Smartphone prices have ballooned in the last few years, with $1000 being the “standard” price for a flagship phone, and many devices going well over that. 5G and folding phones inflate that cost even more, making phones much more expensive than they've ever been.
But according to an NPD report, not many consumers are buying them.
The report says that less than 10% of consumers are purchasing phones that cost over a grand, and it's generally people that live in big cities that are willing to drop that kind of cash. There are a couple reasons for this, too, and it goes beyond just the high price tag.
Consumers aren't spending that much money on smartphones, but they are very aware of 5G rolling out soon. Since more 5G phones are on the horizon but right now they're insanely expensive, we're at a point where people are willing to wait a bit to upgrade their devices. Over the next few years we'll likely see 5G phones decrease in price and become more widespread outside of just the premium category, and that will help adoption.
But what about you? What's the most you're willing to spend on a smartphone right now, and is 5G something that's keeping you from upgrading right now?
via: Ars Technica
I bought Moto z4 for $499 and got g6 free on that plus 104 for Motocare and I am all set for next 5 years,no no $1000 phone for me, it’s just not worth it.
I buy Moto phones associated with Amazon. They have all the features I need with perks. Got the Moto G6 for $125 and it has Dolby sound! Why even give the Appleheads or Samsongs the time of day?
I am not surprised and it is not really that much different than for PCs. People will buy $1500 laptop if they feel they can afford it, want it and/or find a use for it. However you wont see the majority heading out and getting one. But you are right how $1000 is your standard now days for flagships. I read an article from my local news stating the iPhone 11, Pixel 4 and Galaxy S10 are ‘Mid-Range’ smartphone and these are a good alternative if you can’t afford the ‘premium’ phones (iPhone 11 Pro Max and Note 10).
I am still using a OP 5 and it is able to handle everything that I am throwing at it (for my needs) including gaming. I no longer see a need to even consider phones that are double the price of what I paid for it.
sad when a cell phone cost more than a well appointed laptop with a sim card slot for mobile connectivity.
The scale of economic plays a big roll.. In a big city where you can pay 1000 or 2 or 3k for a months rent… A grand for a phone doesn’t seem that much… In rural areas where a grand might even buy a used beater car… and rent can be a cheap as a couple of hundred dollars… You can see that becoming a bigger deal.. I bought the 128GB Pixel 2xl on Launch day(Previously Note 4 before that, in my opinion still the best Note)… I think with tax the total price was over 1100 bucks.. I do live in a rural area.. However my phone has been meticulously cared for and has been in a case since day one.. Still looks brand new. And even now its holds up against flagships.. There is nothing that is on offer currently that would make me give up and spend another grand.. 5G will likely not be in my area for 10 years… So i am not into the hype. I will upgrade later rather than sooner. But over the last two years… It’s not advanced far enough to get me to pull the trigger… Even for the best flagships… Last thing i will say… I paid full price for Pixel 2XL Major factor in that was Carriers were no longer offering the you sign a 2 year contract we give you this flag ship at 60% discount or whatever.. So i didnt want to be beholden to one carrier… And the Pixel phones work on all networks.. No more switching carriers and having to buy a new device.. Ironically Been with Google FI every since..
Exactly. My cheap Moto G6 works on all networks. Since I’m old (hard drives were the size of washing machines when I was in college,) I doubt I’ll ever own a 5G phone.
LOL Floppy Disks where that size when i was in college..
I have a $250 Motorola phone a couple of years old that does everything I need. In the rural area I’m at, I’m lucky to 4G, let alone 5G. I think spending a grand on a phone is strictly for prestige.