2026: Why are we still judged by our smartphones?

[Manish]

It's 2026. Why are folks still judged by the phones they use?

[Saritha]

Apple users can't claim to be true tech nerds.

[Deepak]

This is consumerism at its peak. I know I've been judged for having a OnePlus. How common is it in India to spend ₹1.5 lakh on a phone? For me, it's still not worth it until I'm earning ₹20 lakh a month. Even then, I feel it's a waste of money on a phone, though I love splurging on a laptop or a PC.

[Naman]

I don't judge the phone, but I do judge software engineers or tech folks who use Windows. What does that make me?

[Gauri]

Money in the bank is ₹300 and a phone worth ₹1 lakh.

[Menon]

Answer: India is a country full of judges.

[Bhavya]

For just video recording and cheap mobile games, I'd rather build a PC for the same price and get a ₹30,000 Chinese phone with charger, cover, and cable in the box.

[Ishita]

Spending on a phone feels wasteful, but spending on a PC or laptop is worth it.

[Jignesh]

I've used both. Android gives the best ROI, while Apple is more of a status statement – it looks impressive to others. So if you're into an ego trip, go for Apple. Apple does have the best ecosystem and its hardware feels premium, but the software can be buggy and limited, giving the least ROI. You have to pay for everything. On Android you can do piracy and use open‑source software easily (for now). Also, Apple products and their repairs cost a lot. Android is overall cheaper, and Apple doesn't even have automatic call recording. Note: I've been using Apple for the last two years.

[Sachin]

Phones stopped being just phones; they've become personality starter packs. Some people don't just pick a device – they pick an identity.

[Rajendra]

I was at a barber shop, and the young guy asked, "Bhaiya, is that your car?" I said yes. Then he asked, "Which phone do you have?" I replied, "Samsung." He said, and I quote, "Then why don't you have a big car? People with big cars usually have Apple." I was like, bro, what??