In a previous post, I shared why I’m using a used iPhone. This article serves as a bit of a follow-up.
The smartphone market has become quite predictable lately. Each new release feels like a slight tweak to last year’s model, and while there are incremental improvements, the excitement has plateaued(yes iPhone 16).
Do you really need a new phone, or is it just the buzz making you think you do?
I’m frugal
I do not want to spend money on something if I’m not getting much value out of it or it is not saving my time in any way.
In case of smartphones, they are not that useful and they don’t save my time. It is a wise choice to not buy such expensive things.
Smartphones have become a status symbol these days but I haven’t seen anyone looking at someone else’s phone and exclaiming “OMG you have that phone?!”
I stick with an iPhone because UPI (digital payments) is now such a vital part of daily life. I prefer not to carry cash around anymore. If it weren’t for UPI, I would’ve happily gone back to using the trusty old Nokia 105.
I actually own this phone, and it lasts a full week on a single charge. It’s a great feeling to carry something so simple and reliable in my pocket.
AI is Intriguing but Concerning
When I watch someone snap a photo and instantly erase whatever they don’t want in it, it feels like witnessing a magic trick!
Nowadays, you can upload any of your photos to certain platforms and make it look like you’re on vacation in Spiti Valley.
I admit, AI-powered features in smartphones have me intrigued. They promise to make life easier and offer smarter interactions.
But, honestly, I’m keeping my distance. The idea of AI collecting vast amounts of my personal data makes me uneasy. Do I really want every aspect of my life to be analyzed and stored by some algorithm? Not yet.
The Risk of Digital Footprints
It’s not just the data collection that worries me. Imagine, you upload a new photo, and it somehow ends up in the wrong hands. It’s no longer just a harmless selfie—it’s something someone could manipulate.
There’s always that fear - a video of you saying something you’d never say, all because AI and deepfake technology have progressed so much.
Bigger Phones, Bigger Distractions
Smartphones are getting massive — both in size and in their grip on our attention. It’s not just your hand that needs to be bigger; it’s your pockets too, literally and financially.
These super-sized devices demand more space in your life in more ways than one. Is it worth it?
Do You Really Need a ₹50000 Camera?
Let’s be honest: unless you’re a professional photographer, social-media influencer, or a shameless tiktoker, do you really need a phone with a camera that could shoot a film?
These flagship models with their mind-blowing camera capabilities are tempting, but for everyday users like me, who just want a decent shot here and there, they feel excessive.
Overpowered for the Average User
Flagship smartphones pack more power than most people will ever need. I mean, sure, having a supercomputer in your pocket is cool, but for me, it’s overkill.
All I need is to check emails, listen to some music, and stay connected with friends and family. Most people I know don’t need anything beyond that either.
My Affordable iPhone Does the Job
I’m still using an older iPhone, and guess what? It does almost everything I need, without breaking the bank.
I didn’t have to pay a fortune for it, and it’s handling day-to-day tasks just fine. So why pay premium prices for marginal upgrades?
I Wish my Smartphone can Transforms into a PC?
The computing power in modern smartphones is insane. Many of them outperform mid-range laptops. Part of me wishes I could just plug my phone into a display and keyboard and turn it into a full-fledged computer.
But here’s the thing — do I really need that level of power in a device I mostly use for doom-scrolling?
What to do with old Phones?
I’ve got a drawer full of old smartphones. They’re not quite trash, but they’re not worth much either. One of them has become my kid’s educational video player—offline, of course, no internet distractions.
A friend of mine turned his old phone into a baby monitor. These devices still have value, but it’s not enough to justify the constant upgrade cycle.
The trade-in trap
Here’s a thought: if only I could trade in my non-working phones for something useful when buying a new one. But most trade-in programs don’t offer much for old, damaged phones.
So, I end up with this growing pile of tech waste. It’s frustrating.
Overpriced and Underdelivered
Let’s talk about value. I bought my washing machine for ₹5500, and it’s still running smoothly after six years. Can you say the same about a phone at that price point? Good luck.
The price of smartphones has skyrocketed, and for what? A device that might last two or three years, if you’re lucky?
Invest in your Future, not a Phone
If you’re tempted to splurge on the latest phone, maybe consider this: your money might be better invested elsewhere.
Start an SIP (Systematic Investment Plan), and by the time you’re ready for an upgrade, you’ll have saved enough to buy a phone that truly meets your needs, without sacrificing your financial well-being.
The Festival Season Trap
Sales are everywhere, especially during the festive season. Sure, you might snag a phone for half its usual price, but you’re still spending money you didn’t plan to. My advice? Don’t rush into it.
Leave the phone in your cart for a week. Most of the time, that initial urge to buy will fade, and you might realize you didn’t need it after all.
Avoid the Bells and Whistles
If you absolutely must get a new phone, skip the gimmicks. Curved screens, foldable designs — they’re just more things that can break. Stick to a simple, sturdy phone. The fewer moving parts, the longer it will last.
I like minimalist Phones
There’s a growing trend towards minimalist phones—devices with e-ink screens or just the bare essentials. I get the appeal. It’s about reducing distractions and simplifying your life.
But even these minimalist phones come with hefty price tags. Sometimes, I just wish my Kindle could make calls and send texts — that would be the perfect middle ground.
The Things You Own, Own You
Here’s the big takeaway: the more stuff you buy, the more it starts to own you. You need space, time, and attention for all these things. I’ve made an effort to live with less. In fact, I don’t even own a fridge. We live near a market where we can get fresh veggies and even ice cream, so why would I need one? It’s one less thing to worry about.
You are not your job, you’re not how much money you have in the bank. You are not the car you drive. You’re not the contents of your wallet. You are not your fucking khakis. You are all singing, all dancing crap of the world.
― Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club
Take a look around your house. There’s probably stuff sitting around, taking up space, but adding no real value. Try to sell it or give it away. Simplify your life. You might find you don’t need as much as you think you do.