My daughter is saving up to buy an iphone 4 or 5.
I don't really know much about mobile phones to be honest.
Are they really worth the money?
If not, how can I convince her not to buy one?
Please help!
iPhone worth the money?
tomatosauce on 19/01/2013 - 20:50
Comments
Yeah I was like that also. Would worry if that $10 toy/game etc was a waste of money lol.
buy a regular $300 smartphone and a $400 laptop + possible software for studies
This is how it should be sold to a teenager…
Plus you can buy the $300 smartphone now, rather than have to wait another month of saving!
And when (not if) you drop it and smash the screen, you'll be able to afford a replacement!
There is one thing to ask her "What will you use it for?".
'apps' become boring real quick, and I bet it becomes a phone, sms, and social networking phone. Which even the lowest of Android can do.
Just sit down and ask her the uses and apps she sees herself using, and consider if they're long term things or a fad.
more than likely she'll drop it and shatter the screen. By my estimate at least 75% of school kids these days have shattered screen iphones.
http://www.theonion.com/video/new-iphone-geared-towards-coll…
What she won't say is "To Facetime (Apple term for video calls) with the boy I'm interested in".
its her money, let her get whatever she wants
u fail @ parenting.
While I don't agree with wkd entirely, there is some truth to the comment. A parent should encourage a child to save for the things they want. A parent should provide some guidance and advice when their child of this age wants to make a large purchase with their savings. A parent should go through the pros, cons, and risks with the child to make sure they understand what they are getting themselves into.
If she's saved for it and wants it then she can buy it and either realise she spent all her money on something and have buyer's regret, or she buys it and loves it and is really happy with it with no regrets. At 14 it would be a valuable experience, whatever way it goes.
The important thing that so many people are missing is that this girl worked for the money and is buying it herself. At 14 she's got a job and goals. Everyone is so quick to put her down for it but I back the daughter all the way and am so happy to hear she's got some motivation for getting what she wants all by herself. A valuable lesson that is overlooked these days is saving for what you want instead of running to the bank or family/friends for money to buy it. No doubt she's had the phone on her mind for a while so she's mulled it over for some time and come to the decision that she still wants it.
Are they really worth the money?
No
If not, how can I convince her not to buy one?
Try out the phones at jb hi fi and show her she can do all the same things on a cheaper phone.
Try out the phones at jb hi fi and show her she can do all the same things on a cheaper phone.
ha ha , have you ever bought a wedding ring :-)
Samsung Galaxy S2 (not S3) is much better value for money IMO. Also just image how she would feel if, heaven forbid, it ever gets lost or stolen.
You can get Galaxy Nexus for under $300 and that compares pretty well to S3, except perhaps for the camera and the looks.
Current stats put it at about 60% of the adult populatin have a smart phone. It is the way we are headed and she needs to keep up. Maybe it's something you need to work out together, get one on a plan, with insurance etc and teach her to manage the monthly bill as it comes. Some kids just spend their pay every week and others save up for that big purchase every few months. I have a couple of each. Better she is focused on a phone than getting a navel piercing or a tattoo on her foot, neck etc. The biggest problem with buying one outright is that most companies have recently changed the rules for pre-paid sims and Facebook, Twitter etc are no longer free.
Well, you've certainly generated a lot of comments there. Whether Apple products are worth their higher prices is a topic that will never die.
In nuts and bolts terms, no, it is not worth it. Not even close. For the same money you can get much more with android.
But on the other hand, if your ithing breaks, you can take it to the apple shop where there are people who actually know a thing or two about the products they sell. The warranty support is pretty good too. And the app support for apple is still better. Not to mention the huge range of after-market devices where Apple still reigns king.
I would never buy one, myself. But I can see why utter noobs would want to, in the same way that I bought a Toyota Echo because I know nothing about cars and just wanted something reliable and well supported.
Cars are a bit different. People are willing to drop money on cars because its a long term investment. A good car will last 5 years plus and you will most definitely sell it off, so resale value is a factor.
Phones, tablts and computers are much, much shorter in terms of usage lifespan. No matter how much money you put towards a gadget, it becomes outdated (and no longer supported) after about 2/3 years. The non user repleaceable battery doesn't help either.
Thing is. This is a smartphone we are talking about. Also, she is buying it outright. Honestly, that is the most cost effective way (compared to being locked into a 24 months contract) - not getting locked into long term contract. So, there was some thinking involved already.
From an IT perspective, the generally rule is: buy the latest & greatest (lasts you longer) or buy the cheapest. Sure, $700 may seem a lot here. But, if she used it for more than 2 years, then it is not that bad. Whereas, if she puchased a $300 phone and after one year she felt the need to upgrade, then, there will be more spending there.
an IT perspective, the generally rule is: buy the latest & greatest (lasts you longer) or buy the cheapest. Sure, $700 may seem a lot here. But, if she used it for more than 2 years, then it is not that bad
But as you said later:
Out of the $700 she is paying, $300 of it is actually paying for an Apple logo. If she has no issue with that, then there is really not much you can do.
So there is a contradicting point you made, $700 spent on a phone doesn't mean you get superior hardware and support. That extra $300 she will spend is on that shiny Apple logo — it does not absolutely mean she's getting the most cutting edge phone you can get in the market (which of course, the iPhone isn't since a lot of phones now have superior CPU's, screens etc. and cost less).
Which brings to my point — you cannot "future" proof a phone by throwing more money at it. A current gen iPhone 5 will get superseded by iPhone 5s (Rumour has it that it's March?), and a current gen Sammy S3 will get superseded by a S4. Regardless of their initial pricing, they'll still become superseded very quickly in 2-3 years.
I disagree. Personally, I tend to find the "sweet spot" - a phone that is a yard or two off the pace but much better value than the top notch phone.
I just bought the Razr V, I think that will keep me going a couple of years, touch wood.
To scrimshaw…
iPhone 5 is the latest and greatest iPhone at the moment (until the next one comes).
No contradicting about the hefty logo price. You generally have to pay the logo price for the latest and greatest. Exmaples: latest and greatest intel CPU, Samsung S4 when it comes out soon. Pretty sure the initial "logo" price for Samsung S4 won't be cheap either.
Don't get me wrong, it is Apple's quarter at the moment, BUT we know Samsung and other Android makers will leap frog it soon. Then, Apple will attempt to leap frog. Followed by Android, then Apple.. and the cycle continues.
I do not understand this question at all… If she is 14 she can make her own decisions as she should be, and also learning from them. I'm not saying let her go out dressed up wearing thigh high boots and heavy make up but she's definitely old enough to make her own decisions regarding how she spends her money. Don't get me wrong you're a good parent wanting to give her input and guidance but it shouldn't be anything more than an opinion that is supportive of her final choice.
Maybe the best way to do it would be to get someone to lend her iPhone for say 3 weeks or so and then after it ask her what she likes about it so she can make an informed decision and then provide examples of better ways you think she could have spent the money like on the Nexus 4 ~$350 and maybe a cheap laptop she can do her homework on?
It is probably difficult to change her mind. However, if you are quite concerned, just mention the following:
Out of the $700 she is paying, $300 of it is actually paying for an Apple logo. If she has no issue with that, then there is really not much you can do.
Also, if she ended up regret buying an iPhone within the first 14 days, remind her that she can get a full refund no question asked from Apple store. In fact, if there is any minor blemish on the iPhone, it would be wise to exercise that right.
well if she's using her own money and she wants it that bad i would say just let her.
everyones goes thru a phase where you want sth badly.
my only condition would be dont get urself into mountain of debt because of this.
I would choose an ordinary Android phone over iPhone even if they costed the same… You go figure
*cost the same. ;)
no, they don't cost the same
he said "IF" they cost the same :P
and I would too, too many lock downs in iPhone.
Plus I want control with how I put my music on my phone, FOLDERS and iTunes feels like pretty bad tunes management software. Prefer MediaMonkey but I would never use a Sync function. As I said I like those folders.Plus! I do like to rip my cd collection into .flac and play them with no compression. iPhone you need a special app for that and it costs a fair bit. Most or many apps on android are free, many more with little to no ads and I found the perfect .FLAC player. Only problem is my android is one of the cheaper models and it wouldn't have a very good Dedicated Audio Chip like the Galaxy S3 has so you probably wouldn't notice much difference from 320k .mp3.
Just my personal opinion.
YOLO!
HAHAHHAHA
That's my daughter's favorite saying!
Well that tells me right there she isn't really mature enough to be responsible for looking after a $700 phone. It's just showing that the marketing has worked on her. iPhones are inferior to Android devices in many ways, but Apple have fantastic marketing and that is what works on most people.
They are very user friendly and there is plenty of online support as they are the most sold phone ever.
The main factor that everyone hasn't addressed is "She is a 14 yr old girl who wants an iPhone"
Let her get what she wants…
I have to say, when I was in my teens, I had a number of occasions (I can think of three right now) where I wanted to buy something kind of expensive, and my mum did her best to convince me that I didn't need it, and I didn't buy them in the end. Looking back at all three, I am VERY glad that I did not buy them, and I think that my mum's input had something to do with that. Admitedly they were not as 'useful' as a smart phone, but I am still glad I did not outlay that much money when I was young, and saved it. In the end, it was probably good because I bought my dream first-car just before I was eligible to get my driver's licence, in no small part thanks to not spending that money.
All I can suggest is (and only you know how well this might work), maybe suggest to her that she buy something else (eg. android) for $400, and if she is really unhappy with it after say, 2 months, then you tell her that you will pay the difference, to replace her android with an iphone. So she pays the $300 left over that should would have otherwise, you pay the $400, and you get the adroid device, sell it, and recoup some of the money. But you would be hoping for a situation where after the 2 months, she would feel too bad buying a new phone or making you pay for part of her new phone (I know I probably would).
But all this is coming from a person that is a frugal spender and a fantastic saver of money, so others might feel differently.
Question her as to WHY she wants/needs the iPhone?
Her response will determine whether the iPhone is worth it.
If it's because its a technically rich & feature rich APPLE phone, then it's worth it.
If her answer is, because they are "cool", my friends have them, "I just want one" etc… well then IT'S NOT WORTH IT.
Would you let her buy a Louis Vuitton handbag for $2,000? I would not think so, so why with phone?
Thank you very much for all your comments.
We are overwhelmed by the response.Originally my daughter was so determined to get an iphone no matter what, and saying,
"Of course these people will say NO to an iphone cause they are tight arse like you, Mum!"
Well, last night when she found out we received such a huge response, she actually sat down and read all the comments(yes, she did go to the links if suggested, to find out other options.)Maybe that's what I wanted from her - think twice before spending, consider the value of money, risks of losing, breaking etc.
She was quite surprised by the facts some of you mentioned as well.
If she still wants to buy one, I'm sort of fine now.
That's her money after all.Anyway, I couldn't have done it without your help, thank you fellow Ozbargainers!
As at today, she has saved about $400, so she's got a few more weeks to think about it.
I will let you know the outcome!
2nd hand iphone 4S's (usually unlocked) are around $400 in vic. (32GB/blk/white) if you couple that with a BYO telstra phone plan ($30 per mth) that will give her a non-locked in contract and a few hundred $$ worth of value and txt each month including the all important included data.
im not a rep but I sympathise your cause. having multiple ppl in the house with iphones/ipads are beneficial as you can buy an app once and share it across multiple devices.
Doesn't it has to be under one itunes account?
Seriously the iPhone is the best phone out there, especially if its her first smartphone. It' has such a well polished OS and the real life performance is unbeatable.Thats my experience with mine atleast.
We need to guide our kids into the right path as much as we think it's correct (we are not saint).
If you think she can think rationally , that's fine to own an expensive phoneIf the mindset is "it's her money anyway anyhow" that's bad, what if she get something not good but using her own money?
parents should guide their kids (sometimes forcefully) to guide them through when they can't think carefully.
Many people are still homeless and foodless in the world, save the money for rainy days.I can see where you're coming from. I am a saver myself (I am still using a 7 year old Sumsang mobile and it doesn't bother me.)
I have tried to change her mind but you know what?
Talking to teenagers is like talking to a brick wall.
Well, at least you guys made a hole through the wall, yay!
Now I have to leave it up to her to make up her mind.
i think that's all we can expect - educate but don't dictate. by the sounds of things your daughter is reasonably sensible and regardless of whether she ends up going for the iphone, teaching her to do her research before buying and be subjective with the 'cool' factor is probably the most important lesson here rather than the few $00 saved!
iPhone 4gs is really good phone. iPhone5 have just a little bit improvement, not much seriously.
but the price have huge gap.
Plus the white iPhone 4gs is pure white and back of iphone 5 is sliver.
So I bet she will like white iphone4gs more.
4S
This is a great open question to get a wide range of responses and bring out the zealots
- If you buy her an iPhone make sure you buy a heavy duty cover, 2. If her friends all have iPhones she is not going to want other types of phones
If you buy her an iPhone
The OP's daughter is looking to buy the phone for herself; the OP won't be buying anything.
If her friends all have iPhones she is not going to want other types of phones
The OP already said that only one of her daughter's friends has one.
bring out the zealots
If you're referring to the Apple vs Android argument: the conversation has actually stayed relatively on-topic.
I reckon if she's saving up and totally determined to get iPhone, that's fine. I know how it feels being her, and as her mum, you should be proud that she doesn't nag you to buy her one ;)
If she likes it a lot, she'll know the feeling of getting rewarded for her huge saving effort - at 14 y.o to save $700 and buy something she really wants is extraordinary! later on if she found that iPhone is not worth it, well that's a lesson for her too :) (better use of saved money for something else)
You've shown her what people here think, and if she goes with her decision to buy iPhone, let her be :)
If I were you, I'd let her have the experience (albeit an expensive one!) :)
Let us know.I cannot thank you guys enough.
You actually brainwashed my daughter!
"iphone is not worth it." "iphone is waste of money" "iphone is a rip-off"
She doesn't want it any more!!!
She did a lot of research and decided she wants a Samsung Galaxy Ace 2!
Please give me your thought on this phone, thank you :)hehehe glad we all helped!
just curious.. what made her decide on the SGA2?
edit: just did a quick check up on the SGA2.. cheapest price on staticice is about $250-260 delivered for a grey import (no australian warranty, best case will have to send back to shop and they will send it internationally to HK or whever it came from).. i would seriously consider the motorola razr v instead.. it's $246 from JB hifi (http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/91118) so it'll be australian stock with australian warranty.. specs are better too
comparison: http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=4559&idPhone2=…
I agree — The Razr V is much, much better than the SGA 2.
ace 2 really isn't a great phone..
Have a look at the Sony Xperia range, they're all pretty good (nice designs)
The SGA2 is not a good choice. Poor reviews. Old software. Ugly interface. Limited apps. There's a reason it's heavily discounted.
suggest to get GS3.
The ace/2 isn't great in terms of value for money. better options imo would include-
Samsung Galaxy S2/S3 for about ~350 from anywhere really (Graysonline deal today has S3 for $360)
Galaxy Nexus about same price
lG optimus 4X http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/lg-optimus-4x-hd-p880-white-andr…On the more budget and smaller side,
Xperia Sola or any of the newer Xperia range really more recent than the Xperia Arc 2
Well that's a good result, I was just going to say it's awesome to hear that your daughter is working and saving young.
Like a few of the others here I have had my shares of wants and regrets here and the best thing from that is that someone can learn from them. Seriously, watching my money grow is so much more satisfying than some of the purchases I would have made… saving money for a rainy day is good too! (I am financially stable and have more money than some people who have full time work even though I've been in and out of work for the last 6 months thanks to saving for the last 6 years)
As for phone, I think this really depends on your daughters uses. If there's going to be extensive use then maybe put a bit more research to get a phone around the 300 - 400 mark. That seems to be the sweet spot right now for mid-range phones (personal opinion only).
Good luck on your phone search and you should be proud that your daughter sat down with you and is thinking seriously before buying things. Just think $700 could get you a takeaway lunch every day for 2+ months (not that I am recommending that at all)!
Steve Jobs is dead.
Nope, he's standing right behind you.
ipod, iphone, ipad, ipotty, idead, ishave…… ipoo
too many products around
No mobile phone are worth the insane price they are now days, marketers can jack up the prices whatever they want, since people would pay anything for an iphone or android phone.. These phones only probably costs $20 a pop when made in china, only phones that are worth what you pay would be the $20-$50 Nokia phones, they all have most of the high end gimmicks, camera, mp3, net browsing, etc.
do the $20-$50 Nokia phones have wifi, nfc, dlna, large touch screens, fast processors etc?????
Yes, the iPhone is worth it. I'm a technology fan who changes phones like most people change underwear and I've owned or loaned one of everything - Galaxy, iPhone, Lumia, Nexus, you name it - and the iPhone is the clear best. It's got the slickest UI, the best apps, the best ecosystem, etc. Everything feels polished. Especially with teens they don't really want phones, they want social media devices, and the iPhone has that down pat.
I've also developed for these platforms and even there the iPhone is the clear winner; although that's more an indictment of the other platforms because Xcode and Objective-C is pretty hokey.
Most people will babble specs at you to convince you that their phone is better than iPhone - this is often just post-hoc rationalization, and has nothing to do with the experience of the device. I've used them all and sold everything except the iPhone. And I will happily change to another phone if they manage to make something better, but nothing is in the same league as Apple's iPhone right now.
are you sure? alright.
Everything feels polished
Except the map…
the map is "fantastic"
they created the island for japan and china……..
so pick one………and the walled garden that is iTunes that suspiciously doesn't run as smoothly on the PC…
that's not true, it's just the way how you see it.
it's a special effect call "crash"or you suppose to install hakintosh on it.
like they said, there's no hardware fault, just the way you use iphone (no finger on its side, snap photo at the correct angle)
you have to adapt to the phone, the phone or software is not design for you, you have to be designed for the phone. APPLE IS NEVER WRONG - epic failed
best is to get itouch and android phone. If itouch got stolen, she can buy another one again, but if iphone got stolen then she will need to save for 7 months and get another one.
Dude….that's some crazy logic. Do you buy a motorcycle just in case your car gets stolen? Having an iTouch when you have a smartphone is just redundant.
14 year old?
iPhone 4S or 5?
New or 2nd hand?She should buy a well looked after 2nd hand 4s.
She will love it.I think a lot of people make the mistake of comparing $100 android phone with an iphone. To make a fair comparison you have to look at the more expensive quality android phones if comparing to a $700 or $800 iphone. Both ecosystem have their cons and pros, I know I am a little biased towards android, because it offers better value and allows the user to tweak things, which is something I like. The disadvantage android tend to have are, there's so many android devices that it makes it impossible for app makers to optimize the apps for every device, thus you aren't going to see the same kind of efficiency you do on an iphone. That being said, the more expensive android phones tend to have decent hardware to make up for any shortfall. Then iphone arguably has a better library of apps available, but the gap is constantly shrinking and this is a subjective kind of argument at best, both systems have a good selection of apps available. Some people will talk about the smoothness of the os, iphones tend to be a lot smoother than an android equivalent. Android devices tend to experience I think the term used is micro stutters, you'll notice this from time to time, even with their latest iteration jelly bean. To me though, its hardly worth mentioning, it usually because some app is running in the background chewing up precious resources, which is easily to just stop anyways. Another thing people who buy iphones tend to say that the build quality makes up for the cost, which is a hard sell, since you always want a cover to protect your phone from unfortunate circumstances, and been plenty of iphones returned because of imperfections. One good thing in general iphones tend to retain resale value better than android alternatives, but you can't predict these things and imo its worth saving $300-400 now than hope that'll in a couple of years time you make up the difference in cost.
So to sum up my wordy reply.
In my opinion I don't think iphones are worth the money, but opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one and everyone thinks everyone else's stinks.
Goodluck and at the end of the day all that matter is your happy with your purchase
I've been using Google Nexus phone (Android) until recently and switched to iPhone 5.
For a teenager and those who do not wish to fiddle around too much with the software and system, I'd recommend getting the iPhone 5. Here's some differences between iPhone and Android:
Build quality - iPhone wins hands down. Full metal construction. Feels very premium and sturdy. Android phones are well build too but mostly plastic body and do not have the same premium feel as iPhone.
Software/Apps - iPhone wins as well in terms of apps and the quality of apps. Android has more free apps but the numbers are limited.
System update - iPhone wins again. Unless you are getting a Google nexus phone, other Android phones suffer long delays in system updates. Some never get one.
Battery life - iPhone, for its small size has excellent battery life, even so in 4G LTE (the newer network). Android phones perform equally, if not better but you'd have to get quite large phones like Samsung Note II.
Hardware - Android takes the lead as they are faster in implementing new chips but I reckon there is just so much power you need in a phone. Hardware for both iPhone and Android has reached a point that software will ultimately make the noticeable difference. Either phones are fast, really fast.
Size/Weight - iPhone 5 is one of the slimmest and lightest phones out there. Apple has decided to "slim down" their product while Android phones keep getting bigger and bigger. It's a complete different design philosophy.
2nd Market value - iPhone 5 can be sold for close to 60% of its original retail value in the future while Android phones can be sold for peanuts. That's the difference in terms of brand power.
Ultimately, it comes down to 2 very different phones.
Recommendation for Android phones: Samsung Galaxy S3, Google Nexus 4
Recommendation for iPhone : iPhone 5You obviously haven't used a Nexus 4. Solid, premium feel.
Apple does have more apps, but the gap is very small. Pretty much an android alternative for any app.
Nexus 4 is the same. iOS is years behind Android anyway.
Good for it's size, but not the best. Can get android phones with much better battery life.
Agree somewhat, some people like to have micro sd cards to hold more music/video/photos which you can get an android phone if you want.
It's a smaller phone, it should be lighter. Many would say the small screen is a con.
It costs more in the first place. Brand power? More likely as it's the only phones with iOS. Brand power is what is getting Apple all those sales.
Don't need itunes with Android. :D
Build quality - The fact that you need to prevent iPhone 5 from being scatched means the build quality is NOT that good. Also, there are issues with inside bits (camera lens - or you are holding your phone wrong).
Apps - Quite a few iOS apps are better than their Android counterpart at the moment. However, Android have apps that iOS people cannot get (apps to stream 1080p mkv movies from your network; USB keyboard, mouse, control DSLR via USB). Widgets and Extended Power Contorl apps on Android are quite handy.
System update - minor updates and updates to remove Google Maps are not worth it. I have iOS devices on old iOS 5 firmware.
Small size - not the smallest smartphone; nor has the biggest screen. Battery life - above average but NOT excellent.
Smartphone CPUs still have a long way to go. Next gen ones will be 2X faster. Apple, Samsung, nVidia, Qualcomm are working on much faster chips.
iPhone 5 is lighter BECAUSE S3 is really light. Apple had to respond. You need to thank Samsung for reminding Apple that a smartphone can easily be ligher than iPhone 4S.
No way, in 2 years time, you cannot get 60% of the original retail value. How about you buy my old iPhone 4 at 60% of your original value.
Build quality…
Heh, I know a guy who dropped his iPhone in his car, and found that it had bent like a banana on impact. The conveniently placed SIM (located in the middle of the phone) now does not work - he has a $700 iPod. Good ol' aluminium.
Probably been posted coco, But look at buying a used Iphone4 for on ebay for around the $250 mark. They are just as stylish imo as the ip5 and costs a 3rd of the price.
Has anyone heard about the Chinese smartphone Newman N2 or Xiaomi Mi2 handsets? They are pretty well-priced, from my point of view as an OZbargainer. These phones are in the same league as the Nexus 4, as can be seen by their specs http://www.gizmochina.com/2013/01/20/newman-n2-vs-xiaomi-mi2…
I took a look at Xiaomi handsets, their prices aren't really that competitive. You could easily get a Nexus 4 or a S3 for slightly more expensive like <$100 more, and you get better ROM support from the online community.
Knowing what happens in China and how much they put value in human life, I wouldn't trust buying a smart phone from a Chinese company, you don't know if they followed regulations about radiation and stuff. You could be seriously irradiating your brain while you are chatting with your partner….
Also build quality is another factor, although almost most phones are made in China now, however there is a overseas governing body which takes care of quality control, where as chinese companies usually skimp on the quality control area.
Iplau,
Interesting to see how you're belittling Xiaomi, just watch and see for yourself over the next few months. Those in the know-how, especially Android forum users know Xiaomi's ROM are used by millions of people around the world. If you don't know Xiaomi's ROM is called MIUI.
Regarding Nexus 4 or S3, like I said, I would buy, IF I could get my hands on them (perhaps not at S3's price tag).
7 millions of Xiaomi phones sold, that would be a lot of radiations.
I have been using the mobile for a few days now, built quality is solid and sturdy.
I hope you're doing more in-depth research on this particular manufacturer (and yes I agree there are a lot of shady chinese phone makers out there), but for other chinese makers to copy/clone Xiaomi's Mi 2 phone, it must be something unusual.
OZbargainers, just sit back and see for yourself, few years down the road, I know I wouldn't be the only Xiaomi user in OZ.
LOL at kid demanding parents buy an iPhone for them
Tell them they are getting a Huawei Ascend Y201 Prepaid Mobile Phone $49 at Coles and they'll be fken happy about it.
http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/91573#comment-1218910LOL at kid demanding parents buy an iPhone for them
If you'd read the thread properly, you'd know that's not the case here.
lol at mother that is so stupid that she has to ask ozbargain if she should let her kid have an iphone
She's not tech-savvy, and is merely asking for advice. But yeah, insulting the OP is such a great contribution to the thread, well done! pats head
iPhones used to have a good resell value, however now that there is so many people who have it, the resale value is sort of the same as every other brand…..
Let her get what she wants, you can't get her to change her opinion and if it was a mistake they cheap lesson learnt if she becomes more aware about value for money (difference for everyone). better learn now over a phone they a car or a house…
I remembered saving up $80 for a 64mb usb stick when i was in high school (alot for me at the time) and looking back on it now it was a impulse choice (tech kids seems to have them to more homework around from computer to computer, it was kool at the time..) but from that i learnt to do research to get the best price and to make sure if it is really what i want to just a phase. I still have the USB to remind me how hard i worked to get so little and to never do it again.The problem is Apple have done an awesome job at marketing their products. They refer their phone as an iPhone and people call it an "iPhone". Now if I pull out my SGS34G out to my friends its referred to as a generic "phone", but theirs would be an "iPhone". Its genius, somehow Apple have managed to create an illusion that there is another category of phones called "iPhone" where as I belong in the "phone" category making it feeling less unique. Same goes for the iPad, it aint a tablet.. its an "iPad".
The problem is Apple have done an awesome job at marketing their products. They refer their phone as an iPhone and people call it an "iPhone"
Agreed. Having the word phone in the name is smart. It simple, easy to remember, and people know its a phone because the actual word "phone" is in the name of their phone. Google should name a phone such as the gphone/xphone/zphone. Also I'm surprised barely any of the android manufacturers have an symbol for their brand.
Now if I pull out my SGS34G out to my friends its referred to as a generic "phone", but theirs would be an "iPhone
No one adds the 4G when they say it.
Google should name a phone such as the gphone/xphone/zphone
I can see Apple filing more lawsuits to make up for their loss of sales!
I doubt Apple can sue a rival for using the word phone in their name of a mobile phone.
Why not? They sued because a rival phone was square.
It is worth it to buy a smartphone, but a $250 Android phone will be 95% as good as an iPhone. I have used android and iPhone and I prefer my HTC One S to the iPhone 5. For someone on her income, the iPhone is not worth it. She may like it for the social status.
what social status? nowadays iphones are so common people wouldn't give it a second glance
Hello coco0507
Is it worth, I hope I will shed light, after reading below
I used to be an iphone owner, no I have moved to android, and would not look back.If you daughter is going to buy an iphone (I am going to make assumptions) she is primarily going to use it in the following order for:
1. Facebook/twitter
2. ipod (music)
3. Browsing the net
4. Texting (Free, between iphone and iphone users, however you can get the same system from an android phone)
5.Calling
I suppose we can approach this scientifically with a refute hypothesis!!! and look at the cheaper alternatives and then move up the price ladder at the top sitting the iphone.
All the phones below will do the exact same thing as the iphone, and you can make up your mind on its inherit worth.- Cheaper alternatives around $(250-350) (Have smart phone capabilities) such as Samsung Galaxy ACE. Is capable of the all the above features, BUT does not have the polished interface, nor arguably the user friendliness. and the same can be said for phones between the 450-550 mark, they do the above functionality but are not as smooth or "just work" as the iphone. If you want anything that feels powerful and upto it you are going to have to spend the same sort of money that you want for an iphone such as the Samsung Galaxy s3 or the HTC equivalent model etc etc.
The disadvantages of the iphone, is that it is locked up, you can not copy and paste as simple file from your computer to the iphone directly, it has to go through itunes which is equivalent to Hitler or dictator that tells you what you can do and cant, and for some people, they can find this extremely frustrating. On the upside it means you are less likely going to screw the system up, and able to back up easily. When you buy a song it is linked to that account so technically a same family member with another iphone can not download those songs on to their phone, which i find is outrageous.
So in conclusion: if she wants an iphone and can afford it etc then go for it, the alternatives are android based phones that can offer more flexibility, however are approximately the same price.Good luck
Let us know what you are going to do !!I think iPhones are well worth the money !
iPaid $1200 for a new unlocked 3GS Three and a half years ago and its probably the most greatest personal investment i have ever made.
Still using it today and always looking at the new features latest model but have never really found a reason to upgrade to the latest.
Might even buy another 3GS and one for my GF
Here I was thinking that the Samsung Galaxy was now just as popular as the iPhone in the teenage market? Goes to show what I know.
I reckon that if she saved for it, she can buy it. In my opinion there are better phones out there, but the purchase will not be satisfying. Hell I've bought some "fad" items that I've later regretted, but the only way to learn this lesson is to do it yourself.
The learning curve for an Android phone is huge, but well worth it once you've mastered it. Even primary school age kids nowadays love customising their user interfaces, and they are quick to learn on how to manage their devices with proper guidance. So I'm sure a 14 year old engaging in open sourced gadgets is a pretty cool idea.
I always encourage people to go with Android, mainly because it doesn't tie you down to the Apple iOS devices, and those devices cost a lot more. I have an S2 as my main phone, a couple of backup Android phones (cheapies - Huawei U8300 and LG P690F) for use when travelling overseas, and an Ainol Novo Fire. All these for the cost of ONE iPhone. The apps I purchase from the Play Store can be used on all the devices.
With the iOS devices, if I wanted to use my paid apps across all my 3 phones and tablet, I'd probably have to use an iPhone 5, iPhone 3GS and 4 as my backups, and an iPad. Can you imagine how much that would cost?
If you are going to train your 14 year old to be a lifelong OZBargainer and she is happy and open to owning an Android device, this is another thought you can drop into her mind. —> "Save up to $700, buy a $350 phone. And go wild with your imagination on what else you can do with the balance of $350! You could own an EXTRA TABLET.. =D"
With the iOS devices, if I wanted to use my paid apps across all my 3 phones and tablet,
I'd probably have to use an iPhone 5, iPhone 3GS and 4 as my backups, and an iPad.
Can you imagine how much that would cost?with iOS, its buy once, share across all devices for free.
Aren't there iPad specific versions of many popular apps that you have to buy separately from the iPhone version?
Was referring to the cost of purchasing the devices, not the apps. I bought 4 devices for the price of 1 iOS device. Would've hit 1.5k-2k if I bought 4 iOS devices. Whereas for Android devices you have the option of purchasing a higher end device and paying premium for it, or buying a less known China produced product that isn't too shabby at all.
When I was in Primary, I borrowed 10c for snacks at the school's lunch shop and kept forgetting to pay my friend back for weeks. It still haunts me to this day. Maybe that's why I don't needlessly waste money on things I don't really need or afford :)