I think one problem is that the device that's cheaper isn't exactly advertising the fact that it will die in a year. In fact, when it is a brand new one that just hit the market, who even knows when it will die? This is the kind of thing that requires some historical knowledge which only a good salesman will be able to tell you, but if you're just buying online by five star reviews of happy customers who also bought it the last year, how are you going to know it'll die next year?

And next year, there will be a new model, so all those one-star review updates to last year's model will not be seen by someone in the market for a new one.

Exactly. Moreover less expensive doesn't mean worst quality. True for clothes, food and electronics.

The warranty should be a clue but is not often advertised.