Other Why spend $1K every year on a phone?

[tcphoto1]

Some people see their phone as a statement, a fashion accessory or whatever. I went from a Razr (flip phone) to an iPhone 3G to a 6 and recently a used 11, so I've resisted the $1K phone. I see a phone as a tool, a convenience not an accessory. By the time you put it in a case no one knows what brand it is anyway.

 

[Runs For Fun]

And as a new arrival in the thread, my reaction to your reaction was that you did seem to take it too personally that many others have a different perspective on things. 🤷

I have very recently completely changed my mind regarding getting a new phone. For the first time in my life I don't always have that when/where/how of constantly trying to calculate the best [whatever] when it comes to the next phone.

And… honestly… it's like waking up from having been in some kind of cult or something. Once that base (self-) conditioning broke I look back at it like I was crazy.

For work I did need the hardware in my current (XS Max) iPhone, so I don't regret it; and when the work requirements catches up with me the next time I will get a new one. But outside of that I simply don't need a new iPhone.

Not going all 1800s' frugal, though; still getting the AirPods Max, because those will actually add something to my life. And I'll always be up for getting the latest AW, if it contains some sort of feature that literally could add (time) to my life.

I don't have a problem with people having a different perspective, but I think it's a little bit arrogant to say that people who want to buy a phone every year are "bad" or "in a cult" or whatever and somehow you're better than everyone else for "seeing the light".

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

Some folks travel, some buy rare whiskey, some hit Starbucks every morning while others like to drastically overpay for drinks for the social aspect of imbibing in bars. If you can afford it, what's wrong with buying a new phone every year to enjoy the new features?

 

[svanstrom]

I don't have a problem with people having a different perspective, but I think it's a little bit arrogant to say that people who want to buy a phone every year are "bad" or "in a cult" or whatever and somehow you're better than everyone else for "seeing the light".

They'd seen the light, and then you took off feeling insulted.

I would really like to see your reaction if a religious person (of not your preferred flavour) knocks on your door… 😛

 

[rui no onna]

Yeah, I think it’s like that everywhere except maybe some big tech/social media companies... I’m the only one I know with a 12, all of my colleagues, acquaintances and friends have older phones, even though many of them make way more money than I do.

Yep. I know my previous boss bought 3x iPhone 6s+ for his household just a few weeks before the 7 series was released. He was switching from T-Mobile to Verizon and he didn't really care that a new model is just on the horizon. They used the 6s+ for years before eventually upgrading to 3x XS Max when the old devices started exhibiting problems.

The techies/fresh grads here seem to have Androids. Overall, I believe we have more Android users here than iPhone.

 

[Yoms]

I can't answer OP's question. That's why I probably keep my phone 6 years or so.
Dumb me.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Yeah, I think it’s like that everywhere except maybe some big tech/social media companies... I’m the only one I know with a 12, all of my colleagues, acquaintances and friends have older phones, even though many of them make way more money than I do.

I think the common misconception on Mac Rumours is that the phone someone uses, is a reflection on their wealth or how much they earn. It’s quite often an insinuation on here, especially when someone doesn’t opt for the most expensive iPhone. The response is often ‘well if you can’t afford it’. These people never seem to factor in that mobile phones are not always priorities, or if the person doesn’t see the worth in spending more.

There’s guys on the factory floor where I work who have better phones than me or in some cases drive a nicer car despite being close to minimum wage. Priorities differ I think.

 

[Barbareren]

I think the common misconception on Mac Rumours is that the phone someone uses, is a reflection on their wealth or how much they earn. It’s quite often an insinuation on here, especially when someone doesn’t opt for the most expensive iPhone. The response is often ‘well if you can’t afford it’. These people never seem to factor in that mobile phones are not always priorities, or if the person doesn’t see the worth in spending more.

There’s guys on the factory floor where I work who have better phones than me or in some cases drive a nicer car despite being close to minimum wage. Priorities differ I think.

I agree, it’s about priorities and personal preferences. Many of us here are obviously more into phones and new tech than the average consumer.

 

[svanstrom]

I think the common misconception on Mac Rumours is that the phone someone uses, is a reflection on their wealth or how much they earn. It’s quite often an insinuation on here, especially when someone doesn’t opt for the most expensive iPhone. The response is often ‘well if you can’t afford it’. These people never seem to factor in that mobile phones are not always priorities, or if the person doesn’t see the worth in spending more.

There’s guys on the factory floor where I work who have better phones than me or in some cases drive a nicer car despite being close to minimum wage. Priorities differ I think.

To be fair, it's soooo much easier to chose to not have what "everyone else" is having when it's a choice, and not a broke.

 

[Falhófnir]

If gadgets/tech is your main hobby then a grand a year honestly isn't that much for most people I'd imagine. If it's what you spend most of your disposable income on it's not really any different to spending a similar amount on a holiday, which most wouldn't bat an eyelid at. Or blowing £2-300 on a night out (easily done), and almost certainly a lot cheaper than if you're into cars! The problem is just with the few that will max the credit cards to keep up with the Joneses because they want to project a certain lifestyle image. Tech purchases will only be a very small part of the problem there though.

 

[DevinNj]

I get into this discussion often with my co-workers. "How can you spend that kind of money each year on a cell phone?" For about a $1.50 a day USD, I think I can swing it. Funny how folks who smoke a pack of cigarettes a day or hit up Starbucks every morning on their drive in, don't seem to get it.

 

[rui no onna]

If gadgets/tech is your main hobby then a grand a year honestly isn't that much for most people I'd imagine. If it's what you spend most of your disposable income on it's not really any different to spending a similar amount on a holiday, which most wouldn't bat an eyelid at. Or blowing £2-300 on a night out (easily done), and almost certainly a lot cheaper than if you're into cars! The problem is just with the few that will max the credit cards to keep up with the Joneses because they want to project a certain lifestyle image. Tech purchases will only be a very small part of the problem there though.

Hah, holidays. For me, the tech upgrades were much cheaper.

Back when my grandmothers (living overseas) were still alive, I used to save up $5K a year to visit them and bring "pasalubong" (gifts) not just for grandma but cousins, niblings and godchildren, too.

I get into this discussion often with my co-workers. "How can you spend that kind of money each year on a cell phone?" For about a $1.50 a day USD, I think I can swing it. Funny how folks who smoke a pack of cigarettes a day or hit up Starbucks every morning on their drive in, don't seem to get it.

Yep. Well, I don't care much for phones but $3/day for iPads which I use 12+ hours daily seems decent to me. I've certainly wasted more than $3 on crap I don't use.

 

[dontwalkhand]

I don't, I spend $1,200 every 2-3 years instead. I dont see the need to upgrade every year, and certainly not the next one if the removal of physical ports hold true.

 

[Falhófnir]

Hah, holidays. For me, the tech upgrades were much cheaper.

Back when my grandmothers (living overseas) were still alive, I used to save up $5K a year to visit them and bring "pasalubong" (gifts) not just for grandma but cousins, niblings and godchildren, too.




Yep. Well, I don't care much for phones but $3/day for iPads which I use 12+ hours daily seems decent to me. I've certainly wasted more than $3 on crap I don't use.

Yep, astonishingly easy to spend those sums when travelling. Sounds like some great memories were made though! That's got to be what it's all about 🙂

 

[rui no onna]

Yep, astonishingly easy to spend those sums when travelling. Sounds like some great memories were made though! That's got to be what it's all about 🙂

Traveling is always a mix of fun and stress but we're happy we were able to spend time together. Time isn't something one can ever get back. 🙂

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I get into this discussion often with my co-workers. "How can you spend that kind of money each year on a cell phone?" For about a $1.50 a day USD, I think I can swing it. Funny how folks who smoke a pack of cigarettes a day or hit up Starbucks every morning on their drive in, don't seem to get it.

It’s all down to how people prioritise what’s important I think. I don’t spend a grand a year on a phone and I don’t have a daily spend on coffees, booze or fags either. I do need a coffee throughout the morning more than I need my iPhone though lol.

With this pandemic and with the fact I’m working from home 90% of the time, I’m saving about £700 a month at the moment between myself and my wife. No day trips with the kids or meals out, not even takeaways. I still didn’t pay an extra £150 for the 12 Pro even if I could have. I have bought an iPhone 12 and an iPad Air4 in the past few months though so I have exceeded £1K. I also bought a new car lol. People have different priorities and interests most definitely 🙂

 

[Dopestar]

Some people see their phone as a statement, a fashion accessory or whatever. I went from a Razr (flip phone) to an iPhone 3G to a 6 and recently a used 11, so I've resisted the $1K phone. I see a phone as a tool, a convenience not an accessory. By the time you put it in a case no one knows what brand it is anyway.

Valid point

 

[Dopestar]

It’s all down to how people prioritise what’s important I think. I don’t spend a grand a year on a phone and I don’t have a daily spend on coffees, booze or fags either. I do need a coffee throughout the morning more than I need my iPhone though lol.

With this pandemic and with the fact I’m working from home 90% of the time, I’m saving about £700 a month at the moment between myself and my wife. No day trips with the kids or meals out, not even takeaways. I still didn’t pay an extra £150 for the 12 Pro even if I could have. I have bought an iPhone 12 and an iPad Air4 in the past few months though so I have exceeded £1K. I also bought a new car lol. People have different priorities and interests most definitely 🙂

You def were spending that money, congrats on the car purchase. I also was considering doing that during this pandemic but honestly I am now only driving my car on the weekend Since I work remotely full time. The refreshed Tesla S is calling my name

 

[1rottenapple]

And as a new arrival in the thread, my reaction to your reaction was that you did seem to take it too personally that many others have a different perspective on things. 🤷

I have very recently completely changed my mind regarding getting a new phone. For the first time in my life I don't always have that when/where/how of constantly trying to calculate the best [whatever] when it comes to the next phone.

And… honestly… it's like waking up from having been in some kind of cult or something. Once that base (self-) conditioning broke I look back at it like I was crazy.

For work I did need the hardware in my current (XS Max) iPhone, so I don't regret it; and when the work requirements catches up with me the next time I will get a new one. But outside of that I simply don't need a new iPhone.

Not going all 1800s' frugal, though; still gOtting the AirPods Max, because those will actually add something to my life. And I'll always be up for getting the latest AW, if it contains some sort of feature that literally could add (time) to my life.

Glad I’m not the only one who got the same reaction.

 

[1rottenapple]

You def were spending that money, congrats on the car purchase. I also was considering doing that during this pandemic but honestly I am now only driving my car on the weekend Since I work remotely full time. The refreshed Tesla S is calling my name

Love the refresh except for the steering wheel. And no PNDR lever.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

You def were spending that money, congrats on the car purchase. I also was considering doing that during this pandemic but honestly I am now only driving my car on the weekend Since I work remotely full time. The refreshed Tesla S is calling my name

I bought a 1.6 diesel Honda CR-V, not quite ready for electric and making the most of it before we are forced lol. A Tesla here is also £30k+ secondhand!!

 

[hr10]

If you resell your 1 year old iPhone, you should only be paying around 3-500 to upgrade?

 

[Robbosan]

I bought a 1.6 diesel Honda CR-V, not quite ready for electric and making the most of it before we are forced lol. A Tesla here is also £30k+ secondhand!!

Great cars Honda. We sold our 14 year old CRV couple of years ago, had it since new, have had a Accord and 2 Odyssey’s too, then swapped to 2 x Mazda CX-7 in a row, and now on my 2nd Jeep Cherokee.
Swap every 5 years lol.

 

[Robbosan]

Anyone with a spare $30 a week can afford a pro max here, doesn’t mean you are well off, people on benefits buy them.
I know someone who drives a car they paid $700 for and they just bought a used iPhone for $600 lol.
Some people are just not into Tech or see it as a waste of money even if they are loaded.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Great cars Honda. We sold our 14 year old CRV couple of years ago, had it since new, have had a Accord and 2 Odyssey’s too, then swapped to 2 x Mazda CX-7 in a row, and now on my 2nd Jeep Cherokee.
Swap every 5 years lol.

Cool, it’s our second one now as we liked the last one so much.