Living in an Era Where Buying Expensive Phones is “Foolish”: From Samsung to iPhone

Skip the Pro Phones: Save Your Money

According to Phone Arena, we’re living in the golden age of non-Pro smartphones.

Following the high-profile phone launches of 2025, it’s clear you no longer need to splurge on the most expensive, top-tier models to enjoy a stellar experience—standard editions now more than suffice.

Prime examples include the standard Pixel 10 and iPhone 17. The allure of premium flagships has faded significantly.

The iPhone 17’s standard model introducing ProMotion display is a game-changer. Phone Arena’s review highlights this as rectifying “one of Apple’s most glaring omissions,” and it’s spot on.

A 120Hz refresh rate was the missing piece, previously forcing users to opt for pricier Pro models despite rarely using their exclusive features.

By 2025, 120Hz displays are no longer a luxury—they’re industry standard, adopted by most brands years ago.

Ironically, the Pixel 10 remains one of the last holdouts with a lower refresh rate. However, its rear camera setup compensates, featuring a telephoto lens that even surpasses the iPhone 17 Pro Max.

Yet, unlike Chinese competitors like Oppo or Vivo, Google’s zoom capabilities remain underwhelming. Beyond impressing peers, it holds little practical value on Pixels.

Crucially, both Google and Apple are elevating their standard models to rival Pro versions. For the first time in years, users aren’t compelled to buy an iPhone Pro Max or Pixel Pro XL.

Samsung Led the Way Years Ago

While Apple and Google’s shift is welcome, Samsung’s Galaxy S series has long offered high-refresh displays and telephoto cameras in standard models.

Overshadowed by the Galaxy S Ultra, these models rarely grab headlines beyond launch hype.

Yet, they excel: stunning AMOLED screens, reliable performance (unlike Pixel’s quirks), and versatile cameras outperforming iPhones in most areas (except video). Their compact size is a rarity today.

The Galaxy S26’s crown jewel is One UI. It surpasses Pixel’s near-stock Android and iPhone’s unfinished Liquid Glass interface.

Paired with Good Lock’s customization, Samsung offers an unmatched blend of top-tier features and deep personalization, unrivaled by any Android maker.

Save your wallet—and your pinky—from oversized “bricks.” Compact flagships are resurging, and the Galaxy S25 is their best value yet.

Flagships Stagnate in 2025

Meanwhile, 2025’s Pro models show signs of stagnation.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra? A slightly tweaked design with the same old battery.

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is barely an upgrade from the 9 Pro XL, lagging in performance.

iPhone 17 Pro/Max introduce higher-res telephoto cameras—welcome but not revolutionary.

In 2025, standard flagships have closed the gap with Pro models. While spending more gets you more, the trade-offs are now minimal.

Opting for standard models is the smarter financial choice this year.