These days, whenever I step out, I see almost every second person with a Pro iPhone – either the latest version or just one generation older. Earlier, the base iPhone models were seen as a status thing, but now almost everyone has a Pro. I don't get how people can afford a phone that costs around 1.5 lakhs and still need to replace it in two years or so. I earn enough to buy an iPhone without taking an EMI, yet it still feels excessive. Do people really not care about savings, or is everyone doing extremely well?
Why does it matter, bro? This question has been beaten to pulp all over the internet. If you don't want to buy one, just don't. No need to waste energy worrying about what random people are doing.
– a fellow Android user spending around 22 k.
Who is actually swapping an iPhone every two years? In my circle, people keep theirs for five to six years.
A few reasons:
1. You're probably living in a wealthy part of India – maybe the white‑collar belt of a tier‑1 city. That doesn't represent the vast majority; Android still makes up about 94 % of the market.
2. Not everyone is paying 1.5 lakhs. I have a 16 Pro Max and my wife a 16 Pro, both bought from abroad for around 95‑100 k INR.
3. Almost no one upgrades in just two years. My wife moved from an iPhone 12 and I from a 13 Pro Max after using them for four and three years respectively. The 13 PM was also bought overseas.
It's not like Android phones are cheap any more. Even Vivo or Oppo Pro phones cost 1‑1.1 lakhs now, and the upcoming ultra flagships (like Find X9 Ultra or X300 Ultra) are expected to launch above 1.5 lakhs. Same story with Samsung.
You need about 70‑80 k just for a OnePlus, which now has downgraded cameras and can't compete with Oppo.
You don't have to replace your phone every two years any more. A flagship can easily last four years, even longer if it's an iPhone.
But I get it – phones are also a status symbol in India, much like cars. Cars are far pricier, and the ones that earn you 'respect' are even costlier, so many can't afford them. Instead they go for something more reachable that still carries status, like an iPhone Pro. They can buy it on EMI and pay it off over two to three years.
used chatgpt for phrasing.
The last four iPhones we bought have lasted four to five years, dating back to 2017, and they received 100 % OS upgrades throughout. In my opinion, that's a solid deal.
I feel this too. Even though I earn over 2 lakhs a month, I still hesitate to buy a Pro model. I think people who are insecure or want to appear richer than they are end up buying these. I'm happy using my iPhone 12 mini.
People often take these phones on long‑term EMI schemes.
EMI, bro. Showrooms now hardly show the MRP; they push the EMI option instead.
You have to thank the availability of EMIs and the habit of parents buying expensive gadgets for their kids.
This subreddit is full of these kind of posts.
I've noticed this trend in my small circle – it's definitely a real thing.
Mods, please don't encourage it.