Cutting cost: Do we really need the latest smartphone?

[bakasabo]

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

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

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

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

[doomloop]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Miles2006]

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

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

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

[fuguebtc]

-.-
 Take any cheap smartphone for $200-300 that will lag all the time, have awful display and cheap plastic. You will hate this phone every day you use it, and replace it next year.

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

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

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

[N.O]

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

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

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

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

[lepbagong]

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

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

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

[Helena Yu]

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

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

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

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

[Oluwa-btc]

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

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

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

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

[Fiatless]

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

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

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

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

[Alone055]

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

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

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

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

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

[Lida93]

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

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

[dansus021]

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

Only Do if you are really needed

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

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

[Huppercase]

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

Only Do if you are really needed

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

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

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

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