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Comment by freebreakfast | Hacker News Reader

> The planned obsolescence is frustrating enough, and I’m certainly annoyed that I have to spend hundreds of dollars on a new phone when I really shouldn’t have to.

You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on a new phone. That's the problem. We don't need these things. We want these things.

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Did you miss the part where using an unpatched, always internet connected device is a huge liability? That's the point, he can't not get a new phone because they're cutting off security patches for the one he is using.

You can purchase <$100 smartphones at any Walmart, Target, Kroger, Dollar General, cell phone shop, online, and so on. +$100 smartphones are rarely a need. They are mostly a want.

Edit: And least we forget...

https://www.softstech.net/list-of-best-custom-roms-for-googl...

Your $100 smartphone is often insecure when you purchase it, and often gets no security updates.

I have bought Nokia for the last few years because they were cheap, reliable, had zero crapware, and got updates quickly. The Android One program (no vendor crapware) seems to be winding down, and I value security more highly now, so next phone will be an iPhone. Currently I use an iPad for anything where security matters to me (I haven’t trusted Windows for a decade, and Linux relies on too few eyeballs).

That might have been true in 2010, but it certainly isn't anymore. I need a QR code on my phone to prove that I am vaccinated. My banking, insurance and bills all are on my phone because no company will send paper anymore. It's also the device I use to take pictures, although I suppose you could classify that as a "want" more than a "need".

Bottom line is: I have a Pixel 3 and it works flawlessly. It takes better pictures than my friends newer phones and just plain does everything I need it to. I bought it in 2019 so that's more like 2 years of update as the end consumer. I don't care about Android 13, but I want security updates and honestly feels like I gave them enough money to pay for it.

What's wrong with a $50 smartphone?

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