Sure, you probably want a cutting-edge new iPhone. But then you saw the price and were more than a bit put off. Yes, a top-of-the-range new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy these days costs the same as a top-end gaming PC, which really doesn’t make much sense.

The good news is, however, that although the top-end phones are flashy, you almost certainly don’t need one. You probably aren’t going to use a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) scanner, which makes you wonder why new phone models include the feature. You probably also aren’t going to need a monstrous CPU and 8GB of RAM. You’ll probably do just fine with a much cheaper, much less feature-packed device.

Cheaper Phones Have Better Battery Life

Yes, you read that right. Cheaper mobile phones actually often have much better battery life than more expensive models. Why? Because when your flashy phone has a crazy 120hz refresh rate and a beefy processor, the battery often can’t keep up with the demand.

Simply reduce the refresh rate and put in a lighter CPU and guess what; the battery lasts twice as long. Yes, you can lower the refresh rate on a flashy phone to save battery, but then why have the feature at all?

What Do You Need A Phone For?

If you work in the special effects industry or are an engineer, it makes sense to have a phone with LiDAR. If you need your phone for WhatsApp and GPS, you’ll do just fine with a cheaper model. Maybe you think you need a flashy phone to play games? You’d be wrong, for the most part. Check out the Fair Go Casino review, a cutting-edge online casino. Keep in mind that all of the games on the site will work on virtually all low-end phones.

Of course, if you want to play more demanding 3D-intensive games then yes you’ll probably need a better phone. But in that case, why not get a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch?

The Cutting Edge Moves

If you want to be on the cutting edge of technology, that’s fine. But keep in mind that the cutting-edge moves constantly. The fancy phone you have today won’t be fancy for very long, even if newer models aren’t necessarily better. As the tech industry races to keep bringing out new devices compromises inevitably must be found. After all, there is only so much that can fit into a phone.

This means that the cutting-edge phone of tomorrow may not necessarily be better than the one you have right now. It might just be different. So really, staying cutting edge is nothing more than chasing a trend.

Buy Cheap Unless You Need More

Hence, when it comes to buying phones you’re probably better off getting a cheap model. A cheap phone will likely do everything you need it to and will still come with the software convenience of the new tech generation. Unless, of course, you need a fancy phone for something in particular.