C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
That brand new flagship phone you have your eyes on sure does look appealing, doesn’t it? It’s often touted as the best on offer, featuring the fastest chipset, cameras that can perform miracles in all lighting conditions, and a design that turns heads. But don’t let your emotions run the show.
Take a step back, relax, and truly consider whether you need it before you reach for your wallet. Chances are, buying the latest flagship might be a mistake. Here are five reasons why.
Do you usually buy the latest and greatest flagship? 139 votes Yes, always. 44 % No, I usually get an older model. 32 % No, I prefer mid-range phones. 24 %
Reason 1: It’s usually a minor upgrade
Joe Maring / Android Authority
The days when every new flagship smartphone represented a monumental leap over its predecessor are largely behind us. The latest Galaxies and iPhones, while polished, are often only marginally better than previous models in terms of raw specifications and features. Sure, there are various improvements highlighted on paper, but you likely won’t notice a slightly faster chipset when simply scrolling through your Instagram feed or browsing the web. Battery life isn’t generally much better either, and for most users, it’s hard to distinguish between a photo snapped with this year’s model versus last year’s.
It’s not just about internal specs and features, though. Design, too, doesn’t seem to change all that much year over year. A new color here and there, perhaps a slightly redesigned camera module, and that’s often the extent of it. While companies could innovate more in this area, most prefer to play it safe, opting for iterative refinements rather than revolutionary overhauls.
So, if you own last year’s flagship and are contemplating an upgrade to the absolute latest model, I’d argue it’s generally not worth it. Unless you’re a true power user who absolutely needs to stay on the bleeding edge of technology at all times, you’re better off sticking with what you have. And if you’re currently using an older phone, buying last year’s flagship is often the smarter option. You get 90% of the latest model’s capabilities for a lot less money.
Reason 2: You likely don’t need it anyway
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