Mobile Phone Price These Days Is Insane

LTaro Milk Tea on 19/02/2019 - 15:43
Last edited 21/02/2019 - 10:45

Just happen to read some news about the new upcoming Samsung Galaxy s10 and its projected price is somewhere between $1800-$2000. Samsung Galaxy Fold, projected price starts from USD1900 (CRAZY!!)

I know that new release IPhones have been in this price range for a while, but I just can't help myself to wonder, why does the price keep increasing and still many people buy it???

Let's ignore the fact rich people do have the spare money to buy it, but I had a mate who was willing to trade IPhone 8 for IPhone X within months along with paying extra $1000-ish for the trade.

What do you think is the reason people still buying those overpriced phones apart from being too rich that you are confused what to do with your money?

And how much are you willing to pay for your mobile phone?

Poll Options

  • 292
    <$500
  • 333
    $500-$1000
  • 70
    $1000-$2000
  • 12
    >$2000
  • 9
    Screw this universe, who needs mobile phone when you can send letter?!
Mobile Mobile Phone

Comments

  • tempura on 19/02/2019 - 15:45
    +37

    Utter dumbness, enough said

    • Taro Milk Tea on 19/02/2019 - 15:48

      It is indeed!

      • Scrooge McDuck on 21/02/2019 - 17:15
        +2

        Your poll is far too imprecise. I typically pay around $50 for a mobile phone and upgrade every 3 or 4 years.

        • Cheeper on 23/02/2019 - 11:14

          I can't understand why people have negged Scrooge's comment?
          I know many people who find the "supermarket" phones perfectly adequate for their needs.
          Phone companies sweat on and make big money from releasing new phones just to feed those that need the brag value or image boost.
          Good luck if you like to have a $2000 price tag hanging from your phone but understand that some people have different priorities in life.

    • outlander on 19/02/2019 - 16:03
      +15

      Willing utter dumbness.

      People want to believe that a solution exists to their problems, and that solution can be bought with money alone. When you have a crap phone, you can say 'Oh, my lifes terrible and I'm unhappy because everything I own is garbage'. But when you have the very best, and your life still sucks… what do you do then.

      • stirlo on 19/02/2019 - 16:18
        +10

        When you have a crap phone, you can say 'Oh, my lifes terrible and I'm unhappy because everything I own is garbage'. But when you have the very best, and your life still sucks… what do you do then.

        Or you're just relatively comfortable in your life to the point where spending a dollar or two extra a day has almost zero bearing on the quality of your life either way.

        • outlander on 19/02/2019 - 19:06

          You say that like that's somehow less pathetic.

          • HighAndDry on 20/02/2019 - 09:34
            +3

            @outlander: You somehow think people only buy phones for status reasons - instead of features, usability, reliability, aftercare support, etc.

            I probably spend more on coffee over the course of 2 years than on my phone. What then?

            • outlander on 20/02/2019 - 15:21
              +2

              @HighAndDry: I think people buy things for many reasons. Some of them logical, most of them illogical.

              I'm not saying that every person who upgrades to the newest model every time is wrong every time. For instance, if you live an insanely busy life, then you might decide to outsource your phone decisions, so that it was someone elses job to make sure you had 100% reliable service, and as part of that they may upgrade you to the latest model every year. That could make sense. But thats running at a level of almost unconcious thought, where you don't really care.

              Most people wouldn't fit in that category. Instead, what seems to happen is that people upgrade just because they want something new. I wouldn't ban them from doing it, even if I could, but do I think its stupid? Yes, definitely. Otherwise why stop there? Upgrade your bed every year. Upgrade your carpet, walls, windows, even though it cost money and delivers no practical improvement.

              Instead of upgrading, people would be wiser to pay someone to teach them how to better use their existing phone.

              • HighAndDry on 20/02/2019 - 15:24

                @outlander: I feel like you're answering a question that no one asked. The OP said:

                What do you think is the reason people still buying those overpriced phones apart from being too rich that you are confused what to do with your money?

                Nothing about upgrading "to the newest model every time". I know a lot of people who upgrade only every 2-3 years or more.

                • outlander on 20/02/2019 - 15:30

                  @HighAndDry: Your feelings are bang on HAD: I'm always answering questions that no one asked. I only really skim read the title for these kinds of things.

                  If your upgrading every 3 years then thats fine. In absolute terms, the benefits a mobile phone delivers is probably around $2K+ for the average person, so spending up to that is somewhat justifiable. After 3 years of heavy use the battery's pretty much shot anyway

                  • HighAndDry on 20/02/2019 - 15:32
                    +4

                    @outlander: Haha in that case I agree with you. I see no reason why anyone would need to upgrade to a flagship phone every year. That'd be a spectacular waste of money.

                  • abb on 21/02/2019 - 13:44
                    +7

                    @outlander:

                    After 3 years of heavy use the battery's pretty much shot anyway

                    And that's the ONLY thing that is worn out. Most people gain no benefit from an incrementally faster processor in their instagram scrolling machine.

                    It's kinda like buying a new car because it needs new tyres. Except the wheel nuts are welded titanium and you have to remove the windscreen, engine, and suspension to change the tyres…

              • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2019 - 10:32
                +2

                @outlander: My bro in law purchased an oversized Samsung because "it had good resale value"

                Turns out his phone is worth 800 less after a couple of years.

                I could have bought like 4 nice xiaomis for that……

      • Taro Milk Tea on 19/02/2019 - 16:36

        very deep, such as life! :)

    • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2019 - 11:09
      +2

      Utter dumbness ignorance , enough said .

      I honestly think many people get suckered into buying expensive phones, in the belief that it will significantly change their user experience .
      The reality is, the vast majority of users are going to never even come close, to using the phones full capabilities. Eg. You don't need a phone with RAM/CPU/Graphics-chip , more powerful than many laptops… when your just using facebooks and a few apps lol.
      Having such a powerful computer in small form of a phone, isn't really going to make any difference, to the average user.
      If you want to run Fortnite, or whatever latest 3d games that might run better on the $1500 phone. I almost went down this route years ago, but then I realised there isn't much point spending big on a phone to run super high quality 3d games, when I'm just going to put my ps4 or xboxOne on and play anyway. And if I was to need portable gaming (say for regular long train commutes) better to just buy a cheaper phone, then buy portable console.
      I wonder how many people have wasted $1500 on a phone because they want to play 3d games on it, when they could have just bo bought a Nintendo Switch ($300-$400?) Then a great phone for all their non-gaming needs (<$500) . Same goes for those that spend big on a phone for phones camera, you could probably pick up a decent camera (one that is wayyyyyy better than any phone camera) for under $500 . Then have a great camera, and a phone for your non-photography needs. Camera not as good an example though, as great cameras seem bulky, whereas a Switch wouldn't take up much room in your bag, if were wanting gaming use on long commutes to work etc.

      • bobz79 on 21/02/2019 - 13:00
        +8

        The answer is convenience and people are willing to pay for it.

        You pay more to have camera/gaming/music etc features in one device (better phone) than carry multiple dedicated devices!

        • bmerigan on 22/02/2019 - 21:57
          +1

          There's no extra convenience in paying $1000 more than I did for a phone. I have all the same features.

          • bobz79 on 23/02/2019 - 19:44

            @bmerigan: Paid ~$800 for high end compact Canon Mirrorless camera (G7x), but still hardly use it. Take a lot of photos, mostly on phone.

            Similarly phone has Bluetooth 5, aptX HD etc, so don't need another music player.

            8GB RAM, Snapdragon 845 and AMOLED 6.28" screen - good for entertainment/games as well

            That being said, I got a phone with all above features under $1K (Oneplus 6)

      • ardon on 21/02/2019 - 16:54
        +5

        Because suddenly you're walking around with a camera and a phone. Your pockets are full. You've got 2 things to charge. etc.
        I won't go above $1000… but I know that there is a decent bump up in camera quality from $500 to $1000 and it is the only camera I take with me so I might as well have a half decent one. What's the saying… "the best camera is the one you have with you".

        • Soothsayer on 21/02/2019 - 20:34
          +1

          Exactly - I didn't think it would be necessary in 2019 to explain why smart phones are a better/more convenient option than a discrete phone, camera, camcorder, laptop, GPS, MP3 player, radio, gaming console, calendar, even wallet now. But apparently it is the smarter decision to both purchase and carry around all of these instead of a high end phone!

      • Milk tea on 21/02/2019 - 22:53
        +2

        What do you mean? I need the phone's full capability to watch youtube while split screening and going on instagram to look at cat pictures or most times having many tabs open in the background

    • Jaysful on 23/02/2019 - 17:44

      Why?

      • tempura on 23/02/2019 - 18:00

        You're talking to me?

  • try2bhelpful on 19/02/2019 - 15:48
    +45

    Given the amount of time some people use their phones even an expensive one might provide them with reasonable value.

    • stirlo on 19/02/2019 - 15:53
      +24

      ^This, even a marginal improvement in an object you use for many hours every day is worth paying extra for.

      How many people here buy a nice car for thousands of extra dollars and only use it for a few hours a week?

      Phones cost a tiny fraction of this and for most people the couple of dollars a day over the life of a phone is worth it.

      • HighAndDry on 19/02/2019 - 16:01
        +28

        Heck, $1,200 spread over 2 years at a conservative ~4hrs of use per day is $0.41/hr.

        Apply this to literally any other form of entertainment - what other options even come close to being that cheap?

        • ozbjunkie on 20/02/2019 - 11:50
          +5

          PC gaming. Especially if you calculate per game.

          • HighAndDry on 20/02/2019 - 11:52
            +22

            @ozbjunkie: Looks at my Steam library

            Nope. Definitely not a financially responsible area of my life…

            • ozbjunkie on 20/02/2019 - 13:42
              +4

              @HighAndDry: You're going to have to prioritise your time better, stop wasting so much time with friends, family, exercise and working.

          • ChillBro on 20/02/2019 - 12:31
            +1

            @ozbjunkie: Then you should also consider the cost of PC parts and electricity (since it's considerable unlike for phones).

            • ozbjunkie on 20/02/2019 - 13:44
              +3

              @ChillBro: Yes you're right. Comes close, but perhaps does not exceed the value of a phone.

              On the other hand, a $2g PC is necessary to get the most out of some games, but a $500 phone does everything a $2g phone does. The utility curve with these phones seems a little out of whack.

        • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2019 - 00:34

          4hrs a day is conservative? Jeeeeeeezus.

          • HighAndDry on 22/02/2019 - 01:03
            +1

            @[Deactivated]: Oh, that's very conservative. I know people who're basically on their phones ~16hrs+ a day. Not even an exaggeration.

            • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2019 - 13:17

              @HighAndDry: That is so unhealthy… I get worried when mine goes over 2 hours. It affects your mental health.

              • HighAndDry on 22/02/2019 - 13:20
                +3

                @[Deactivated]: Probably. Everything in modern society affects our mental health though - we're not really evolved to live in concrete jungles surrounded by never-ending stimuli and trying to juggle finances and family plans decades in advance.

                That's probably a bit too broad though. As it relates to phone use? Has to be seen in context of overall media consumption. Being on your phone isn't too different from being on your tablet or computer (like being on OzB here for example) so it's your total exposure that matters, not just your phone use.

                Having said that, I probably am on too much of everything anyway.

                • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2019 - 13:22
                  +1

                  @HighAndDry: Absolutely, I didn't mean it in a vacuum. If you're using your phone for 5 minutes a day and on social media on a laptop for 23 hours and 55 minutes, who cares about the phone usage?

                  That being said, I think phones more than PCs are designed to keep your attention and waste your money. Not that I don't think PCs are guilty of the same at times.

                  • HighAndDry on 22/02/2019 - 13:25

                    @[Deactivated]: Yeah. I actually try to keep off social media as much as I can. I use my phone primarily for work (contacting clients, etc), friends, and to keep up on news. I'm not sure if I should be more or less worried that that still probably easily exceeds 4hrs per day total.

      • Taro Milk Tea on 19/02/2019 - 16:03
        +2

        That's true, but phone has way less lifespan than car.

        For some people car can last for longer time and it might be an 'investment'..but phone? Meh, I can't even make that much saving in months!

        But I do appreciate people value things differently tho.

        • ThithLord on 19/02/2019 - 16:43
          +1

          iPhones retain their value way more than any other brand - something to bear in mind.

          • raymosaurus on 22/02/2019 - 13:16

            @ThithLord: Yes it's absolutely incredible. I have often pondered that the reason that iPhone resale prices are so out of kilter with all other tech, is that iPhone users haven't yet figured out that tech gets superceded very quickly and depreciates. A LOT.

        • try2bhelpful on 19/02/2019 - 16:54
          +3

          I’m still using my iPhone 6 Plus so it would have, roughly, 4 years “on the clock”. Some people have traded their car in by now and have lost thousands in devaluation. I upgraded from the iPhone 4 to the iPhone 6+ because of much better functionality. I agree if you are trading every year to the latest model you are, probably, wasting a fair bit of money. But, buying a phone that fulfils your needs is better value than a cheap phone you always regret buying because it frustrates you.

          If nothing else it is worth having a decent phone because they tend to be our primary cameras nowadays.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/02/2019 - 16:15

      Yeah, don't forget all the bells and whistles like VoLTE and VoWifi support that the cheaper phones don't have.

      When it's a vital business call, having those extra features and being contactable can mean the difference between a mildly infuriated client or one that walks; depending on how bad things are. Let's face it, people don't call when everything is rosy…

      • GG57 on 19/02/2019 - 16:26
        +1

        Fair enough, but I think that OP was aiming the topic more on personal mobiles.
        Surely if the functions and features of your phone are that critical to your business, then your business would have provided it (not you buy it yourself)?
        At the very least, the cost would be a business expense.

        • [Deactivated] on 19/02/2019 - 16:27

          Private contractor, well most of us in IT are.

          Well the ones making over $100k are. I'm not sure about employees. I think my high school friend is still doing tech support and is earning less than $50k.

      • Loopholio on 20/02/2019 - 09:59

        How can anyone be mildly infuriated?

    • scrimshaw on 19/02/2019 - 16:28
      +4

      I upgraded from a Samsung Galaxy S8+ (a $600 dollar phone) to a Samsung Note 9 ($1200), can say that while the Note 9 is an impressive device with an amazing camera it hasn't really changed much on how I use it. It costs twice as much as my old phone but it doesn't mean it's exactly twice as good :)

      I haven't found a real use for it's stylus apart from doing some doodles. I could probably still get away with using an even cheaper device, such as a Xiaomi Pocophone F1, I just won't have the nice things like B28, Google Pay, the excellent Samsung camera, stylus etc.

      If there was a phone that cost twice more than my Note 9, it would have to have unique features that set it apart from any other phone in the market. Not the usual processor speed upgrade but something functionally different… like a folding screen.

      • Taro Milk Tea on 19/02/2019 - 16:36
        +4

        and also maybe a 'once a week charging' function?

        • scrimshaw on 19/02/2019 - 16:46
          +5

          Would be nice too. A new battery chemistry type that puts battery degradation worries to rest would also be a plus.

          I think we've reached peak smartphone. In terms of performance, even midrange $500 phones aren't lacking in any department, and when you spend $1500~2k on a brand new flagship what you're buying is essentially the very cutting edge of CPU performance, an even better camera, a cooler design and less bezels.

          But what you rarely get.. is a phone that outlasts the previous one.

          The upgrades the phone manufacturer puts in are not necessarily the stuff that everyone needs, what we do need is for them to last longer and to do away with the need to replace a flagship phone when the tech inside it becomes obsolete.

          Phones don't have to become obsolete so quickly, it's just that the industry makes them that way so as to keep the revenue coming.

      • Milk tea on 21/02/2019 - 22:56

        The s8+ wasn't 600 when it first came out so not really half the price of your note.

        • Kangal on 22/02/2019 - 00:50
          +2

          Ever since 2008 - 2015, flagship phones used to cost $800 and they would get discounted to $600 in 2months time. Now $600 is considered "midrange".
          And a flagship phone starts at a minimum $1,000 and they don't seem to drop in value (at least percentage wise) as fast as they did. These are signs that we truly have hit market saturation and plateau.

          I don't think they can make the screen's much better, the camera's much sharper, and the device much thinner, than what we're seeing on the Galaxy S10.

          However, we still have some ways to go when it comes to:
          - speakers (Razer Phone 2 quality or better?)
          - battery life (go from a 3,500mAh 2.5day battery life, to a 9,000mAh week-long battery life)
          - performance (further microarchitecture improvements with smarter software, smaller lithography and cooling solutions, perhaps upto x4-fold increase headroom)
          …and these three improvements above are the reasons I could justify spending that much on a device.

    • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2019 - 00:34

      Is it a good thing to be spending that much time on one's phone though?

    • jno on 23/02/2019 - 10:49

      lets be honest majority of people that go out and buy phones and upgrade every year cant tell the difference between their old one and new one performance wise. Most of the time its just the new placebo effect

  • Brianqpr on 19/02/2019 - 15:51
    +7

    2 year plans that make monthly payments manageable for a lot of people are a big reason, as is the desire to be seen with the latest phone. I do think many are starting to wake up to what a waste of money it is though with more very good mid range options becoming available.

    Lets face it, most do no more than calls, texts, browsing, social media and point and shoot photos. You certainly don't need a $2k phone of any of that.

    • Taro Milk Tea on 19/02/2019 - 16:06
      +4

      I still remember years ago where I joined for a 24 months plan for $49/month and I found that was already expensive that time.

      And now people are willing to pay >$100/month with overflowed data allowance (which I believe people struggle to use even 50% of it) for 24 months?!?..That's crazy.

      It is indeed a waste of money!

      • stirlo on 19/02/2019 - 16:13
        +5

        It is indeed a waste of money!

        A waste of $3 per day… Its less than most people spend on Coffee…

        • Fudnut on 20/02/2019 - 09:16
          +3

          I spend about $10/yr on cups of coffee.. so yeah.. a waste :)

        • Bargain80 on 21/02/2019 - 11:51

          A waste of $3 per day… Its less than most people spend on Coffee…

          I don't waste $3/day on mobile plan so I can afford it the coffee

    • Chandler on 20/02/2019 - 10:54

      2 year plans that make monthly payments manageable for a lot of people are a big reason

      Apple is literally living this in the US. Sales dropped as iPhone prices climbed and carrier subsidies dropped.

  • Donaldhump on 19/02/2019 - 15:54
    +4

    i just get all the hand downs from family members, no way ill pay 2k for a phone

  • [Deactivated] on 19/02/2019 - 16:11

    Hypebeast:

    People buy to flex.

    Plus when you get 50% back on tax, it makes it a very good deal.

    You can also claim back luxury bags if you use it daily.

    Don't forget the resale value, although the ATO generally doesn't come after you.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/02/2019 - 16:19
      +1

      Although, I'm pretty sure there are some people out there on higher income tax brackets that just buy the phone to resell and then claim the tax deduction. lol.

      • Scantu on 19/02/2019 - 17:37
        +1

        Except for that would be just as illegal as not declaring your income in the first place so they probably don't. The only purpose it would serve would be to make you "feel" better about doing something illegal.

        Also noone can claim 50pct back on tax because our top marginal is lower than 50

        • [Deactivated] on 19/02/2019 - 20:23
          +1

          It probably happens more than you think. That's how most people on lower tax brackets get lucky with bargains on gumtree. People think it's stolen or something, but it's just someone doing tax arbitrage. A lot of prep school kids with iphones because their parents bought it for them.

          Same with those who claim car expenses per kilometer and don't even use their car for work…

          Anyway, it's basically 50% off your phone cost at the top marginal tax bracket. No one is going to get out a calculator or look up the tables. The basic rule of thumb is 50% back when you include all those extra surcharges/levies.

          Do you claim your phone expenses, no one goes and does the calculation of how much they use, you just estimate it? If audited, then you prove the estimate is accurate and everything is smooth.

          Got to wake up to what is happening in real society rather than what is theory.

          Businesses deducting car depreciation expense even though it wasn't really used. It happens all the time, best you learn what actually happens versus what you think happens. Learned it all when I was in Accounting years ago.

          • Scantu on 20/02/2019 - 01:03

            @[Deactivated]: Doing it on any sort of scale that would be effective is directly the same as just misdeclaring your income in the first place.

            It's not basically 50% for everyone either, not remotely so. Less than 3% fall into the "not 50%" TMTB

            • HighAndDry on 20/02/2019 - 13:48
              +2

              @Scantu: They don't even have to resell it. If you're a business owner, the tax difference means that instead of paying $1,500 for a phone, you're only really paying $800-$900 for it. If you could get an iPhone XS for that price, there's no reason not to.

              • Scantu on 20/02/2019 - 14:04

                @HighAndDry: Yes, I understand. That is a good thing. The phone is a cost of the business, and you can't tax the portion of a businesses income that are used for costs because that would not make sense.

                If you sell something for $10 and make it for $5, you get taxed on the $5 profit, not the $10 revenue. Same applies here.

  • DarthAntz on 19/02/2019 - 16:12
    +4

    Don't ignore the fact that there are enough people willing to pay this price for phones, because there are, and they do.

    Rather than point out the obvious, you need a product that you can sell to people who have the money to pay for it. Make something. Work towards creating a product or service that is overpriced, but the people with the cash to throw at it do want it and will pay for it.
    People will buy a product based on its market value, despite it being a high price.
    While those people are shelling out and buying these phones, there are hundreds of people complaining that the phone is too expensive. This adds to the appeal of the phone/product for the people who buy it.

    You could say the same for video cards.

    My phone is $300, because I budget $100 a year for the life of my phone. If an S10 is guaranteed to last for 20 years, it's in my range. But it won't.

    • Taro Milk Tea on 19/02/2019 - 16:33
      +2

      Yes good point. I do realise those companies keep making high end phones because there is a market that cater it.

      People say economy is getting worse day by day, but I say economy is still the same. The money isn't lost somewhere, its just getting transferred to other people.

      Maybe the rich people gets richer, the ozbargainer stays ozbargainer.

      • HighAndDry on 20/02/2019 - 13:52
        +3

        People say economy is getting worse day by day, but I say economy is still the same. The money isn't lost somewhere, its just getting transferred to other people.

        You don't understand how economies work. Cash money might not disappear, but "value" absolutely does. Easy example - if I have a new car worth $10,000, that's $10,000 of assets. If I crash it, that value has just disappeared because the car isn't worth $10,000 anymore. I haven't transferred it to anyone, no one else has gained $10,000 - I've just lost that amount in assets.

        It's the same with the economy. A company can be worth $1mil because of its yearly profits and revenue. But if there's a downturn in consumer confidence (i.e. people spend less), then that company will have lower profits and revenue, and it won't be worth $1mil anymore.

        Apply that widely, and that's how economies can get worse.

  • blindingshadowz on 19/02/2019 - 16:12
    +1

    It's absurd isn't it? I think some may justify the cost with the amount of time they use it. Oh, it'll be the thing I use every day for everything I do and yes it affords a level of convenience that is undeniable, but I always lol at the price Apple charges and with Samsung to follow, I'm sure other Android manufacturers might want to jump in that pool and have a splash.

    For me personally, I bought a damaged Pixel 2 XL which fortunately was under warranty and got it replaced with a brand new one for under $450. Bargain. The warranty on it runs out in early 2020, I'm set for a bit.

    • Wystri Warrick on 19/02/2019 - 22:27
      +1

      For me personally, I bought a damaged Pixel 2 XL which fortunately was under warranty and got it replaced with a brand new one for under $450. Bargain. The warranty on it runs out in early 2020, I'm set for a bit.

      You sir are a true Ozbargainer!

  • Ryanek on 19/02/2019 - 16:28
    +14

    You have one of the most powerful devices at your fingertips. It relays data from anywhere in the World via satellites to your hand in milliseconds. You have the collective knowledge of all the libraries on Earth with just one search away.

    Yet this 3 seater lounge from Freedom costs more and no one bats an eye.

    All you see is a little screen that makes calls and displays nice pictures, but fail to see all the hours of R&D from all the scientists and engineers that make it all happen.

    All those cheap phones you have now, were born from the technology of these flagship phones.

    • Taro Milk Tea on 19/02/2019 - 16:34

      How do you know that I'm in market for new sofa? But that's way over the budget ;)

    • Topdog on 19/02/2019 - 17:17
      +1

      Agreed, R&D cost heaps, and we as the consumer want them better and better each release, I realise that phones have stayed the same in a while. but still a lot of R&D goes in and these people are paid a lot

  • Topdog on 19/02/2019 - 16:42
    +16

    People spend $2000 on a phone but whinge about a $10 protective case. lol

  • coxjon on 19/02/2019 - 17:08
    +1

    I just had a google out of curiosity and the biggest jumps in the iPhone lineup had lower prices than their predecessors. I'm talking about 3GS -> 4 (retina display) and 5s -> 6 (slim form factor that stayed around until iP8).

    Check out the huge jump for a 3D camera on the front…

    I'm firmly of the belief that as technology gets better, the price doesn't have to. Imagine if the price had jumped at retina display, lightning port, 3D touch, wireless charging too!

  • Cave Fire on 19/02/2019 - 18:10

    Have to keep up with the Joneses/Apple. If they price low then they seem not as premium as Apple.

  • fishball on 19/02/2019 - 18:15

    I'm ok with a 500-1k phone because I use it every day and generally for 3+ years. That makes it < $1 per day cost which is nothing really considering I need it for work.

    I went with Samsung S2->5->8 over the years. Next upgrade will be in 2021 at least.

  • GangGang on 19/02/2019 - 20:58
    +3

    Imagine dropping it the 1st week and cracking the screen.

  • Speckled Jim on 19/02/2019 - 22:04
    +2

    Poll needs more options.
    Last three phones purchased were under $100, two of them actually under $30 from Target.
    They are all we need in a smart phone. Replaceable batteries even.

    • abb on 21/02/2019 - 13:54

      Replaceable batteries even.

      Ha, good one. Next you'll tell me they have a headphone jack!

      • dogboy on 21/02/2019 - 17:42

        and a SD card slot!

      • Speckled Jim on 21/02/2019 - 18:12

        Yes and yes! AND they have B28.
        Phones is fine.

  • SDF05 on 20/02/2019 - 01:07
    -2

    Unfortunately, as long as it's trendy, people will keep buying them. Apple aren't what they used to be but the iPhone dominates the smartphone market by far because it's somewhat consistent and simple to use compared to other phones (even Android phones who've basically become iPhone clones).

    And people want the latest phone with the latest camera so they could snap, talk in messenger and just do general social media stuff with their friends and family. I don't think people pay almost $1K upfront because of the 2 year contracts that they can easily buy because it's a month to month thing.

    It's just how the world is. If there was an Android phone with literally every feature packed in, I think more people would switch but even Google out of all Android manufacturers are copying Apple so what's the point for people to even switch?

    But tbh, not every person is like this. Some do enough research to find a good phone they can live with for the next 3-5 years (maybe like me who has the Poco F1 now and will probably keep it around for a long time, unless Poco F2 brings NFC on top of the specs Poco F1 has given). But most people are living on a trendy world where they need to have the latest stuff, even if it means spending a few bucks more, and Apple handles it's customer service end very well so at least they survive enough for people to still buy Apple stuff.

  • Geoff-bargain on 20/02/2019 - 08:12
    +4

    Last couple of phones were around $450 and they just keep getting better so don't see any need to spend more than this.

  • wako on 20/02/2019 - 08:16
    +4

    Screw that…

    Redmi note's all the way..
    At under 300 more like under 250 for the pro/plus Just thrashem and buy a new one or upgrade the missos phone and she happy and buy new one…

  • Slippage on 20/02/2019 - 08:17

    It depends how much value it add's to you. I replied to a similar thread not long ago (upgrading phones regularly??), which broke it down, but essentially if you use it lots and it brings value, then $2,000 or more isn't bad.

    I find the people that complain about the prices are usually the same people that buy a coffee and cake every day, which in the end will cost more than the phone

    • Taro Milk Tea on 20/02/2019 - 09:24
      +3

      I have seen many of us here say that as long as it brings value, it should be ok - but im curious, how much value does a $2k phone can bring compare to a $500 phone?

      Because in reality, people don't only rely on their mobile for the source of entertainment e.g. watch movies, eat at restaurants, play consoles/PCs, hang out with friends and families etc.

      I'm not trying to argue with your statement, but I think those people who say 'as long as it gives us value' are the one who rich enough to spend that much money for an expensive phones.

      ps: coffee and cake every day?? Dang, if I know someone who does that, I would encourage them to do a medical check up straight away!

      • Slippage on 20/02/2019 - 11:12

        For me, it brings loads. The value comes with integration. iOS just works, where as a lot of my Android using friends have constant struggles. The organisation I work for is iOS heavy, so they have created a suite of applications which allow me to access things from my phone, which would otherwise require a laptop and vpn setup.

        I would not call myself rich, My phone is 5 years old and when you depreciate the initial cost over that time, it's not so bad. I get more tangible value from my phone, than I do from my contents insurance (which I have never claimed on and spent more on than phones)

        The two people I sit next to at work, go down to a coffee van at 10am every workday, to buy a coffee and cake/slice. You can set your watch to it. They are not the only ones in the building either.

  • affable on 20/02/2019 - 09:13
    +1

    I'm happy with a $250 Moto G5, only looking for a replacement because my daughter wants mine. Bigger screen and NFC are the only things I'd change.

  • GG57 on 20/02/2019 - 09:35

    I'm intrigued by many responses that have mentioned they need their phone for their work.
    The vast majority of the working population in this country work for employers. Employers are supposed to provide us with all the tools, equipment, supplies, etc., for us to do our work.

    But we seem to have been conned by a lot of employers into using our personally-funded phones for work purposes.
    I know that some, but not many, do provide work-use phones, and that we can claim a tax deduction for private phone work-use expenses, but it is us that are outlaying the funds to purchase the phone, to charge it, etc.

    • Trung on 20/02/2019 - 10:32
      +1

      Oh man.. all these years I've always thought I've got the better end of the deal. Work provided the phone and said I could use it at home too.
      But now realised they've subconsciously tricked me into using my own electricity to charge it.

    • Mattmattmatt on 20/02/2019 - 10:50
      +1

      I know a few people who use their phone for work and get a reimbursement or allowance as that is much more convenient than carrying two phone around.

  • RecklessMonkeys on 20/02/2019 - 10:23
    -2

    Consumerism mainly.

  • Birdy2019 on 20/02/2019 - 11:32

    Flagships yes! its just a phone not a tablet/pc. But these companies want your $$$$$$$$$, Apple being the worse. Tech moves to fast these days, is it worth it $1800 no way!

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