Quality last? The real differences between a flagship and a budget phone

Samsung Galaxy S24 Flagship | photo: own

Many users have a dilemma, whether it is worth reaching for a train ship, or whether a cheaper mobile phone will suffice. It all depends on what actions you want to use the mobile phone for. Opponents of expensive mobiles argue that this is just a marketing gimmick and in fact it is an overpriced model that is not worth the money it is sold for. Opponents of cheap mobile phones, on the other hand, argue that a cheap mobile phone is electronic waste that is not worth investing in. How is it in reality?

Differences between an expensive and a cheap phone

What is the real difference between an expensive phone and a cheap phone? If we were to compare flagships with really cheap mobile phones, we can come across several different parameters. The key differences between cheap and expensive phones include mainly the hardware, but also the tuning of the software or the length of its support. But we’re going about it pretty well.

Display quality and type

Expensive phones often use advanced OLED or AMOLED displays with high resolution, rich colors and higher refresh rates (120 Hz and more). Cheaper models usually have LCD displays, which are of lower quality and also have a lower resolution. The refresh rate ranges from 60 to 90 Hz.

Processor performance

Flagships have integrated the latest and most powerful processors. They also handle demanding applications and games. The mobile is nimble and does not get stuck, as it has enough power to run smoothly even under load. In addition, flagships increasingly support artificial intelligence, which is also demanding on performance. On the other hand, budget phones usually have less powerful processors and are suitable for common tasks. They may experience performance issues with demanding games or applications.

Premium model iPhone 16 Pro MaxPremium model iPhone 16 Pro Max

Premium model iPhone 16 Pro Max | photo: own

Cameras

Expensive phones offer high-resolution cameras and quality sensors. As a rule, they have optical stabilization and advanced software functions that ensure quality image outputs. Cheaper models usually offer lower quality sensors and also have limited image processing features.

Material and design

Flagships use premium materials such as aluminum, titanium, ceramic or stainless steel. They are more resistant to water and dust and have a more sophisticated design that gives the device a touch of luxury. Cheaper phones are often made of plastic and may be less resistant to external influences.

Support and updates

Premium models receive updates for a longer period of time, which is around 5 years, and for some models it can be even more. This extends their life and you don’t have to change the phone too often. Cheaper models usually have shorter support and less frequent operating system updates. Which is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous given the increasing cyber threats.

Motorola Moto G53 cheap phoneMotorola Moto G53 cheap phone

Motorola Moto G53 Cheap Phone | photo: Motorola

Is this a marketing ploy?

So the difference between a cheap and an expensive phone is not just a marketing ploy, although marketing plays a big role in premium models. There are real technological and quality differences that justify the higher price. Although sometimes the price can be higher than the technical differences would suggest. In this case, the user pays extra for the brand itself, which is synonymous with prestige and has a good name in the world.

In short, you pay for quality, because there are better components in the mobile phone. Not to mention that individual manufacturers have to invest considerable funds in the development of new technologies and functions as well as in the already mentioned marketing. Manufacturers are simply trying to get loyal customers who want the best and are willing to pay for it.

But buying a flagship may not always be necessary if you don’t need top-of-the-line features. Many mid-range phones offer excellent performance at a fraction of the price of flagships, making them a better choice for most users. The differences between the middle class and the flagships have slowly started to blur, which is why the middle class mobile is a suitable choice that will satisfy even the most demanding users.

Source: mobilizujeme.cz