Many famous brands now focus on high-end devices targeting high-income consumers.
While these devices are more expensive to produce and cater to a smaller customer base, the profits for brands are very attractive.
These “ultra-premium” smartphones often carry names like Ultra, Pro Max or XL, including the Galaxy S25 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro Max and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
A few foldable phones also make the list, like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. But regardle
ss of a consumer’s budget, there are plenty of reasons to stay away from such ultra-premium phones.
Are we "burning money" with Max or Ultra smartphone models? - 1
Benefits do not outweigh costs
While there are legitimate reasons to buy a super-premium phone, lik
e needing a high-quality camera for work, in many cases these phones don't
offer a significant difference over lower-priced models. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, for example, may be better than the S25+, but if you don't regularly shoot ultra-wide or telephoto shots, the camera d
ifference won't be noticeable. Its screen is only 0.2 inches larger than the Galax
S25+, and if you need more storage, you'll have to look at external storage solutions.
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Similarly, the differences between the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max are not huge. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display c
ompared to 6.3 inches and lon
ger battery life, but other than that, the two models are almost identical, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max is about 3 million VND more expensive.
Many benefits from savings
When we decide to buy a new phone, we often think about other ways to use the money we can save. In addition to spending
on technology, we can use the money to pay bills, participate in sports activities or have fun with the family. Even in the technology
sector, an amount of 4-7 million VND can significantly improve the quality of life, such as buying accessories, headphones or service subscriptions.
Savings can also be a buffer for emergencies. A phone worth 30 million VND can become a burden if we break it in an accident.
Are we "burning money" with Max or Ultra smartphone models? - 2
Large and inconvenient
These phones are often too large and inconvenient. They can be difficult to fit in a pocket and can sometimes be a challenge
to use. The larger screen means your finger has to reach farther to reach the buttons, which can lead to dropping the phone, especially in crowded situations like the subway.
Don't want to encourage manufacturers
Even if consumers can afford a super-premium phone, they don’t want it to be the norm. Focusing on the high end of the market often means companies ignore innovation in their lower-cost models. Apple, for example, only updates the iPhone SE every two to four years, and those updates often amount to recycling old parts.
Are we "burning money" with Max or Ultra smartphone models? - 3
Ultimately, many consumers fall victim to the fear of missing out (FOMO), feeling the need to own the most expensive products to assert themselves. However, from personal experience, it is clear that today's super high-end smartphones will quickly become obsolete after only 2 or 3 years.
