“Planned obsolescence tends to work best when a producer has at least an oligopoly. Before introducing a planned obsolescence, the producer has to know that the customer is at least somewhat likely to buy a replacement from them in the form of brand loyalty. In these cases of planned obsolescence, there is an information asymmetry between the producer, who knows how long the product was designed to last, and the customer, who does not. When a market becomes more competitive, product lifespans tend to increase.”
As much as I agree that individual releases are lackluster and uninspiring usually I just can’t agree with a 13yo phone being very capable today. The benefits that are compounded after 3 or 4 releases is usually worth the switch. However I do firmly believe these devices should last at least that long.
Not to mention most people are ecstatic to have their washing machine, refrigerator, water heater, or even their cars for so long and usually it isn’t without compromises. Just about any appliance lasting that long is considered good luck.
Computational devices are even harder to continue using for so long and usually not because they break but because they become inadequate as processing power follows Moore’s law. I would guess most people use their laptops for about 5 years before feeling like they have to upgrade because it feels slow but I remember the laptop I had 13 years ago and the thought of still using that now fills me with dread.
That’s why I use Z Fold now. Small phone width when folded, big ass screen when you’re lounging and have the other hand free to use the phone. I can’t even use the regular slab phone now because I’m used to the narrow cover screen.
People say that the phone is thick when folded but I found out that it made the phone easier to hold due to its thickness. I’m also the kind of guy who uses a phone for the long term, my previous phone was a ROG Phone 2 that I used for four years. I decided to upgrade because most of my work now is done on my phone while I’m out and about and having a larger screen to review some documents has been a lifesaver for me.
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This is key.
“Planned obsolescence tends to work best when a producer has at least an oligopoly. Before introducing a planned obsolescence, the producer has to know that the customer is at least somewhat likely to buy a replacement from them in the form of brand loyalty. In these cases of planned obsolescence, there is an information asymmetry between the producer, who knows how long the product was designed to last, and the customer, who does not. When a market becomes more competitive, product lifespans tend to increase.”
As much as I agree that individual releases are lackluster and uninspiring usually I just can’t agree with a 13yo phone being very capable today. The benefits that are compounded after 3 or 4 releases is usually worth the switch. However I do firmly believe these devices should last at least that long.
Not to mention most people are ecstatic to have their washing machine, refrigerator, water heater, or even their cars for so long and usually it isn’t without compromises. Just about any appliance lasting that long is considered good luck.
Computational devices are even harder to continue using for so long and usually not because they break but because they become inadequate as processing power follows Moore’s law. I would guess most people use their laptops for about 5 years before feeling like they have to upgrade because it feels slow but I remember the laptop I had 13 years ago and the thought of still using that now fills me with dread.
When i read this:
My brain went: huh? There were no smartphones in 2005.
Damn, where did the time go
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If it makes you feel any better, apparently the Pixel 8 “only” has a 6.1 inch screen.
That’s why I use Z Fold now. Small phone width when folded, big ass screen when you’re lounging and have the other hand free to use the phone. I can’t even use the regular slab phone now because I’m used to the narrow cover screen.
People say that the phone is thick when folded but I found out that it made the phone easier to hold due to its thickness. I’m also the kind of guy who uses a phone for the long term, my previous phone was a ROG Phone 2 that I used for four years. I decided to upgrade because most of my work now is done on my phone while I’m out and about and having a larger screen to review some documents has been a lifesaver for me.
Get a flip phone.