Cutting cost: Do we really need the latest smartphone?

[pusaka]

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.

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.

[Nheer]

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,

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.

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.

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.

[coolcoinz]

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.

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

[stomachgrowls]

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.

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.

[bakasabo]

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.

[NotATether]

The major difference is that these new phones have advanced AI features and improved camera quality.

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.

[BigBos]

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.
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.

[coolcoinz]

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, 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?

[qurbanshah02]

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.
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.

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.

[CK485]

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.
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.

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.