Is it just me or does it seem a bit out-of-touch to brag that last year's $1100 phone is still usable? You would sure hope it wasn't made obsolete that quickly
Article seems to push the point that you can, in fact, buy a "last-gen" phone and it'll be just as effective as the current gen. Which is true, since phone improvements are marginal or just shit that includes image-editing AI in the camera firmware since the diminishing improvements of hardware are really starting to kick the manufacturers' ass.
I'd imagine this article is more of statement against the S23 Ultra, than a humble brag. At this point, even if you are able to afford it, why upgrade yearly?
Phones aren't getting drastic upgrades with each physical release - most exciting upgrades are typically software based.
For a phone reviewer probably this means something (not sure if it's article worthy, but there, we have an article) , for a regular user 18 months should be the bare minimum to use a phone, I am aiming for 3-4 years if the hardware doesn't fail and Its still getting OS updates.
For my next phone I will try to buy something which can last for 5 years if possible. I hope we will have more great sustainable options in the coming years.
There are literally no exciting phones in mass-market carriers (at least in the US) anymore, why would anybody buy the next model phones every time? Not to mention their insane costs...