better things to spend your money on.

While I don't have anything against people buying phones and following trends, I think one of the most useless phone to ever produce so by Apple is this iPhone 16 series, no difference between them and 15 and it seems apple is running out creativity while Samsung is doing foldable phones, even Huawei is doing too notched phones in 2024 but Appls wasting resources just to keep up with the trend.

However, I think people will buy what's makes them happy and as long as they like it, they can afford it without taking loan or sell something just to buy the phones, then that's their problems. All customers has different marginal test for items, some people can spend their last card to buy a gadget and devices but where I get from is people that can't afford it but will take loan to buy the phone just because they want to be on the trend which is very big financial mistake.

I think so too, i use my devices for a long time before i consider changing them, but i have people around me that i know personally, and i am also certain that i do better than them financially, but they change their devices more frequently to newer versions, i think it is foolish and i try to talk them out ot it, but it never works. If you are rich, then the money means nothing to you, but if you have to empty your bank account to get a new device, then there is a problem.

In my opinion, something new always wants to be followed and owned by some people, because it can be considered not following the development of the times. For those who do have more funds, it is not something to be afraid of, and they are sure to be able to buy. But there are some people who onlyn't they want to be appreciated or recognized for their existence in development and try to be able to buy even though they don't have the ability to buy it, in the end they do everything and not a few who confiscate their savings.
Even though what is needed is the usefulness of the device, not the trend that is more recent, and even then, it is certain that it is usually not much different from the old one, only a few changes.

If it is just emptying an account to get the phone, it sounds reasonable, but people have to take loans to buy it. There is a scheme in my country called Easy to Buy, and it is making people own what they cannot afford. They usually give people phones on credit and spread the repayment based on their earnings or plans. In most cases, the salary is not even enough to cover the living cost of the person, so they will have to seek loans from other sources to service the easy buy credit. I had a friend who got an easy-buy phone and lost the device after three days; he had to seek means to service the debt and buy another.

You are having valid point because as a person is going mature he is having better view of life and also understand of many things which are important in life with having new smartphones or things related to latest technology is just waste of money because many times peoples those never understand things like these suffer badly in life and also having troubling things as well we need to go with things which are more important, and we can manage even still we have to people those can use things like these easily as their madness, and they have done, but we still need to understand ground realities.

We are living in material world where peoples not understand many things which are much better and secure for them and their future they jump for having the latest technology and smartphones even they can't afford them, but they are having no self-control, so this brings troubles for them and their families as well.

Even we understand this latest technology is going to be having affordable in next few months but we still jump and bring ourselves in deep trouble which are surely never been ideal thing for having better life and doing things with less income or sources of income.

They made their phone their status symbol; in fact, I know some of my friends keep buying the latest phones, not knowing all of its features; they buy the latest cellphone just to brag that they are using the latest model, These people are insecure, and they depend their happiness and confidence on the latest models of phones to which they are so attached.

These people, after buying the latest model, are thinking on how to acquire the next model They are working hard to pay their newly acquired phone and continue to work hard for the next model., its a vicious cycle because they are addicted and so attach to their phone which they treat as their status  symbol which is very wrong.

You can only try to talk them out, but they will never listen. Someone whom I tried to advise about always swapping his phone to the latest onces said that it's a waste of money and he doesn't really need those things as they are just costing him unnecessary expenses.
 
What he said to me is that I should just consider that part as his bad habit since he doesn't do drubs or gamble that using the latest phone is where he gets his fun from, and he can't stop it as long as he can afford it.

Smartphone is one of our most important devices.  It helps us in various ways. Again, many try to express their status with it. Apple is a popular brand and they regularly launch very expensive phones. to which most of the users themselves use apple brand smartphones to show off. But I don't support using apple to spend extra money just to show off. Because money management and reducing wastage of money is very important to keep yourself financially strong. But one can buy a flagship phone by spending a lot of money if it needs to use a lot of heavy software.

Like most things today those phones are in a way a disguised scam, since there is so little difference between the models sold last year and the models sold today, the same happens with video games in which a game like FIFA has almost no changes from one version to the next and yet you are expected to pay the full price for the newest game, plus all the microtransactions needed to unlock the full game, and taking all of these factors into consideration it is not rare that people are changing their spending habits and they are keeping their phones for a longer period of time.

In todays era, then we could really be able to say that smartphone had become a necessity rather than on being a want on which it cant be denied that when it comes to communication and other important things on which it could really be accessed with just a simple few clicks and that what makes our lives comfortable or even having that kind of easy access. The only issue on here or speaking about buying up the latest smartphone then it do turns out some people do really make out some vague decisions into their lives on which even if its obvious that they are already having some struggles in financial condition but still they do make out some priority on things on which they shouldnt really be on doing so. Do we really need it? Who does really like on getting left behind in terms of tech and innovations?

The real deal on here is that you shouldnt really be that making yourself having that kind of behavior on spending too much on buying gadgets. As long your old device does still works and could really serve out its
purpose then why would really be needing up to buy something new? It would really be worth if you do really be just that making use of those funds or money into something more
worth just like on putting it up on some investment or business on which you could be able to do so. We do know that smartphone flagships cost $1000+ or even more on which this is an
amount that will be realistically could be put up on something which is really that more better option.

It's true. There is nothing inedit being launched nowadays. Everything is a copy paste from previous products. People want the profit, but don't want to put any effort and innovation in order to achieve that profit. I think people who still purchase items in a yearly basis are doing this for the sake of boasting themselves towards their social circle, because from the functional point of view, it doesn't make any sense.

The gaming, movies and music industries are another good examples of stagnant niches of the market, where profit is desired without giving anything constructive and thrilling in counterpart.

It is not bad to get something new and that is better than others, but the most important thing is that we need to think when making plans to get this stuf if it is something that can be afford without one be affected financially. It is a financial mistake for people to strive on what they can't afford comfortably. When one is not financially buoyant to get something that can't bring value, I think it is a waste of money spending huge amount of money just to follow the trend and to feel among of people using the latest.

If that makes you happy then do it as long as you didn't take any loan just to get the latest smart phone in the market. Sometimes we need to satisfy our self since buying those stuff will somehow make us happy. Although we understand that latest phones cost a lot of money but if you are capable to acquire it since you have lots of extra funds to spend and as said that it will not affect your financial state then do it.

Although I understand that its waste of money to buy those gadgets just to get updated on the latest but if that's your happiness and again have lots of money then people will not question you on why you acquire it. But for certain individual struggling in life I guess much better for them to spend their money wisely and just buy new phone when their current phone is not working anymore.

People who are wise in using money will certainly always have special considerations for its benefits and functions first when they want to buy something that is more directed towards current trends. Because people who are very wise in using money will never waste money on items that have no benefits even though they are rich, let alone if someone is poor. I also quite agree with what you said because basically everyone must be able to handle the burden of their life when they have spent money on one thing so that it will certainly be seen through the ability of the person himself. However, if his ability is still very ordinary in following current trends, it is clear that he does not need to be tempted by more luxury goods and things that are less useful for himself.

It is a difficult thing to implement in order to avoid waste, it is necessary to see the goods we buy from the benefits and uses without thinking there, surely everyone will buy what they want, it will affect your income, although the current trend is the need to think in that direction.

Symbol or an item of a status. For people who are rich and can afford, not having a latest smartphone, will show that there might be something wrong with their business or with them. People with old item will look weird, even though old item does the same thing as the latest. For example the founder of Ikea drives with old volvo, when with his $80 billions, he can have any car he wants. Many say that his is weird. People can use old smartphones, most of them easy will do calls, receive and send messages and can run youtube and browser apps, but people will think that they are weird. Imo latest smartphones arent necessary, but they are used to show status of a person.

It's all about prestige in my opinion, because people are competing to have the latest version of the cellphone just because they want to look cool and so on. If you say that it can show status, be it social status and others, I don't think so. Because in this era, there are so many people who have the latest cellphones even though they are not economically able to buy them. They do everything they can to get them, one of which is by buying on credit. Many people I know do this. If we live by following prestige, then we will never be satisfied and enough with what we have. especially if it's a cellphone, maybe this month we buy the latest version of the cellphone, in the next month there might be another new version.  ;D

Exactly my point. If you anyone have the money, I don't care if they buy the latest jet just to chill and enjoy the world. If I probably have 100 Bitcoin and holding for long time since the early days, I'm not sure selling 1 Bitcoin here to enjoy life is a bad move, that's exactly how I veiw the people that are after the latest trend because they want to have what the world is talking about, some even customized their own to be different, they asked for the material to be gold plated, which is another way of preserving the value of the phone to be resold later.

However, if you buy an iPhone and you later go broke just because you want to follow trend, I might not see you as a regular person but an insecure person that is living a delusional life just because you want to belong in the life that is not compatible with yours. Personally, if I have the desire to even buy an iPhone, I will wait for months to buy and open box which will even be way cheaper and it absolutely has no difference between the new and the old, care and apple support remain intact.

imagining working just to buy latest phone in the next cycle just feels exhausting, why did people even do this ;D. it'll be endless cycle of companies pumping out new version because company's sole main revenue that made up big chunk of their company earning is pumping out new model and certainly, they will milk it as much as they can.

I liked back then when there's this idea of modular phone where people could just swap components and call it a day, I'm sure it can help reduce e-waste by significant amount compared to companies just pumping out new model every quarters of the year.
unfortunately, this project was cancelled maybe because it doesn't bring enough profit for it to sustain.

Look on the situation from different side. Those who have bought latest smartphones and bought them on the credit, always (I use word always, I have never heard someone failed to pay credit and his smartphone was taken away or he had real financial troubles) manage to repay credit back. Think that this is their tiny achievement. Even though latest smartphones did not give radically new features, people still buy them and manage to solve financial part. Isnt it good? Sometimes it is a life challenge for them, eating cheap food just to save enough to buy, for example iPhone 16 max, but they succeed in it. Isnt it great ?

If that happens then people who buy smartphones are not for the needs to support their work but rather an effort to fulfill their lifestyle. We often find this kind of nature and most of them prefer to pursue a lifestyle rather than taking advantage of opportunities to improve their quality of life. When someone buys something new for work needs, it makes sense, but forcing a lifestyle of buying something on credit is a destructive practice because when they are unable to cover the existing monthly costs, the cellphone is taken back.

I also noticed that there are many generations of Moses now who prefer a luxurious lifestyle. In fact, if you look at the average monthly income, it is quite small and even they buy expensive quality goods in the wrong way. For me, it is better to set aside the money for investment than to fulfill a lifestyle because you have to prepare your finances to be better slowly.

cutting costs is exactly what everyone is keying into at this point because of how bad the economy has become and they should be able to choose which one they want if they want to progress or they want to be furnishing their lifestyle some people will choose life over progress.  they don't want to do something meaningful because they always want to impress people, and people like to show, buying the latest phone because what exactly what the latest phone do that you can not do because i know how people like to oppress people and anyone that have that mentality is very bad because the money that is supposed to be used for something tangle you will use it for impressing people.

The money should be what you use to take advantage of opportunities and not spend it on things that are not relevant, when it comes to the already existing monthly cost which is something that you can not avoid then you should know exactly where your money is going to spend it on worthless things. if you are extremely rich, I am not a fan of not making yourself comfortable but spend wisely when you know you don't have the money but do they care all they want is for people to acknowledge them.

I guess the line here is, as long as it doesn't really hurt your friend financially, it should be okay, sometime a little bit of fun is never wrong, just make sure it won't put a dent to the financial condition over long term, since we know the price of smartphone are always increasing year by year, it's obvious it can be a financial problem, but some people are also working hard to raise their salary to compensate that.

as long as anyone doesn't get entangled in debt just for the sake of getting the latest smart phone, I'd consider it as some kind of expensive hobby, nothing more.
but I know for a fact some people that actually taking out a loan and get entangled in debt because the urge of buying newer smartphone every year, yeah it's pretty bad situation for those kind of people ;D. but who are we to advise them ;D. I'm sure our opinion will get discarded anyway which is perfectly fine.

First of all, I see nothing bad if a person prefers a luxurious lifestyle, even though he can afford to it (for example buys items with credit card). There is nothing bad in heading towards luxurious life. I see such people as people who have a goal. The way I see it - if a person gets used to living in a luxury life, he will do everything to keep that way of living. I think quotation "Fake it till you make it" fits here perfectly.

Now back to latest smartphones. I use iPhone 15, which isnt latest one today, but still expensive. It cost a good part of my monthly salary. Similarly, I could be using any smartphone that has access to internet, allows to install apps and make phone calls. My phone did not look much different from previous version, or iPhone 11 I had been using before. In fact, the apps I use and their arrangement on the screen is not much different from, for example, iPhone 4 I had been using ages ago. So why I have purchased expensive smartphone? 1) because its wont lose value so quick with time 2) its battery is new, and buying same old phone seemed illogical to me 3) I dont want to stick to "old" gadgets, I want to strive for new and latest, to the progress.

Right now they aren't doing much marketing, they already did the job when they made smartphones an expression of your high social and financial status. I know many people who don't earn enough to eat well but still own an iPhone (any number) Pro Max. I personally don't find it cool, I think that it's funny when you have low income, especially when your job speaks about that and you own iPhone 15 Pro Max. What's the point? I have some people around me that own that phone and ask me for money monthly to monthly. I find it very funny and disgusting at the same time. It's a stupid people's thing.
It's way funnier when girls buy iPhones only to take pictures and upload them on Instagram. What about Google Pixel? Camera-wise, cheaper and better than iPhone but no, these girls want iPhones.

With girls, it is totally different situation. They compete all the time. If you dont have a latest smarphone, this means you are a looser and other will look down from above on you. And not always poor people with "iPhone (any number) Pro Max" are stupid. I know few families, whos income are average, parents use various smartphones, but their kids have latest mobiles. It was kids dream to have such a phone, and he will care about it and blow away dust from it for ages. Those kids are not spoiled and parents bought them because "they want a new phone right now". Kids were really happy and in tears, when on birthday or on Christmas they receive those phones.

If we talk about on topic in general, people dont need latest or complicated smartphones. All the apps, all the features, everything in old and latest phones are quite the same. If we consider smartphones as a gadget for calls, then any phone would suit. It can be said, that bigger part of features that smartphones have are pure marketing.

This is an interesting topic, and I just can’t help but share my thoughts.

Honestly, it all boils down to a person’s mindset. We’re all unique, right? For me, the brand doesn’t really matter-- especially since it doesn’t affect my work. I’m mostly at home working, so I don’t need an expensive phone; as long as a cheaper one covers all the functions I need, I'm good.

Often, we get influenced to buy a new phone just out of interest in what’s trending. But for those who earn money the hard way, they’re not gonna spend on things they don’t really need. Have you noticed how teens these days tend to have the latest phones while their parents are still using older models? It’s funny because those who want the newest tech are often the ones who don’t even have a job and just rely on their parents. Not saying that’s everyone, of course-- some people work hard and buy the latest phones to reward themselves or to stand out since some people judge based on appearances, like having the newest phone, a cool car, and so on.

But if you’re not that type of person, then it's all about mindset. At the end of the day, we all have our own ways of being happy, so let’s just do what makes us happy as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else.

What can you expect? We are now in a generation which posting that they have the latest gadget is a trend. That's why lots of people got caught up on the idea that they are cool when they acquire tis gadget. They didn't even think that they might struggle after that especially if they don't earn much money.

I also don't find it cool if they buy this just to join on the trend since that's a total waste of money. But what can we do? We cannot stop people think about that way social media influence hit them so hard that's why they always think about short term matters.

For sure later on they would just realize that buying Iphone is not really worth it especially if they didn't use it for business or other money generating schemes. There are lots of good phones in the market its just the influence of Iphone just caught them because this is confidence booster of egotistic people.

Buying an expensive cellphone is not a problem as long as we have enough ability for it, especially if the cellphone can be used for many jobs that we often do so far. But if someone starts to force themselves to have an expensive cellphone and it is not to support their own work, of course that is very wrong, especially if they buy it on credit so that others will consider them rich. For me, that is an inappropriate idea if someone does something like that in their life, but as long as they have the ability to buy it without going into debt, it is clearly very feasible and not a serious problem for them.

It is indeed better for those who are struggling to improve their income and business in their lives, but for those who have been successful at a young age I think it is okay if they want to do that as a way to enjoy what they have earned through their own efforts. Although in general spending money on useless things is a bad thing because the money can still be used for other more useful things, but for those who really want to enjoy the results of their hard work at this time it will not be wrong to do something like that.

There's absolutely nothing wrong living a luxurious lifestyle if you can afford it but the big question here is how many people living a luxurious lifestyle can really afford it? Latest smart phones is the topic and emphasis of discussion here. Majority of people using this expensive mobile phones can not actually afford it because there's no point using a phone that you can not confidently subscribe in. The fact remains that this tech company have brainwashed us to believe we need to change phone on a regular just like we change clothes. The funny thing is that they keep remodeling the same products for us with little or no extra features. I refuse to be convinced that I need a new phone unless the old phone can not serve me any longer.

 It's good to lead a good and luxurious life but sometimes it's not necessary. In the aspect of getting the latest iPhone 16 for instance, I don't think I'd bother myself to even get it because if you check, their batteries are still not long lasting so what's the point in upgrading the phone when the main issue is still there. For those who can get it, it only means they'd have to constantly charge it and I believe that's another problem since the frequency of how you charge a phone can cause it to weaken the already weak battery so that's a wasted investment for me.

If they can't afford it, why are they able to own the latest phones? If you don't have enough money, who will be willing to sell you an expensive phone?

I think only people who can't afford it criticize buying the latest phone or to put it bluntly, people are jealous of each other, nothing more nothing less.
There is nothing wrong with owning the latest phone and it is not something to be condemned because everyone's life is different. Everyone has different interests, dreams and goals in life and they have the right to do whatever they think is good for their life.

As the chart indicates, people are starting to wake up or at least slow down on this constant treadmill of new phone editions that these manufacturers are putting out there. I could understand if there were truly revolutionary technological innovations between versions of these phones, but it is getting to the point now where they are just resizing them or sticking another camera on the back then calling it innovation - it is not. It's even worse when they build in "planned obsolescence" into their phones when they should be perfectly usable for a long time but they intentionally degrade performance through so-called upgrades. Most smartphones can be good for 10+ years if treated properly, however I have seen much worse performance on Apple unit batteries than other suppliers

In this digital age, some people are after for the latest trend. However, if you can't afford to buy one, better not to acquire and just be contented for what you have. Remember, it is only material thing and won't save you in times of financial needs. You may end up selling it if you happen to be in tight spot and incur losses in the process.

I believe, that's the problem of some younger gen, how they can cope up with the latest trend in the market. But sooner or later, they will have their lessons in life and realize that there's more than getting the latest iphone but it is better to have at least a phone that is working and serving you the minimum requirements. You will have less stress, in case of loss or theft. Because if you lost the high-end iphone, for sure, so much stress is involved.

Jealousy would really be turning out to be that ending up on criticism or saying up anything negatively to those people who could afford or able to buy it out. The wrong thing on here is that there are actually those rich or wealthy people who could easily buy these expensive things since they could afford it, but there would really be those individuals who do took up some loan or borrowing money just for them to do so. There's so much difference in trying out to compare these two but somehow its none of our business if they would really be having that kind of behavior on buying up new and latest smartphone. The key on here is that you should really be that sensible into the things that you are spending and we do know that we do have different priorities in life. If you do find that you could afford then buy it but if not then skip out and dont consider on taking such desperate steps.

If you could afford it, then why not buy? As long it would really be that your extra money then its none others business if you do buy it but if not then stop yourself on doing so.
Prioritize into the things on which it is really that more important and just buy those things that you do want on the time or moment that you could afford it and doesnt compromise those funds
which are intended on other things such us food,rent and other priorities that we do have in life.

That's their happiness, to be on the latest trend. I think that's not odd at all and we can all have our happiness. But if these people look at how valuable these things are, they will realize that smartphones are depreciating over a period. Even in less than a year, its value will significantly down unless it's being used for its tech features that can be used for businesses or content. Like with the iPhones, the majority that I've seen buy the newest version of it says that they're up for its camera which is true. And I agree with you that if someone can't afford to buy one and they're not going to utilize its use, they need to be content and look for something else that they can afford.

Yeah, selling it is most likely the reasonable way when someone is in tight budget but needs money or maybe have it pawned and take it back when you're financially well and done with that budget challenge.

It is hard to avoid the fact today that trends will take precedence compared to the necessities, but we cannot avoid this fact because we have indeed entered such a time. needslessly, the salesperson was able to persuade them to be able to attract them in order to buy without looking any further at the necessary capacity, even with the finances they had at the time.
Agree with what you said that it should be tailored to the needs and what is sought and, indeed, eventually, it will be beneficial for the needs to be done not because of the trend of following people who can afford to buy just to show off, so it is considered following the times.

It's not jealous or criticism but just a plain truth. I clearly stated that there is nothing wrong if you can independently afford it yourself. Haven't you seen people using phone that they're not the one who bought it themselves? Ladies to be precised, who wants to be classy but don't have means to obtain the latest phone and end up burdening their fiance to get it for them. Haven't you heard things like that before? Those are the categories of people we are referring to. They actually can not afford it themselves but don't want to cut their coat to their size. Nobody will condemn using latest phone if you can afford it yourself without disturbing others. We have interest and desire but we have to ensure it align with our class.

Social media affect the thinking of people. Since what people see in that platform create certain fantasy that people want to follow.

Now that Iphone 16 is trending and symbolize certain life status many people want to acquire it and some people will do whatever they can just to get this item then flex it to people they know,

But if people just know their priorities in life and know how to budget their finances for sure they would never think about buying an Iphone since this is just a total waste of money especially if they don't used it for any business related matters.

So what is the reason then why people should not buy latest smartphones? Because every year they become more expensive and purchasing such smartphone on a release isnt smart? Or because the features and updates that latest smartphone has compared to previous or several year ago model, arent necessary so much? While I can agree that buying latest just to get something work 0.001 second faster, have 0.1MP camera better and have extra 1GB isnt that reason to buy a latest smartphone, I can discuss price pros and cons. Not everyone buy smartphone, with an idea to replace it next year. I have been using every smartphone I've got for 3-4 years. Take iPhone Pro Max with $1.2k price and it would cost you dollar a day to use it during 3 years. In addition you can sell it for a good price. Take any cheap smartphone for $200-300 that will lag all the time, have awful display and cheap plastic. You will hate this phone every day you use it, and replace it next year.

No doubt your review is one of the best I have read here because I completely agreed about your thoughts if something is giving you happiness then surely you need to avail this because it's your life, and you are having right to do things as you want if you are having enough money, and you can manage things for your future then surely you are having right to buy things which you needed, and you can afford because these are good memories for your future.

With surely if you are having no mind to spend money for things like these then surely you can live as you wanted because it's your own decision, and you have to understand things better for having good life as few are having not hard work, but they are able to have enough money but in most cases we are having peoples those done hard work, but they are not able to have income as they deserve but still they are doing things which they want to do or love to do it's their right.

You’re right, even if people view new product as a must achieve property etc, if wealthy people get stuffs like this for themselves or relative it’s understandable. Why must an average citizen go for property worth millions when there’s no investment or asset, supporting this move despite the happiness and joy people get aside the memories it only decrease the chance of making more wealth.
I talked about this earlier there’s nothing so special about those new product and if anyone choose to buy what’s the problem? I’m just concerned about people who don’t have much but still create huge opportunity to buy expensive phones rather than investing.

No offense but I wonder if they've ever used an iPhone? Those who make comparisons and say that $200-500 phones can compare to iPhones. If they only talk about basic functions like calling, I can confirm that they don't even need to spend 200-300$ to buy an Android. They only need $50 to own an old Nokia phone with full calling features.

And if we talk about other features like camera, battery life, security and especially their durability. I agree with you that even Samsung's high end Galaxy phones or GG's Pixel phones can't compete with the iPhone let alone other budget phones. Everything has its price, nothing is cheap but has superior quality, I know everyone knows this but for some reason they deny it.

Many years ago when I spent money to buy iPhone 11PM, many people also complained that I wasted money. But the interesting thing is until now: my IP11 still works smoothly and smoothly while some people have changed to a new device a few times.
After years of use and if I wanted to sell it now, I bet its value is higher than many new android phones on the market .

I think for the investment, latest smartphone are not good option. One should invest his money in the safe investment and smartphone depends on dollar price and it also depends on time and after few months it's price goes down to 30 percent when new model come in the market. Buy that phone  which you need to communicate with your family and your business and do not buy costly phone which will damage your wealth.Before Investment, you should get knowledge of market and invest in that items for very short period of time and when you saw that you are in profit,sell it and convert it into liquid. But I don't like to invest in that and I like physical gold which has worth and we can liquefy.

Maybe I should agree with your view on getting something new anyone can do, because anyone is entitled to be able to get it.
But of course, eventually we also have to adjust to the financials we have in order to get a new one.
If indeed our financials allow it, then there is no problem doing so. What is surprising, in my opinion, is that he cannot but force himself to get it, By sacrificing what you probably shouldn’t have to That out for that novelty thing, because there’s something more worthwhile to do just because of that desire. That it ends up being a waste that happens with desires that are not tailored to your own situation may even just be due to trends.

It can be a good investment, as long as you know how to use it.

You can rent your phone for a day, two days etc with different rate, the longer they rent, the cheaper they will pay. Since there are many poor people who want to impress other people, this business will work.

It's cheaper for them to rent for a day than buy it in credit.

The digital advancement of gadgets and smartphones would be of great advantage to today's trend.Apparently,since we're aware that it's a digital age, technology is improving and it's advisable to purchase a smartphone that's budget friendly and stress free.Stress free in the sense that it offers and renders features corresponding with your expected digital growth and rapid responses from the device functionality.

Although,it no doubt that the new trends of smartphones are increasingly awesome and displaying features without much headaches.Investing in trending phones wouldn't really affect your online crafts or business.However,it depends on the individual as well to decide but just in case you're on the safe side of reality, acquiring the latest brand will cost you the ability to pay strict attention to the capacity and reliability of such device.

Is there any business that involves renting phones? I have seen services for renting cars, clothes, and jewellery, but I have never seen phone rentals. It is common to see phone shops that offer credit facilities but renting business is strange. Renting a costly phone just to look wealthy or win over people does not make sense. Renting a phone will be dangerous because what would happen if you lost or misplaced it? 

This is the first time I'm hearing about thing term as well. I have never heard of or seen a mobile phone rental service or business anywhere in the world, maybe I'm unaware and there are businesses like this but if there were, I would at least heard of it somewhere throughout my life.

I don't think it's a good or profitable business because as you said, if someone rents an expensive phone, and it either gets broken or stolen, etc. How would you get the money back? They probably can't afford to pay as much as the mobile is worth because if they could, they wouldn't be renting it. If you ask for collateral, the case is the same, someone won't be able to put something as valuable as the phone as collateral to rent a phone.

If you ask for a security deposit for renting a phone, that would still be bad if the phone doesn't come back in its original condition.

Overall, I think it's a failing business and one shouldn't buy phones with the intention of starting such a business because it will barely make them any profit.

Welcome to a generation where majority of the people buy what they don't actually need with the money they don't even have, just to impress a society that don't even give a fuck about them. Funny enough this is an attitude relative to people that are not well enough to do financially.

Buying an expensive phone or gadget isn't wrong, for the utility of that expensive phone to the individual is what matters. Buying it for ostentatious reasons  makes it a liability rather than an asset to the individual. But If you're buying a phone like an iPhone 16 pro to use it for skit productions/business due to its camera quality and other advance features, it's makes sense than buying it just to fill ones ego.

Do we really need the latest smartphone? The simple answer based on my opinion is NO

Only Do if you are really needed

Safety: If your phone is no longer supported, it's not considered safe to use. OR BROKEN  ;D

According to this "In general, the average lifespan of a smartphone is 2 to 4 years. According to reports, the iPhone lasts 4-10 years, followed by Samsung units, which can last 3-6 years. Huawei and Xiaomi units have an average lifespan of 2-4 years, while OPPO units have 2-3 years." - https://www.bankmycell.com/blog/average-lifespan-of-smartphone your 2-4 years old phone is pretty much fine

https://www.talkimg.com/images/2024/10/06/i17Uv.png (https://www.talkimg.com/image/i17Uv)

If one is not having some information that require high security standard, I'm not sure it's of best choice to buy new phone because it's not longer acceptable. How many people in this world today can really buy new iPhone immediately they comes? Majority of people that used iPhone didn't buy them new, they are bought as pre-owned, used and even stolen ones that are shipped and distributed to different part of the world.


I think this depend on the end user. This is an average data collected based on people that bought new ones. The rate at which people used their phones for long time is very high right now due to inflation and high cost of living. IPhone 6s came out around 2016 and there are new versions that are still around and not pre-owned. This are the ones Apple couldn't sell and were sold off at discount to their distributors and they are still in the market just that they are no longer supported and cheap and people are buying and using them.

If you can't buy a particular thing more than twice then it simply means you can't afford it. Before buying an expensive smartphone there are lots of things you need to consider one is,  would you have money left to solve other things after getting it, the second question is, if you have getting that expensive phone due to the things you are involved with online perhaps your activities requires a phone with a moderate RAM, would those things fetch you more money? If the answer is yes then it's a risk Worth taking but if your main intention is to show off then you need to change your mentality.

Someone I know had an iphone 14 few months ago and recently he decided to get the iphone 15, if you compare both phones there's only a slight upgrade and just a little enhancement other than that there is absolutely no difference between them, so what's the point of doing all these? A lot of people are just buying these overly expensive phones because of peer pressure and trying to keep up with the trend. It's unwise to buy a phone that's bigger than what you have in your bank account. Cutting down cost would help you save and achieve a lot of things for yourself.

What you are writing about is actually a big problem...

Nowadays, marketers have learned to sell products without innovation (with minor technical improvements). The iPhone 14 is very little different from the iPhone 15, and the iPhone 15 (in turn) will be very little different from the iPhone 16.

Refusal to implement innovations leads to the fact that valuable natural resources are wasted and the environmental situation on our planet worsens. At the same time, the development of scientific and technological progress slows down, since universities are massively graduating marketers, not engineers.

We live in a world of simulations, where reality is replaced by deception.

I can understand if they mention the hardware difference since it would probably have higher capability because of the hardware with more RAM and bigger storage. But if nothing besides this while the friends haven't even filled 10% of his storage in the iPhone 14 then you can definitely tell this person is just up to have things that are just new and addicted to something new from Apple. I get it if he brags this to his friends, people just love attention.

Weird days ahead. Apple tablet was said to be just a box back 2010. Today its less people buying it already, they still up to get the phones though.

Apart from renting the phone out to make profit from it, people can decide to go for an expensive phone if they are into content which a quality video camera and quality recoding is needed, and their is money in content. If one is into tech their is a need for a quality because it generates good amount of money and tech work can't be done with just an average phone , but it is wrong when people spend their hard earned money on phones which they are not using to perform any work for them. The only reason buying an expensive phone should be for generating money and not to follow the trend.

I still have some of my old phones and they all work fine, apart from batteries that of course hold less than 50% of the charge they used to.
For instance, I still have a Samsung Galaxy s4 that I bought somewhere in 2014. I used that phone for at least 4 years before getting a newer model and last year saw it while looking through some old stuff, connected to a charger and it powered up like new.

People usually buy a new phone to show off, not because the last one died, or because they really need that new feature like a better camera or faster processor.

On the other hand, smartphones can be considered as status items. Why people buy expensive watches that cost hundred thousands, when they can buy watch for $1-3 on AliEpxress and it will show the same time. Situation with smartphones is the same. You can buy a smartphone with color display for less than $15, that will have same features (texting and calling) and even have camera. Same goes with cars. Any just that runs, has 4 wheels and a steering wheel will similarly transfer body from point A to point B, as the million dollar worth car.

There is no any benefit of changing the newest version of the smartphones because most of the people that are buying the phones are not using them for any business purposes just as the OP said, they are just buying them to impress others in my opinion because the only big difference between the older versions and the new once's is slight not much, just AI features and some camera upgrade; are they using the cameras for business purposes? No, must of them are celebrities that are used to showoff, they would like to be the first set of people to use the phone simply because they are influencers, and they have money, which is not a wise decision because has no economic benefit.

It is time to realize and stick to what we have provided it can certify us. If our phones can do the work, we all need, then there is no need for new versions unless if the need arises.

Status of the owner? Yes, that is true. But on the other hand, it also does not justify the status of the owner, because now many people are willing to pay installments for the latest cellphones at expensive prices, yes, that is a matter of prestige, even though it does not describe anything about the owner at all. Actually, in this era it is very easy to have luxury goods, one of which is a cellphone. Function is no longer the main priority in today's era, it may be true if there are features and software updates from the latest cellphones. But that is also not a necessity, because now many people prioritize looking cool. As long as they think that having certain items will make them look cool, then they will force themselves to buy them.

Most people just want to be using the latest versions of devices not because there is any special benefit but because they just want be updated and also impress people as you have said and to be among its early users when it’s still hot and in demand. Most of these devices don’t usually have much difference and sometimes the major difference will be in their sizes and camera or other minor features.

If a person reason to buy the latest devices is because he is an influencer or because he has the money and he is rich then i don’t see anything in that, if you have money then you should spend it and as a rich person these are the kind of things that will match your status.

If you are not up to that standard then i don’t see a reason why you should want to be using the latest devices especially when you are just struggling to make ends meet.

Smartphones and expensive watches are not the same, mainly because watches are also an investment. Yes, that's a status item, but it doesn't lose value, unless you lose it or break it. Most of them actually gain value. You could buy a Rolex 20 years ago, wear it to show off and sell it to get all of your money back, or more. Try doing that with a smartphone.

Nowadays most smartphones look the same. They have large screens, multiple cameras and most owners use shells and covers anyway, so you can't even see the brand. How is that a status item?
When you wear a watch people notice it, especially in certain situations, like when you eat at the table.

Cars are very much status items because everybody sees you drive and it's easy to spot an expensive car. With phones it's not like that, unless we're talking about folded ones, but even with these it's not like people will ask what brand of phone you got in your pocket, but they will certainly ask about the car, believe me ;)

To those people who have been mentioned about watches then he doesnt have the idea on how these things do differ if we so tend to compare it on smartphones. Watches and sneakers/shoes are indeed the best things to collect out because they would really be having that appreciating value and this something that you could really be able to say that it is really that worth on buying on, but of course if we do tend to compare those watches prices to smartphones then it will really something that too far off.  Going back with new smartphone buying then it will really be just that simply a waste of money and just like on what mentioned that it doeshave that depreciating value and consider on how fast that phones make out new models then sooner or later that new phone of yours will really be that becomes old.

This isnt really just that only applied on smartphones but also in other things as well on which it would be having no sense on buying something that if your old cp is really the perfectly doing its job.
People are really just that not wanting to get left behind when it comes to new trend and would really be always having liking to be that updated and goes along into those group of people
who are really that materialistic. Sooner or later you will really be able to experience out some financial problems or issues if you done it uncontrollably.

That is why I have said «on the other hand» and «can be considered». I know that watches can be an investment. But I have named them as an example to give connection to status of a person. A person with Rolex looks like a person who has achieved more than a person with basic Swatch watches that he has bought in airport. Same idea might work with watches. If on a meeting comes a person in suit, asks for an investment for to open a casino, but uses Cat smartphone in a hard rubber case, then I would have doubts in giving him money.

So what?

That's the same story every year.

In my opinion, if you have any phone from this decade, then you should be good to go. Only if you don't should you consider upgrading to a new one.

The thing is, most people don't even buy their own phones outright. They finance them using plans where they pay the company every month an installment, and receive a new phone every year in return. The main reason: They can't afford to buy it.

Maybe something like this can be seen depending on our respective needs. I myself persist with the cellphone that I have even though its condition is not so good but as long as it can still be used and still functions normally I think there's nothing wrong with continuing to use it, besides that I myself sometimes feel annoyed with my cellphone which often experiences Freeze when typing or playing social media, but for some reason I have no intention of replacing my cellphone maybe because the need is not too important, besides that with finances that are also unstable. ;D
However, I am a little surprised by those who are competing to get the latest cellphone, especially now that the iPhone product has just come out. Of course this has shaken the world of young people, especially women who definitely really want to have it, some even force themselves to be able to have it by paying in installments, something like this is too forcing in my opinion.

So, I guess the good old trick used by all the scammers and fraudsters would work for you. It basically goes like this:
Rent a house, a car, borrow money to get expensive suit and watch, make social media accounts, buy some followers to have a head start, show off your wealth, start telling people about your newest idea that in reality is a ponzi scheme. Then take all the money and disappear.

You'd give them money because they have an expensive watch, drive a nice car and have the newest smartphone, but you wouldn't give that money to an engineer with a degree and a CAT phone he uses for its thermal imaging so he can troubleshoot overheating components in his multi million dollar bitcoin mining operation?

Live with whatever phone you have, if you earn money from it by working online, you can get a nice phone after a month or two.If you have to pass the  time on the phone, it is a loss for you to get a new and good phone.It is, but according to the circumstances, we cannot do anything.  Let me first say don't spend money on useless things.  Instead, you should invest in something good and buy a new phone with the profit you get from it.Everyone wants to have a good phone that is fun to use and hassle-free.  But it will only harm you until you can take advantage of it.Don't get a phone that is so bad that it bothers you over and over again. The phone I have is very cheap but I don't pay much attention to it.  Because my goal is someone else, I spend it doing good things.

I think buying handphone, by forcing it is very excessive, the important thing is to be able to communicate regarding business matters that can generate income, but buying a cellphone nowadays is a trend that I see, they prioritize cellphones over other needs.