Introduction: The sentimental value of older smartphones
Many people tend to keep their old smartphones in a drawer, just in case they might need it. The author of this article also did the same when they decided to upgrade their iPhone X after almost 5 years of use. However, they realized that the newer iPhone 14 Pro felt almost identical to their older iPhone X. This made them question the need for frequent smartphone upgrades, especially when the prices of high-end devices have skyrocketed. This article aims to explore the concept of future-proofing and how long modern-day smartphones are meant to last.
The iPhone X in 2023: Is it still a viable option?
The author of this article replaced the battery of their iPhone X and tested it out in 2023. They found that, beyond an inferior battery life, there was not much of a difference between the iPhone X and their current daily driver – the iPhone 14 Pro. While the newer iPhone felt more modern and offered a better user experience, the older iPhone X was still functional enough to serve as an average user’s daily driver.
The author believes that an older flagship smartphone could last more than 5 years with proper usage. They also argue that the increase in average smartphone prices is justified if we consider the cost-per-use of a device. With the commercial warranty of high-end smartphones lasting up to three years, the average price per day of use remains comparable to the ones from the past.
The concept of future-proofing
The term future-proofing refers to the idea of buying a high-end device with the intention of using it for a longer period. The author proposes that most flagship smartphones are already good enough, and the fact that the next generation is better does not make the previous one bad in any way. High-end devices are built to last, and it is no longer a matter of when users have to upgrade, but rather when they want to do so.
The author also notes that updates across generations have become somewhat incremental, with a single flagship generation hardly ever introducing meaningful updates to justify an annual upgrade. With various options available for selling older devices, users can upgrade to newer devices when they want to change their experience.
Conclusion: Progress for the sake of progress
This article argues that most flagship smartphones are good enough as they are, and the fact that the next generation is better does not make the past one bad in any way. The high prices of smartphones are justified since they are built to last for a longer period, and the cost-per-use remains comparable to the ones from the past. Future-proofing enables users to use their devices for a longer time, and the incremental updates across generations mean annual upgrades are not necessary.
In conclusion, while it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest technology, it is also essential to consider the long-term usage of high-end devices. With the concept of future-proofing, users can make informed decisions about when to upgrade their smartphones based on their personal needs.
