In the current spectrum, how much should one spend to get the best value? I know everyone has a different taste and budget. But analysing the current trend of smartphone culture could give a bit of insight into spending wisely.
As much as you can afford. When it comes to technology you can’t go for the budget options without truly feeling the consequences. That said, apple is extremely overpriced for the hardware, but don’t get a cheap $150 android phone. I’ve heard the Pixel’s are good I know Google yuck, but if I’m remembering correctly you can get one if their phones for ~$600
As much as you can afford. When it comes to technology you can’t go for the budget options without truly feeling the consequences.
That was true when the modern smartphone was a new concept. Since then, cheap models (a little above the bare minimum) have steadily become better and these days, aside from photography, will do anything the more expensive ones can. Which have also gotten much more expensive than they used to be. Unless you need specialty features like folding or S-Pen, it’s not worth it.
The best value smartphone on the market is the Fairphone 5. 70 euros per year, amortized over 10 years. Compare with a cheap, slower, but more expensive to repair Samsung A14, which would only last 2 years before the battery starts dying, and cost 85 euros per year over that time.
Somewhere between 300-500 Prioritising getting a decent chipset over the rest of the features, because having all the gimmicks doesn’t matter if the phone feels slow after a few years of updates.
I would say the opposite.
The chipset is no longer important unless you’re heavily into smartphone games. Even a mid-range chipset from 2 years ago will run standard tasks just fine these days. Smartphone requirements have basically plateaued for a few years now.
Prioritize just about everything OTHER then the chipset, depending on what you really use the phone for. Cameras, battery life, screen quality, memory capacity… Prioritize chipset only if you’re gaming.
I dont really game on my phone but my parents both got the Samsung a51 shortly after i got my Poco F1. And nowadays the a51 takes a while to load basically anything while the F1 still feels pretty snappy.
Chipset also plays a huge part in the battery life and camera experience.
For me I only start looking for a new phone when i get annoyed by how slow my current phone feels, I’m not saying you should get a shitty phone just because it has a good chip, it just really helps it not feel old in a few years.
Personally I would look for Linage OS supported devices on second hand sites. I managed to get a Oneplus 8T for around 250€. Didn’t had any problems and it still runs smooth
My work phone is nice (~$700 new?), so I use that for camera when possible.
My personal phone is an entry level “free” phone. Through Google Fi, and for this one you pay up front, with bill credits for the next year (I think?) which covers the cost — so basically I give Google Fi a $200 loan where the “interest” is a cheap phone. No complaints, it’s not premium but it works.
