Top 5 Reasons Why Flagship Phones Are Not Worth It

Every year, we get to see tons of exciting features and designs from Samsung, Apple, Huawei, and the likes. From innovative screens to AI camera technologies, it seems like there’s no end to the greatness of mobile devices. However, that also means jock up in prices. We’re talking about flagship phones in particular. But thanks to the wider market, we can get alternative flagship phones that cost significantly less without too much compromise. That said, we have the most common reasons why you should stop buying top of the line handsets. 

Value of Flagship Phones Depreciate Fast

Arguably the biggest reason why flagship phones are not worth it is because of their depreciation rate. While we don’t see the effect that much from Apple iPhones, Android phones are the main culprit. Samsung flagship phone like the Galaxy Note 10 series loses value as quickly as within a month. After six months, within the re-sell market, prices can go as low as 30% off the original price. After a year, prices dip up to 60%. The same applies to Huawei and other brands with phones at nearly the same price level. We’re not entirely sure why this is the case, but we think part of the reason why is the significant change/upgrade in hardware within a year. Add the fact that some brands immediately phase-out the lineup once a new one is introduced.

READ: Galaxy S10 Lite vs Note 10 Lite Specs Comparison – Where “S” Is Better Than Note

Exclusive Features That You Don’t Really Use or Need

Since 2019, smartphone competition has been all about the numbers. Cameras that reach up to jaw-dropping 108MP and batteries that go up to 6000mAh — these features easily attract attention and generate interests from consumers. Not to say that they aren’t impressive in the real world, but for the most part, you don’t need them. Samsung recently unveiled the Galaxy S20 Ultra that boasts 100x Space Zoom. On paper, it sounds incredible. In the real world, you’ll probably use it once or twice and forget that it’s there. On top of that, the quality is digitally assisted so the quality is basically rubbish. 

Do you need three or four sensors on a phone? Not really. Most of the time you just need to capture something in great detail. You can argue that four cameras on a mid-range device are practically usable, but flagship phones only add a Time-of-Flight sensor just for the sake of adding more. You can’t even tell if it’s working or not since it works in the background most of the time. 

READ: Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro 5G – 120Hz, 65W Fast Charge, 108MP Quad-Cam

Highly Expensive Yet You Use Them All The Same

There’s no denying this one. Flagship phones are very expensive in 2020. Huawei Mate 30 Pro costs P55,990. Samsung Galaxy S20+ costs the same but you’re still not getting that 100x zoom feature. Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at a staggering P73,990 with the non-Max version priced at P67,990 — take note that these are base models with 64GB non-expandable storage. With that money, you can invest it in more substantial and relevant things. Want better camera quality? Purchase a mirrorless camera that even costs less and offers professional-grade quality. Battery life is too short? Purchase an external battery case or power bank. Want to feel that incredibly thin design? Who are you kidding? You’re still going to slap a cheap case on it. 

At the end of the day, you still use the same apps and services. If your agenda involves trivial tasks, you’re better off with mid-range or affordable phones. 

Repairs That Cost A Phone

Whether it’s an Android phone or iPhone, a simple drop can leave shattered-glass build. You probably can live with the back glass cracked, but if it’s the main screen, especially if the touch capability is acting up, it’s going to cost you…a lot. Apple charges its customers the highest when it comes to replacement. Some part replacement even costs a flagship phone from another brand. Phones do not have the best repairability rate, so best to take care of them. Otherwise, there’s a price to pay.

It’s Not An Investment

“It’s an investment.” These are the most popular words (or excuse) we hear when someone tries to make an expensive purchase practical and sensible. Let’s not confuse the word “investment”. There are things worth investing in because they are true investments. Laptops, for example. It’s a portable machine that lets you do real work. You can make presentations, email colleagues, design creatives, attend a meeting, do a conference, and a whole lot more. What we’re trying to say is that it’s a utility tool that answers to your needs. With a flagship phone, while you can do some of the things we’ve mentioned, it’s not as productive as having a keyboard and a spacious screen. An expensive purchase becomes an investment when there’s return-on-investment. Phones do not provide you money, they take away money from you. At the same time, they serve as a distraction above anything else. 

Now, we know that some may agree while others may not. But these are the most common reasons that we encounter whenever the subject of buying expensive flagship phones are brought up. If you want to share your sentiment, let’s have a conversation in the comment section.

READ: Top 5 Reasons Why Mid-Range Phones Will Best Flagship Phones