Cutting cost: Do we really need the latest smartphone?

[Smartprofit]

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.

[Wakate]

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


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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.

[l99l]

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.

[Forsyth Jones]

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.

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.

[DubemIfedigbo001]

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 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.

[Pokapoka124]

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.

[GxSTxV]

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.

[stomachgrowls]

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

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Source
Reference

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.

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.

[irhact]

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.

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.

[dezoel]

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.

[coolcoinz]

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.

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

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.

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.

[milewilda]

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.

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.

[AmoreJaz]

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.

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.

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.

[Cryptohygenic]

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.

[Smack That Ace]

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.

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.

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.

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.

[bakasabo]

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.

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.

[Mr.sprin]

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.

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.

[ndutndut]

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.

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.

[ChiBitCTy]

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.

[Ndabagi01]

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

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.