what's with people buying latest phones?

ilcp

ilcp

ilcp

Associate
Joined
7 Aug 2011
Posts
726
Location
Planet Earth
Now I have always wondered why is there a need to constantly buy "new" phones as soon as they come out? Now if you say you get it for free for being on contract, I also think £30+ contracts include phone payment so you are not really getting it for free?

I had (and I admit crappy) sony ericsson satio for four years until Note 2 came out couple of years back which I have been happy with but I dont see how Note 3 (or 4) would be better? I mean sure the specs are higher but its still a phone, note 2 can still make calls, texts and you can play majority of the games..

is this consumerism gone too far? people wanting latest things just to show off?

Edit: wasnt sure if it should go here or GD!
 
Life is short so why not?

People buy lots of different types of 'upgrades' do they not? Cars, clothes, etc. etc.

I'm still using a Galaxy S2 which has served me perfectly well over the past 3 years but I believe I have found the perfect 'upgrade' from it, a Note 4.
 
Last edited:
AlecR said:
Planned obsolescence...
Click to expand...

That's more of an issue with Apple phones (plus typical iPhone users accept that not having the latest version will potentially deem them inferior human beings).
I think with this being a tech forum most of us are more aroused by new technology - your average Joe in the street probably keeps hold of their phone a lot longer.
 
Rimsy said:
That's more of an issue with Apple phones (plus typical iPhone users accept that not having the latest version will potentially deem them inferior human beings).
I think with this being a tech forum most of us are more aroused by new technology - your average Joe in the street probably keeps hold of their phone a lot longer.
Click to expand...

Most Android devices only receive a year of software updates.
 
I upgrade my phone when i want a better phone, i make that decision after i become aware that a number of newer models with new tech have been released to market and I've researched which model meets my desires most, if i and many others didn't behave in this manner millions of people would be without work, in fact not buying a new phone could be seen as an act of war by the South Korean and Chinese governments.
 
What's with people buying the latest computer parts? What's with people buying the latest consoles? What's with people buying the lastedt computer game? Seeing the latest film?

Works for everything
 
I don’t understand all this craziness over the iphone. Why do people queue for days to buy a phone?

What’s wrong with these people!!

Also how have Apple made it this way? Why are people not going mental over the next Galaxy handset or Nexus?
 
We live in an age when consumerism is the closest thing most folk have to religion or purpose; worshipping the shiny tech rather than shiny religious artefact affirms our place in public society.

And while the lowliest individual may never be able to afford a Ferrari, supermodel partner, or villa on the Amalfi coast, we can almost all afford the 'best' technological jewellery and pretend we're part of the chosen few.
 
opethdisciple said:
I don’t understand all this craziness over the iphone. Why do people queue for days to buy a phone?
Click to expand...
Days is a bit of an exaggeration.. more like overnight. If anything it could be a good social experience. I'd much rather reserve online though and rock up and collect the phone at 8am though.

As for the question in the OP. As others have stated, it works for everything. Some people upgrade their PCs often, I haven't touched mine in a couple of years because it works and it isn't in my interests to go mess with it. Phones I get bored of and like a change, when using it for a few hours a day - after so long I want change. Hence I moved from my HTC One M7 to the Note 3 (loved the size difference). Then I went to the OnePlus One but now its gone back because of the touch screen issues and now back to the Note 3.

However, you wouldn't see me going and purchasing a brand new iPhone or Note 4... the price is just insane. I'd much rather wait a while and get a used one.
 
Andrew_McP said:
We live in an age when consumerism is the closest thing most folk have to religion or purpose; worshipping the shiny tech rather than shiny religious artefact affirms our place in public society.

And while the lowliest individual may never be able to afford a Ferrari, supermodel partner, or villa on the Amalfi coast, we can almost all afford the 'best' technological jewellery and pretend we're part of the chosen few.
Click to expand...

Good point.
 
oli356 said:
Days is a bit of an exaggeration.. more like overnight. If anything it could be a good social experience. I'd much rather reserve online though and rock up and collect the phone at 8am though.

As for the question in the OP. As others have stated, it works for everything. Some people upgrade their PCs often, I haven't touched mine in a couple of years because it works and it isn't in my interests to go mess with it. Phones I get bored of and like a change, when using it for a few hours a day - after so long I want change. Hence I moved from my HTC One M7 to the Note 3 (loved the size difference). Then I went to the OnePlus One but now its gone back because of the touch screen issues and now back to the Note 3.

However, you wouldn't see me going and purchasing a brand new iPhone or Note 4... the price is just insane. I'd much rather wait a while and get a used one.
Click to expand...

For some it is days.

In the past any way.
 
For me, the smartphone is the amalgamation of every gadget I've ever wanted since I was about 5. I've always loved PCs, but the smartphone puts it in your pocket. And with Android, you can do whatever you want with it. New phones are shinier and more powerful and have more features and... well... it's fun. I'm fortunately able to afford it and save money too, so I guess it's just a hobby like some spend money on hifis, fishing etc.
 
I used to get a serious itch to upgrade every year. But just recently there doesn't seem to be any real leaps in tech and features and the itch has subsided. Happy to keep my s4 for at least another year.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom