Cutting cost: Do we really need the latest smartphone?

[passwordnow]

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!

[Wexnident]

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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.

[sunsilk]

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

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.

[lizarder]

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.

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.

[MRY]

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.

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.

[Poker Player]

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.

[Helena Yu]

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.

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.

[Reatim]

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’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 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.

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.

[FinneysTrueVision]

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.

[Richbased]

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.

[pooya87]

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!

[icalical]

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.

[Slow death]

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.

[terrific]

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.

[lovesmayfamilis]

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.

[Fiatless]

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.

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 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.

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.  

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.

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.    

[Fortify]

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 findings that “Consumers are holding on to their smartphones for longer periods because upgrades are offering limited differentiation in features.”

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.

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.

[gunhell16]

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.

[maydna]

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.

[LogitechMouse]

The marketing sections of these companies are doing everything possible to make us buy these phones even when we don't need them.  
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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.

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.