this post was submitted on 05 Jun 2026
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My current phone is ageing. Normally I wouldn't urgently think about it replacing it now but as AI eats the world I am worried that electronics will become more expensive with time. Computer components have already skyrocketed in price.

So should I buy one now? Or is there no need to panic?

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[–] bluestem@lemmygrad.ml 13 points 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago)

Don't let your emotions turn you into an unwilling consumer. If you feel your phone is going to imminently crap the bed, then get a new one. If not, then don't. Also, phones don't change much generation to generation anymore, so just get a used/refurbished one from a couple generations ago. It'll be nearly identical and save you probably upwards of $600-700 (or your local equivalent currency).

[–] Cowbee@lemmygrad.ml 13 points 5 days ago (1 children)

I'm holding out to see if the Motorola GrapheneOS phone ends up being reasonably priced, so sometime next year. My phone is also aging.

[–] AxH@lemmygrad.ml 6 points 5 days ago (1 children)

The main issue I see with Motorola as compared to Google is how long they support their devices. Graphene supports the device as long as the manufacturer does. With modern Pixel phones that means 7 years, while Motorola currently does 3-4 years of updates. There is also the fact that only flagship devices seem to be the focus for GrapheneXMotorola at the moment, so initial purchase price will be high. Generally the best choice is a used Pixel device if you don't want to directly support Google in any way.

Don't get me wrong, I am eagerly awaiting the release of these phones. My wife needs a new device soon so it's either going to be Motorola or Pixel. Lineage is another option, but certain things only work well with sandboxed Play services, so at least for me Graphene is the only real option (I can run all bank apps that I have without any issues on Graphene).

[–] Cowbee@lemmygrad.ml 6 points 5 days ago

Yep, will have to see what happens with that. Failing a good Motorola release, I'll buy a used pixel.

[–] Commiejones@lemmygrad.ml 8 points 5 days ago

Inflation is running high so the best thing to do with your money is convert it into commodities with use value. The longer you hold your money the less you get for it.

[–] cfgaussian@lemmygrad.ml 11 points 5 days ago

Do you think your current phone is still adequate and will continue to be adequate for the the next couple of years? If not then buy a new one. If it's still doing its job and not likely to break down soon then why not wait? Chinese chip manufacturing is only going to get bigger, more advanced and cheaper over the next few years.

[–] LaGG_3@hexbear.net 9 points 5 days ago

Isn't there some kind of European regulation that'll mandate phones have easily replaceable batteries by 2027? I live in burgerland, but am holding out hope that'll have a worldwide impact since designing and manufacturing different models seems kinda expensive.

[–] reallyzen@lemmy.ml 9 points 5 days ago

You'd need to worry if you were looking into latest high-end, latest features etc phone tomorrow.

Worst that can happen if indeed prices go crazy is that you'll buy a midrange phone secondhand because yeah, we can't live without (2FA, authentication etc) but otherwise it's just disposable junk we should spend as few and keep as long as we can.

Disclaimer : on a €150 phone since 4 or 5 years now. Who cares.

[–] redparadise@hexbear.net 8 points 5 days ago

Hm, honestly I think the AI Bubble bursts before 2030