What makes some cell phones worth ten times others?

I prefer to acquire close to top line stuff but I use it until it no longer functions for what I need.

Upgrade a couple times a year? That would drive me crazy right there. Even if it was cheap.

On major carriers
VZW, att, Sprint
You can normally upgrade the version of Android once or twice before replacing the phone, i don't upgrade Android unless there is a specific reason for a specific feature or app, then i will update the OS

I change to a new phone, when the old one malfunctions, or i somehow break it

i am not going to take my rv to a shop that only uses the cheapest tools and parts that are just good enough to get the job done to repair my rv. same with my cellphone its a tool that does a lot more than make phone calls if you care to learn there possibilities. i buy one that does the job better for me and lasts longer.

shastagary wrote:
some people are happy with what they already have learned and do not go out of there way to learn any thing new.

Since it seems like android comes out with a major upgrade about every year, it seems like there is always something to learn with a new phone about that often too.

TomG2 wrote:
I usually "upgrade" a couple of times a year. What am i missing?

Upgrading a couple times per year? Why waste the money if just churning the same entry level technology.

DallasSteve wrote:
it can take photos (front and rear)

Just be careful who you text those to.


But seriously, we are pulling second or third homes with tow vehicles approaching six figures. If you want to indulge on the latest cell phone technology that equals one months truck payment go for it. :B

This is what I got for $7. It will cost you $19.99 on Walmart.com (I found mine on a clearance table in the store). It came in a very pretty box. It works with Net10 which gives me a nice unlimited plan for $35 per month, no contract. If it can't do the latest greatest apps I don't care. Phones only have a little screen and a slow Internet connection (or slow after you hit the caps). That's why I have a laptop that cost me more than $7. :) It can do whatever I need. I don't need to play fancy games, file my tax return, or re-work my employer's website from my phone. It's just not practical. But if people want to spend $1,000 on a phone the stockholders of Apple will be very happy.

Edit: It also makes me smile when I think that if someone buys an iPhone in Texas they will pay about $80 in taxes. I probably haven't spent $80 on all the phones I've bought in the last 4 years added together. There was a time when a phone cost me about $100 (and did a lot less), but not any more.

Walmart.com: The Alcatel Something Something Phone

I've tried to use cheaper stuff...just to test if having higher end stuff was worth it...Samsung Tab 4, totally Boggs down and is unresponsive just doing normal surfing. I'll pay a few hundred more for high end equipment...it's actually cheaper if you buy a higher end device and keep it longer. Replacing cheap devices every 6 months or so is not good economy.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

some people are happy with what they already have learned and do not go out of there way to learn any thing new. i cannot live like that i am a tech guy i need my daily fix of new knowledge of many things and my smart phone is one of my tools to help me do that. i buy and keep one that works for me until there is a new better tool to help me do that. and i do not buy a new one every year. its a personal choice.

I do admit some phones have features not found on others.. FOr example APPLE has just come out with Facial Recognition as a "key" to unlock the phone. (Security experts recommend against using it) Samsung has it on my 2 year old phone (I don't use it either)

Some have more memory, better cameras. Better speakers larger/smaller screens.

But mostly it is the Status, You see everybody who is anybody has the 1,000 (Well 999) dollar APPLE when a 100 Samsung would do the job as well

toedtoes wrote:
There are people of all ages who will buy an iphone for a variety of reasons.

Sorry if it looked like I was singling out iphones as being overpriced. There are some high dollar android phones also. To me, it looks like one gets most of the utility for one tenth the money. That is why I asked, I do not want to get too far behind if there is something out there that is really worth a few hundred more dollars.