Cutting cost: Do we really need the latest smartphone?

[Stable090]

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.

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.

[lepbagong]

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.

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.

[JeffBrad12]

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.

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.

[Die_empty]

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.

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 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.       

[bakasabo]

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.

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.

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.

[Su-asa]

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.”


Source

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

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

[Mahanton]

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.

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.

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.

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.

[Mr. Magkaisa]

        -        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.

[bakasabo]

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.

[Justbillywitt]

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.”


Source

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

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.

[junder]

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.

[NewRanger]

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.

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.

[CryptoBuds]

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.

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.

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.

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.

[TravelMug]

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.

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.

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.

[Lucius]

Cutting cost: Do we really need the latest smartphone?

   
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.

[Marvelockg]

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

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.

[Strongkored]

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

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.

[Yucky]

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

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.

[stomachgrowls]

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

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.

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.

[DeathAngel]

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.