Paying so much for phones but refusing to pay for apps?

I don't really get why so many people are staunchly against paying a few dollars for apps. A friend's phone easily cost a grand and I just asked him if it's worth the $5 for an app I know he uses and he was like "na fuk that would never pay for an app".

What?

He buys iPhones every couple of years. What's five dollars to get rid of ads and get extra features.. It's bizarre and so many people are so adamant that they'd never pay for an app.

$1000 for a phone with ads in your favourite app versus $1005 for a phone with no ads in your favourite app.

Totally agree. The same people will wonder soon why there are no good apps when developers have stopped bothering too.

Just trying to think of the last time someone else used my phone. I don't think anyone else ever has.

I've never given a second thought to someone else's subscriptions, I can't imagine anyone cares about my Spotify plan. I'm a bit puzzled here.

CalamariFritti

Well you might care if you were an app developer.

Ultima Thule

He doesnt want your app. Get over it.

A Tyrant Named Miltiades!

A Tyrant Named Miltiades! wrote: »

Just trying to think of the last time someone else used my phone. I don't think anyone else ever has.

I've never given a second thought to someone else's subscriptions, I can't imagine anyone cares about my Spotify plan. I'm a bit puzzled here.

I asked for his opinion on an app. I didn't ask to use his phone.

Dtp1979

Someone that spends 1k on a phone needs their head check first

Atlantic Dawn

Dtp1979 wrote: »

Someone that spends 1k on a phone needs their head check first

Especially for an EyePhone.

Dtp1979

Dtp1979 wrote: »

Someone that spends 1k on a phone needs their head check first

People spend even more than that on a holiday with nothing to show for it after they land back home.

Losing $1k in deprecation on a car? That's fine. Paying $1k for a phone? Needs their head checked.

I wouldn't personally spend $1k on a phone but I also wouldn't question someone because they're willing to lose more on a car than me.

mick087

This is human nature
Id be the same spend a fortune on a phone and wouldnt spend a cent on an app.

Friends buy bikes worh 1000s and buy the chepest of cheap locks.

heroics

There are a number of reasons I’d imagine.

I pay for some apps and don’t for others.

If the ads don’t bother me or the benefit of paying is minimal then I don’t bother. It’s a thin line between the benefit of paying vs the benefit of the whole app.

However if an app overloads with adds. Hides too much behind a paywall and there are other apps that will do the same then I just swap to the other app or realise I don’t need the app in the first place

Then there are the apps that want an account to go for the premium as opposed to no account for the free one.

There is also if the app is a monthly subscription or once off payment.

Probably loads of other reasons as well.

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I asked for his opinion on an app. I didn't ask to use his phone.

Yes, that's kinda my point. I'm surprised it would even give someone a second thought.

But having given it a second thought, maybe the reason he can afford a 1k phone is because he doesn't spend money frivolously.

If you were walking out of the phone shop after buying a 1k phone, and you saw a fiver on the ground, would you pick it up? Yes, because a fiver is still a fiver. There's never a good reason to be wasteful of money.

daheff

I don't pay for apps....I haven't seen any that I would seem worthy of paying for.

Most apps make more money off the free version than the paid versions from advertising anyways, so developers are happy either way.

Montage of Feck

ReginaldSmythV wrote: »

People spend even more than that on a holiday with nothing to show for it after they land back home.

What about fridge magnets?

Irishphotodesk

Dtp1979 wrote: »

Someone that spends 1k on a phone needs their head check first

Phones are like cars nowadays... People purchase the ones they can afford with the specs that they like.

Yes some people spend €1k on a phone, but most of the time these people have a rolling contract (my rolling contract allows me all calls, texts and data for €10 a month).
Some people spend money on the phone to keep their monthly payments low, others prefer the latest gadget that marketing companies are peddling.

I don't like being tied to contracts - so I purchase my phone's outright, can't afford the top of the line phones so at the moment I have a 3yr old Motorola.

Dtp1979

Out of curiosity, what can a 1k iPhone 10 or whatever it’s called do, that a much cheaper iphone7 can’t? Genuine question

Dtp1979

Dtp1979 wrote: »

Out of curiosity, what can a 1k iPhone 10 or whatever it’s called do, that a much cheaper iphone7 can’t? Genuine question

Bigger screen to body ratio, better battery life, far superior camera, better screen, faster and more powerful processor, faster and more stable connectivity, better materials, longer life of iOS updates.

One eyed Jack

Dtp1979 wrote: »

Out of curiosity, what can a 1k iPhone 10 or whatever it’s called do, that a much cheaper iphone7 can’t? Genuine question

Everything much faster :pac:

Seriously though, I have an iPhone 7 Plus and I considered getting an iPhone 11 when they came out, but the phone I have is suitable for what I need to do already. The iPhone 11 does a whole lot more and does it faster, but not enough to convince me that I actually need it.

Same thing with apps and advertising in apps OP - the advertising doesn’t bother me enough to want to pay for an app. Do I need the Premium version of a fart app with 100 extra sound offs? No, not really, as childish and all as my sense of humour is

That’s why I don’t mind paying €23 a month for YouTube Premium or other subscription based apps and services. I don’t feel any particular moral obligation to pay for an app when I don’t need to, completely separate from the cost of the phone or any other features the phone has or hasn’t. If I do ever decide to pay €1000 for a phone, I’m paying that for the phone because I think it’s worth it. It would still take some convincing to pay €5 for an app when I don’t feel I need to.

kirving

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Especially for an EyePhone.

I'm not an iPhone user, but Apple release updates for 4-5 years after a phone's release date.

Samsung on the other hand only give two updates to their phones which cost a similar price new, which is completely acceptable And has me reconsidering buying one again.

L-M

I’d pay for an App if I wanted it.

What really annoys me is having gone from Android to IPhone you seem to have to pay for a lot of free apps.

CalamariFritti

Ultima Thule wrote: »

He doesnt want your app. Get over it.

But he does he’s got it just doesn’t want to pay for it.

theteal

Google give me enough money for quick surveys that paying for an app doesn't really involve paying for the app. Picked up a few books and albums too at no cost to me.

CalamariFritti

It’s the same in in all sorts of areas. People buying 50 60 grand cars and when they need new tyres or a service they will skimp over 50 quid as if they had no hot meal in weeks.

petes

ReginaldSmythV wrote: »

People spend even more than that on a holiday with nothing to show for it after they land back home.

So they remember nothing from their holiday?

CalamariFritti

petes wrote: »

So they remember nothing from their holiday?

Not if the holiday was any good no. :eek:

daheff

theteal wrote: »

Google give me enough money for quick surveys that paying for an app doesn't really involve paying for the app. Picked up a few books and albums too at no cost to me.

Except for your time. Time is money

banie01

I'm happy to pay for apps, that app needs to do something I need in a manner that is better, more efficient or with a better UI than any of the multitude of free apps available?

Paying for apps isn't a consumer issue IMO.
For every single example of a Killer App, there are very quickly a slew of free-ware or ad-ware versions available that will offer a very similar experience.
Albeit with ads or intrusions.

The market is geared hugely towards alternative means of monetisation. Which leaves Devs in an unenviable position.
It means that per unit revenue is minuscule and profit really does rely on mass adoption.

Apart from productivity apps, which I tend to try before I buy.
The last gaming app I think I paid for was GTA:Vice City which is a long time ago and I'm sure there are many who are similar.

The cohort of customers buying apps or at least being targeted as customers has a really strange demographic overlap.
There is a group of people who grew up with Limewire and TPB/torrents/rapidshare who will always look for a pirated or freeware option.

And weirdly, a younger group who aren't part of that "pirate" culture but who do know that by an even cursory search that a modified .apk will likely be available that gets them the killer app at only the risk of their data.

Tig98

He's able to afford the new iPhones because he doesn't "waste" any other money on small things like apps.

At least that's what a friend of mine does, tbh I think it's very mean. The only reason he doesn't buy basic subscriptions or handy things here or there is because you can't show them off to make people envious

petes

petes wrote: »

So they remember nothing from their holiday?

Memories

Sonics2k

I suppose it depends on the App.

I paid for Apollo and Spotify and that's about it.

I've a friend who threw about €1,500 into building a PC which blew his wife's mind, but she'd happily spend €1,000 on a new phone.

Frankx

People pay for hardware but think softwares free

Sonics2k

Frankx wrote: »

People pay for hardware but think softwares free

I still haven't met anyone who paid for Winzip.

TheValeyard

Frankx wrote: »

People pay for hardware but think softwares free

Winrar

Frankx

Sonics2k wrote: »

I still haven't met anyone who paid for Winzip.

Me neither and I ask everyone I meet

KiKi III

Pretty simple, if I could get a slightly less good iPhone for free I’d do that too.

JeffKenna

ReginaldSmythV wrote: »

People spend even more than that on a holiday with nothing to show for it after they land back home.

Some of the best memories in my life were on holidays.

is_that_so

Frankx wrote: »

Me neither and I ask everyone I meet

Bet that's a cracking conversation! Pay for Spotify and did pay for another app but generally find the features in any other apps I use adequate. Mostly can't see the justification for spending the money for little benefit and the ads don't bother me that much.

Frankx

You have to pay for hardware unless you want to risk being arrested

dzsfah2xoynme9

It's the same when it comes to repairs. I worked as a phone repair technician and I'd see people coming in with smashed screens on €900+ phones. They'd complain when the screen for their Samsung Galaxy Note 10 plus costs over €200 to fix. Same with iPhones.

Rimmy

I have an 80 inch TV, Samsung Note 10+, expensive massage recliner, expensive clothes, expensive tablet, Laptop and gaming desktop.

My car outside in the driveway cost me 1500 with no loans. I never spent more than 1500 on a car as cars don't interest me whatsoever.

Some people like spending 30 grand on a car and say why do you spend a grand on a phone.

Mind boggles.

Frankx

Rimmy wrote: »

I have an 80 inch TV, Samsung Note 10+, expensive massage recliner, expensive clothes, expensive tablet, Laptop and gaming desktop.

My car outside in the driveway cost me 1500 with no loans. I never spent more than 1500 on a car as cars don't interest me whatsoever.

Some people like spending 30 grand on a car and say why do you spend a grand on a phone.

Mind boggles.

That's the mystery

The car or the phone or the drugs whatever

People just debate then without the awareness of what others want

Rows Grower

ReginaldSmythV wrote: »

People spend even more than that on a holiday with nothing to show for it after they land back home.

You've never been on a holiday have you?

daheff

Rimmy wrote: »

I have an 80 inch TV, Samsung Note 10+, expensive massage recliner, expensive clothes, expensive tablet, Laptop and gaming desktop.

My car outside in the driveway cost me 1500 with no loans. I never spent more than 1500 on a car as cars don't interest me whatsoever.

Some people like spending 30 grand on a car and say why do you spend a grand on a phone.

Mind boggles.

Depends on what you want from the product you buy.

Cars can be just about getting from a to b, or about luxury, status, security, safety...etc

Phones can be just about calls/texts or all the other stuff...super hi tech phone, NFC, Retinal security, dual SIM etc etc

Different strokes...hence different variations of both products.

Riesen_Meal

I spend big enough usually on phones sim free when I do upgrade, the way I see it, I use a phone more than I use my desktop I built for gaming, or my Mac I make music on, like the poster above, I have a crap car as I don't care about car's, they aren't important (to me) in the general scheme of things, I needed one when I lived more rurally but now I'm back in the city I don't need it as much so I'm downsizing soon...

petes

petes wrote: »

So they remember nothing from their holiday?

While I’m not against holidays they are highly over rated under the headings “experiences” and “memories” etc. On the other hand people amazed at someone paying 1k for a phone are also not really thinking about it.

To me a 1k phone is far better value than a 1k holiday. I think my average screen time is 5 hours per day on the phone, that’s not including things the phone is doing in the background like playing music, apps monitoring things etc and I generally keep a phone for 2 - 3 years and sell it on for a few hundred (or gift it to a family member) as iPhones keep their value and remain working longer and better.

Rimmy

Genesis Hallowed Slab wrote: »

While I’m not against holidays they are highly over rated under the headings “experiences” and “memories” etc. On the other hand people amazed at someone paying 1k for a phone are also not really thinking about it.

To me a 1k phone is far better value than a 1k holiday. I think my average screen time is 5 hours per day on the phone, that’s not including things the phone is doing in the background like playing music, apps monitoring things etc and I generally keep a phone for 2 - 3 years and sell it on for a few hundred (or gift it to a family member) as iPhones keep their value and remain working longer and better.

Never regretted spending any money I spent on a holiday. Are you one of types that live in a village with 1500 people and never want to leave it? Where has been the furthest you travelled to? And iPhones are brutal phones, just saying.

Wibbs

I had the first series iPhone pretty early on around six months after launch, but that was because of a bit of luck and it wasn't particularly expensive. More than the average phone at the time, but not by much and way lower than retail. Since then I just wait a couple of years for the fashion to shift and the prices to fall right down and buy one then and usually only when my current one breaks in some way. One way Apple tend to be better than Android is they keep OS updates going for longer for older models which helps. I'm now on a 6s which is what five years old and it's running the latest OS and well good enough for me and most I'd expect.

Now to be fair I'm not a gamer, rarely browse online on a phone and use only a handful of apps none of which need big iron to run so a phone from even ten years back wouldn't be a struggle for me, so there's that.

Brody Refined Tomahawk wrote: »

It's the same when it comes to repairs. I worked as a phone repair technician and I'd see people coming in with smashed screens on €900+ phones. They'd complain when the screen for their Samsung Galaxy Note 10 plus costs over €200 to fix. Same with iPhones.

+1. Never mind the labour and pain in the arse they can be to replace. I'm sure you doing it as a job you'd fly through it, but having replaced screens and batteries on a few iPhones for myself and mates as an amateur, jaysus you'd need patience and luck at times. Oh sure go to ifixit and follow the instructions. "Affix sucker to screen and gently pull at the corners to separate the screen from case". Me: "with what, the force of ten effin African bull elephants? That kinda gently?" *crack* Fuuuuuuuuck!!!! :mad:

Rimmy

Rimmy wrote: »

Never regretted spending any money I spent on a holiday. Are you one of types that live in a village with 1500 people and never want to leave it? Where has been the furthest you travelled to? And iPhones are brutal phones, just saying.

I’ve been on holidays now and again, only one I really spend big money on was honeymoon and I won’t spend big on one again. I don’t regret any holiday but If I didn’t go on them I wouldn’t be regretting that either. I’m generally happy to holiday in Ireland and an odd week or two abroad some years just to get a bit of hot weather. Never did J1s nor wanted to as too busy working at home etc and no interested in “travelling” a weeks holiday somewhere would be as much as I’d do.

iPhones are far far superior to any android phone so I won’t even enter this conversation with you.

Rimmy

Genesis Hallowed Slab wrote: »

I’ve been on holidays now and again, only one I really spend big money on was honeymoon and I won’t spend big on one again. I don’t regret any holiday but If I didn’t go on them I wouldn’t be regretting that either. I’m generally happy to holiday in Ireland and an odd week or two abroad some years just to get a bit of hot weather. Never did J1s nor wanted to as too busy working at home etc and no interested in “travelling” a weeks holiday somewhere would be as much as I’d do.

iPhones are far far superior to any android phone so I won’t even enter this conversation with you.

Locked down software, but sure they are great. Do you like a 120hz display, oh wait.

Wibbs

Genesis Hallowed Slab wrote: »

iPhones are far far superior to any android phone so I won’t even enter this conversation with you.

Both have their pluses and minuses. Depends on the end user. iPhones are more secure out of the box, have a more consistent platform, are well bolted together, have much longer usage lives with more up to date software and hold more value when selling(and I wouldn't give google the steam off a tramp's piss which is a major plus for me). On the other hand they're far less customisable without jailbreaking, are nearly always lagging behind with the latest tech like cameras etc and are more expensive to buy new for similar specs on Android.