It is that time of the year again. Shiny new iPhones launched by Apple, with cutting edge technology and a stunning presentation by Tim Cook. But is an iPhone really worth the price in 2022? Let’s find out.
As technology advances every year, the answer to this question gets tougher. Over the past four years, all iPhones have had the same visual design, minor technical updates, and minimal software changes which makes a rational consumer think twice before paying £1000 for the brand new model.
The competition, on the other hand, is experimenting and making strides with crazy features like foldable displays, 144hz refresh rate screen, mini-led panels, and more. Sounds tempting, right? And most of them offer a charging brick in their boxes as well, unlike iPhone!
But Apple is innovating, right?
Yes and no. Since their first phone launched in 2010, the iPhone handset has enjoyed a significant upgrade every year. Even during the years in which S models were released (2009 to 2015), handsets were given a significant hardware upgrade that justified the price tag of the device. Later still, the difference between an iPhone 7, launched in 2016, and iPhone X, launched in 2017, was quite considerable. The last phone which received a significant upgrade from its predecessor was the iPhone 11.
Since the launch of the iPhone 11 in 2019, Apple has been scrutinised for its minimal upgrade approach. The iPhone 11 Pro debuted with a three-camera lens setup; it looks quite similar to the newly launched iPhone 14 Pro (released in 2022). And as for the hardware upgrades, the only significant change is the flat sided-design of the new iPhone, which is still two years old as it debuted with the iPhone 12.
Though one cannot judge a smartphone based on these factors alone, it is imperative to note that an average customer would be unlikely to be able to point out the differences at all. At this point, for many rational customers, the will to spend £1000+ drops quite rapidly. So how does Apple avoid a loss of customers? It’s not just the brand’s cult status – there’s also something tangible that holds weight here: top class mechanicals.
Mechanicals:
If you aren’t a tech geek or do not care much about the aesthetic of a smartphone, chances are that you will love an iPhone. Apple has focused a lot on technical upgrades, which has resulted in the latest iterations of the iPhone being as solid as a rock. Android counterparts are still catching up with their A13 Bionic, which is a three year old chipset at this point. Plus, the materials, like aerospace grade aluminium and surgical grade stainless steel, used on the phones make it feel premium in hand.
Oh and let’s not forget their ceramic shield displays, made with a mix of nanocrystal ceramic bits, and glass that provides four times more drop resistance than the industry leading smartphone display. Sounds cool, right?
But why is the iPhone so expensive?
There are multiple reasons behind an iPhone being so expensive. All of them are listed below:
1. Ecosystem
Apple has designed their devices to work smoothly with each other. An iPhone acts like a gateway drug into this system and tempts the users to buy more of Apple’s offerings. Imagine if the notes that you took on your iPhone instantly showed up on your MacBook. Or if you could share photos with another iPhone user in seconds without the internet. All of this makes life so much easier.
2. Longevity
Apple is known to support their phones for up to seven years with software updates – iPhone 6s, launched in 2015, was supported until the release of iOS 15.7, which was issued in September 2022. And it’s not just about software. iPhone’s hardware is long lasting too. The utilisation of premium materials like aluminium, steel and ceramic ensure that the latest phones are sturdy and drop resistant, without adding bulk.
3. Marketing
The lifestyle which Apple shows off in its presentations is aspirational. This subliminally pushes consumers to associate Apple with luxury and subsequently drives sales. Apple’s preference to market not just a single product, but a lifestyle, has made it what it is today – a trillion dollar company with a global reputation.
So, should I buy the iPhone 14?
Well, that is subjective.
Previous iPhone users:
If you are someone who is advancing from an iPhone 11 or earlier, the iPhone 14 is a good upgrade. You receive the new dynamic island, a 48MP camera, a brighter display, a faster A16 bionic and a new form factor. Any smartphone magpie would definitely love it. But, if your current handset is the iPhone 12 or above, chances are that iPhone 14 may not feel like an upgrade at all. The phone feels similar in hand, plus the camera and displays are not much different in real world usage.
First time buyers or Android users:
The iPhone 14 Pro will definitely feel premium to hold in comparison to other smartphones, thanks to the high quality materials. But if you are someone who appreciates bleeding edge advancements, chances are you may get bored quickly. However, if you want a reliable phone, which can last you over a span of three to five years with good resale value and fulfils daily tasks smoothly, an iPhone is a no-brainer. Plus, the cameras are the best in the game, period.
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