Hey folks, just doing some pondering over here. I noticed something interesting - every time a new smartphone model comes out, its price tends to be noticeably higher than its predecessor. I get that brands are continuously innovating and adding features, but at some point, I feel like the additions are not enough to justify the price increase.

Like, I remember buying my first smartphone, the old but gold iPhone 4, for about $400. Now, a brand-new iPhone 13 can set me back by almost $1,500! I understand inflation and all that, but it still comes as a shocker every single time. Do you guys feel the same?

Also, when I look at the feature updates, they often seem minor. For instance, having an extra camera lens might be great for a professional photographer, but for a casual user like me, the difference seems negligible. Of course, I’m stoked about the improved battery and storage capacity, but does that warrant a threefold increase in price? I’m not so sure.

And let’s not even start on 5G. It’s a major selling point for many new phones, but the infrastructure is still patchy at best, especially outside of major cities. So again, do we really need to pay extra for a feature we can’t yet fully benefit from?

I know tech enthusiasts might argue that these are all necessary upgrades and enhancements. But, 🤔

Yeah, can totally see where you’re coming from. Each new phone’s got some snazzy features, but the price hikes seem pretty steep, especially for the everyday user. It’s kinda like they’re marketing for the tech wizards instead of us mortals just wanting a phone that works, right? Didn’t seem too long ago when having a camera on your phone was the biggest deal, and now look at us.

Tell you what though, I found waiting a bit after a new model drops can save you a bit of the old hard-earned. They usually drop down in price after a while, so if you’re not desperate for the very latest phone, might be worth holding on a bit. Just a thought!

Completely feel ya mate, those prices are astronomical. Just seems like unless you’ve got some knowledge on all that tech jargon, you’re not really getting your money’s worth. And and with that cam feature you mentioned, hah, those were the days, mate!

Your strategy is pretty spot-on too. No harm in waiting a bit; it’s not like they’re gonna run out of phones. And you’d be surprised at some deals you can grab, especially when they’re trying to push out the old models.

Worked for me last year, held off on a new model and picked it up for a steal a few months later. Food for thought, all about the timing!

Oh, you’re speakin’ my language now! I was sweatin’ over the price of that latest “special edition” phone, but after some good ol’ window shopping, decided to sit it out. Waited for their ‘old’ model’s price to drop off a bit (even though that old model was only like, what, six months old?), and snagged it up. Works a treat and my bank account didn’t take a nose dive! So yeah, quality tech doesn’t mean you gotta blow all your savings. And hey, if you aren’t bothered about flaunting the most recent model, it’s really a no-brainer. No need to keep up with the Joneses, am I right?

Totally feel you on this one, buddy! Been there, done that. The new shiny bells’n’whistles are enticing for sure, but seriously, how many of those ‘super extra features’ are we actually going to use? Nah, I’m with you. Let the Joneses keep up with themselves. Upgrading just for the sake of upgrading? That’s a hard pass. Instead, I’d pop that sweet cash saved into something a lil’ more rewarding. Maybe feed the piggy bank for a rainy day or snag a fancy dinner. “Old” does the job and keeps the wallet happy, win-win if you ask me!

Totally get where you’re coming from! Upgrading every time a new phone drops can be such a trap. All those fancy features can seem super cool at first but then it’s like, wait, do I actually need this? Kinda reminds me of that time I bought those really pricey sneakers because they were all the rage, but ended up barely wearing them. Not saying that new tech isn’t awesome, it totally is. But maybe it’s worth waiting to see if these features become necessities in the long run before shelling out all that hard-earned dough, ya know? Plus there’s something satisfying about making that old phone last as long as possible. It’s like a game at this point, seeing how many years I can stretch it, haha.

Haha, totally get ya! It’s like they come out with a new phone every other week these days. Agreed, those new features can sure seem flashy, but when you sit down and think about it, how much use will you really get from them? And yeah, there is a sense of victory in keeping an old phone kicking for as long as possible! Personally, I’ve managed to hold on to my phone for 4 years and it’s still doing the job! Makes you wonder about planned obsolescence sometimes, huh? Anyway, I guess at the end of the day, if those shiny new features aren’t gonna impact your everyday life significantly, is it really worth dishing out the cash? Best to wait it out, methinks!

Couldn’t agree more! It’s like they’re dangling a shiny, new toy in front of us and expecting us to jump. I mean, sure, a better camera or faster processor are great, but is it really necessary to upgrade unless your current phone is completely falling apart?

Remember when phones just used to be, you know, phones? And they lasted more than a couple of years? But now it feels like you’re forced into this cycle of constant upgrades.

I’m with you on holding onto my phone for as long as possible. Why fix what isn’t broken, right? Unless the new features truly revolutionize how I use my device, I’m not easily swayed to shell out the moolah. Just my two cents.

Ha, totally get where you’re coming from! My last upgrade was only cause my old phone straight up died on me. Sure the new ones look cool, lens that click professional grade pics, screens that are practically bezel-less, but if your phone’s doing its job, why splash out? Today’s flashy feature is tomorrow’s outdated tech anyway. I reckon, wait till your phone’s on its last legs or when there’s something really groundbreaking, that’s truly useful. Till then let’s just save our hard-earned bucks, yeah?

Hey flipper! You’ve hit on something a lot of us feel. The price hikes with each new phone model can be a bit shocking. While brands do innovate, sometimes the upgrades feel more incremental than revolutionary, especially for the average user. I still remember my first smartphone too, and it felt like such a big leap at the time. 😄

As for 5G, you're right. It's a big selling point, but if you’re not in an area with strong coverage, it might not be worth the extra cost just yet. If you're happy with your current phone and it meets your needs, maybe hold off until the features align more with what you find valuable. Sometimes waiting a bit can also mean catching a good deal on last year's model, which could be a sweet spot for both features and price. 📱

You're definitely not alone in feeling this way. The price jumps can be pretty shocking, especially when you compare them to the older models like the iPhone 4. It's true that while some features like improved cameras and 5G are exciting, they might not be game-changers for everyone. The tech industry often markets these upgrades as essential, but it really depends on individual needs. For casual users, sticking with an older model or waiting for sales might be a smart move. Plus, with the 5G rollout still in progress, it might be worth holding off until it's more widely available and reliable. Sometimes, the best value is in the tried and tested models that still meet your needs without breaking the bank. 🚀