Are high end smartphones worth the money (to you)?

[impulse]

Just now, Yellowtail said:

I don't think I would go with a Chinese brand though. 

 

They're getting better.  Used to be they were great on paper.  Fast. good specs. etc.  But they fell apart on OS and longevity. 

 

Nowadays, I'd go with one, but after researching the reviews.   They still step out and let the public do the beta testing on some stuff, so I'd wait for the reviews to roll in on the newest models.

 

It's kinda like I remember how bad the reputation of Japanese products were when I was a kid.  Nowadays, they're great.  That's the trajectory of the Chinese tech. 

 

[Yellowtail]

Just now, impulse said:

 

They're getting better.  Used to be they were great on paper.  Fast. good specs. etc.  But they fell apart on OS and longevity. 

 

Nowadays, I'd go with one, but after researching the reviews.   They still step out and let the public do the beta testing on some stuff, so I'd wait for the reviews to roll in on the newest models.

 

It's kinda like I remember how bad the reputation of Japanese products were when I was a kid.  Nowadays, they're great.  That's the trajectory of the Chinese tech. 

 

I do not doubt the quality of the phone, I just do not trust the Chinese with my data. 

[Hummin]

10 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

I do not doubt the quality of the phone, I just do not trust the Chinese with my data. 

 

You rise an important issue, about who we can trust these days with our id, documents and personal data?

[Yellowtail]

Just now, Hummin said:

 

You rise an important issue, and who can we trust these days with our id and personal data?

We can't trust anyone, but we can trust some less than others. 

 

Samsung and Apple are in the business of making money. Chinese companies are in the business of whatever the CCP tells them. 

[JakeC]

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As I said further up new phones have new tech, the luddites denied that. I wanted a better camera, processor and esim. I'm happy with my 13 Pro+ couldn't care less about iPhone, just making the point most guys have old models

 

IPhone has supported eSIM since 2018. You got it this year, in 2025. 😊 You also didn't have video image stabilisation prior to this year. Things iPhone have had as standard for many years.

As usual, you have no idea as to what you are talking about, but you argue anyway.

[JakeC]

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There is a fine line for most people where you seriously do not need an expensive phone.

 

I stopped with Iphone SE and Iphone 6, because it was not worth it anymore, and riding all over Thailand with bad battery capacity, and a phone who blacked out because og to warm, and In Norway to cold. There where better and cheaper options. 

 

Iphone is great as long you do not do much outdoor activities. 

 

I know quite wealthy people who still drive a 10 year pick up, and have old phones from before something was called smartphone. 

 

 

I dropped my iPhone on the street and a car ran over it with both tyres. It works perfectly.

I also have the SE and 6 amongst others. Old phones. Which Android phones were better then?

[JakeC]

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Thinking about it, the only phones I have ever bought for myself have been cheapies. Again, I buy the new phone for my wife, and I take her old one. 

 

If I were single, I would probably have a cheaper Samsung. I can't see laying out a lot of dough for something I do not care much about. 

 

I don't think I would go with a Chinese brand though. 

 

 

All my phones are hand me downs. 😊

[JakeC]

Quote

I do not doubt the quality of the phone, I just do not trust the Chinese with my data. 

 

It's not just the Chinese, but Google too.

[Yellowtail]

2 minutes ago, JakeC said:

 

 

All my phones are hand me downs. 😊

You too? 

[scubascuba3]

18 minutes ago, JakeC said:

 

IPhone has supported eSIM since 2018. You got it this year, in 2025. 😊 You also didn't have video image stabilisation prior to this year. Things iPhone have had as standard for many years.

As usual, you have no idea as to what you are talking about, but you argue anyway.

The thing you can't get into your little brain is I only buy middle of the road phones, so obviously when I buy a newer one it has newer tech, couldn't care less what iPhone has or high end androids

[Yellowtail]

1 minute ago, scubascuba3 said:

The thing you can't get into your little brain is I only buy middle of the road phones, so obviously when I buy a newer one it has newer tech, couldn't care less what iPhone has or high end androids

So you buy old tech and upgrade to newer old tech? That makes sense. 

[Hummin]

38 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

We can't trust anyone, but we can trust some less than others. 

 

Samsung and Apple are in the business of making money. Chinese companies are in the business of whatever the CCP tells them. 

 

19 minutes ago, JakeC said:

 

It's not just the Chinese, but Google too.

 

Social media and diverse forums, apps, web browsers you visit, porn sites, what do they do with their information about you, and who are the buyers.

[madone]

categorically not. especially since I don't game on my phone and have several decent cameras.

[JakeC]

Quote

You too? 

 

I'm the youngest.

[JakeC]

Quote

The thing you can't get into your little brain is I only buy middle of the road phones, so obviously when I buy a newer one it has newer tech, couldn't care less what iPhone has or high end androids

 

But I paid a lot less for my iPhones than you paid for your 'middle of the range' Android phones. The difference is that my phones were not new. But I had eSIM compatibility  and other useful functions where you did not.

[JakeC]

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Social media and diverse forums, apps, web browsers you visit, porn sites, what do they do with their information about you, and who are the buyers.

 

I prefer to not have much of an online presence. 

[Furioso]

I've had a few iPhone Pro Max's in my hands they're a fantastic phone and probably the flagship Samsung Galaxy is even better. However, I always lose or break my phones I cannot stomach losing over 1,000 quid over a stupid phone.

I dropped my current Samsung A24(great cheap phone by the way) a couple of months ago I've repaired the screen but it cracked too so I'm going to buy the best Android phone(A24 or Honor200?) I can find for under 12,000 baht later this month.

But yeah I agree the expensive phones are definitely A+++ and they're worth it if you are able to keep it 4-5 years.

I'm lucky to keep any phone unscathed for a year. 

[shdmn]

11 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Poor people buy iPhone for show same people get loans for cars they can't afford

I've seen that first hand in Thailand and the Philippines.  Girls who can barely afford rent in a shared fan room getting a brand new $1000+ iPhone on payments.

[JakeC]

So my answer to the question would be yes and no. I'm okay with getting a phone that is of high quality, but it doesn't have to be the latest craze nor does it have to be brand new.

I'd rather have an older high quality iPhone device than some new mediocre plastic tat that takes poor pictures and video. 

 

[it is what it is]

 

having an iphone (2022 model) as a personal phone (the only apple device i have) and an android as a work phone, i'd go iphone every time, it's just easier and more intuitive to use

[The Fugitive]

1 hour ago, JakeC said:

So my answer to the question would be yes and no. I'm okay with getting a phone that is of high quality, but it doesn't have to be the latest craze nor does it have to be brand new.

I'd rather have an older high quality iPhone device than some new mediocre plastic tat that takes poor pictures and video.

Mrs bought three used iPhone 8 Plus's when they were five years old in 2022 for each of us and a friend. She paid 8,000 baht for each. Been superb. However, recently have been unable to install a couple of apps because the operating system is now too old. Fortunately, nothing crucial. iPhone 11 would enable eSIM and 12 5th Generation mobile data.

[ThreeCardMonte]

7 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

 

You hate Apple, I get it, but I don't hate cheap phones, I think they are great for the people that want them.

 

Apple's margin was 24.3% and Samsung's was 23% in 2024, so it would seem the markups are similar. 

 

Manufacturers that contract with Apple likely have among the best working conditions and compensation for direct labor among all manufacturers in a given area. You do not know what you are talking about. 

 

If you want to buy cheap phones, I think that's great, I just get annoyed that you seem to be calling me stupid for buying what I want. 

 

Most people that don’t like IPhone can’t afford one.

 

There way of justification.

[scubascuba3]

4 hours ago, ThreeCardMonte said:

Most people that don’t like IPhone can’t afford one.

 

There way of justification.

We've already established that people buy not because they are flush with cash, they are fan boys, often keeping old phones 

[Will27]

The OP was "Are high end phones worth it to you"?

 

I've never been a "phone guy".

I bought my Unihertz purely because of its small size.

I wanted something easy to carry.

 

I have about 5 Thai numbers in it.

Most of my communication is to Australia via Whatsapp on my tablet.

 

I don't do social media like FB.

Don't take pictures or videos.

No internet banking.

 

Just use it for calling.

 

So for me, It's not worth it.

 

But for others who get a lot of use out of, it's worth it to them.

And some people just like having nice things, so good on them.

 

I really don't understand the continual need for a dick measuring comp.

 

It's a never ending circle.

[georgegeorgia]

4 hours ago, Will27 said:

bought my Unihertz purely because of its small size.

Matches the size of your ...

 

[mogandave]

6 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

We've already established that people buy not because they are flush with cash, they are fan boys, often keeping old phones 

Only the skint say that. 

 

Your the same guy that doesn’t tip, and buys the cheapest AC he can find on Shoppee and gets the motorcycle taxi guys to install it, right?

[newbee2022]

On 2/5/2025 at 3:25 PM, connda said:

I can't grasp why anyone wants a computer with an itsy-bitsy tiny screen, no keyboard, and no mouse, i.e., a high-end smartphone.

Not suitable for arthritic elephant thumbs 🥰

[newbee2022]

On 2/5/2025 at 12:57 PM, Madgee said:

I am very impressed with the speed, hypercharge system (20 mins from 10% to 80%), battery life

Are you talking about the vacuum cleaner? 🤗

[impulse]

6 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

On 2/5/2025 at 4:25 PM, connda said:

I can't grasp why anyone wants a computer with an itsy-bitsy tiny screen, no keyboard, and no mouse, i.e., a high-end smartphone.

Not suitable for arthritic elephant thumbs 🥰

 

Some day, one of the smartphone companies will come out with a cradle that I can plug my smartphone in and use a full size monitor, a keyboard and a mouse when I'm at home.  (Or at Starbucks or the airport, or the hotel... or,,,) The processing power is there.  And it would sure be convenient.  I hate typing on a tiny screen.

 

The first company that comes out with one and does hotel and venue tie-ins would rule the world.

 

[newbee2022]

9 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

Some day, one of the smartphone companies will come out with a cradle that I can plug my smartphone in and use a full size monitor, a keyboard and a mouse when I'm at home.  (Or at Starbucks or the airport, or the hotel... or,,,) The processing power is there.  And it would sure be convenient.  I hate typing on a tiny screen.

 

The first company that comes out with one and does hotel and venue tie-ins would rule the world.

 

You can do it already.

Connect your phone with TV and you got a big screen. Plug in a keyboard and your dream has come true