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The new mid-range series from Samsung is here, with several small upgrades sprinkled throughout the spec sheet, but they are barely enough.
Galaxy A55 5G vs Galaxy A54 5G: a dangerously marginal upgrade
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Smartphones are getting more expensive but are they really overpriced?
Just like many other things, smartphones are getting more and more expensive. Flagship models sell in the $1000 range, and foldables can easily reach $2000. Even mid-range devices tend to get pricier, which makes buying a smartphone more difficult for many.
With the rising price, smartphones also seem to get more capabilities. More powerful hardware, coupled with improved software, turn even affordable smartphones into capable productivity machines. Because of this, owning a smartphone is not so much of a choice but a vital necessity.
This dynamic makes me wonder what is the fair price of a smartphone. Looking at some of the high-end models, I can’t help but think they are overpriced. After all, most people use their phones for things like social media, messaging, emails, banking and consuming different types of content. None of these activities require a $1000 device, making the premium smartphones an excessive purchase for most people.
However, the same $1000 device holds a different value. You can use the most expensive Galaxies and iPhones for a striking variety of actual, cash-earning work. You could shoot and edit professional photos, start a YouTube channel, record a podcast, research and write texts, and do much more.
You can use the device to learn how to use it in ways that could help you earn hard cash. I already know people who use their flagship smartphones to take photos for their online stores and videos for the YouTube channels of their businesses. For these people, using the $1000 phones they already own feels like a bargain compared to buying a $3,000 professional camera.
Because of this, I think the price of smartphones is not the problem. The problem is the mindset of many users. They feel like they need a $1000 smartphone, but in reality, all their needs can be covered by much cheaper devices. Of course, the latest Galaxy or iPhone feels nicer than almost any budget smartphone, but if you can’t extract the value of an expensive tool, that’s not a problem with the tool.
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![rsiders](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/user-avatar/46628-150/11738-ssj-goku-thumb.jpg)
It’s time we really start holding Google accountable for their blatant shortcomings when it comes to camera hardware and separation between the “Pro” and regular model. Both competing manufacturers in Samsung and Apple include at the very least a 3x telephoto sensor in their flagship models regardless of size. The fact that Google simply ignores this for the smaller model and now the supposed XL model is simply ridiculous to me and makes no sense. Smaller doesn’t mean less but should get as close to the same treatment as the bigger model which is powered by the same chipset. Do better Google and give more features to the smaller phones.
![New Pixel 9 renders surface as exciting news breaks about a premium Pixel 9 Pro XL model](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/156731-wide-two_800/New-Pixel-9-renders-surface-as-exciting-news-breaks-about-a-premium-Pixel-9-Pro-XL-model.jpg)
New Pixel 9 renders surface as exciting news breaks about a premium Pixel 9 Pro XL model
I would rather use a Google glass type of product rather than the apple style VR headset. Hopefully companies keep pushing the AR tech
![AI smart glasses, like the ones by Meta, have caught Apple's eye, but where did the AR dream go?](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/155745-wide-two_350/AI-smart-glasses-like-the-ones-by-Meta-have-caught-Apples-eye-but-where-did-the-AR-dream-go.jpg)
AI smart glasses, like the ones by Meta, have caught Apple's eye, but where did the AR dream go?
![Brewski](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/user-avatar/62098-150/OnePlus-logo.jpg)
If you told me this was a lost video for a concept that never released from 2019, I would believe you.
![A flexible phone that goes on your wrist (kind of): Motorola shows proof of concept at MWC](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/155720-wide-two_350/A-flexible-phone-that-goes-on-your-wrist-kind-of-Motorola-shows-proof-of-concept-at-MWC.jpg)
A flexible phone that goes on your wrist (kind of): Motorola shows proof of concept at MWC
Although this and DXO camera scores doesn't match, I find S24 ultra to be a camera monster. problem with dxomark is they never mess around with raw, and high res modes. they only test auto mode which still not particulary good in samsung phones.s24 produces excellent raw photos in the main camera app and expert raw app produces top notch crispy pthotos for social media, also zoom camera algorithm are far better than what we've seen in most other phones, far better than iphone 15 pro max, pixel and s23 ultra. I would even put it on par to iphone in video due to amazing 8k at ussable frame rate. in camera deppartment the only real contenders are opo find and vivo models
![Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the new best smartphone camera: PhoneArena Camera Score](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/154958-wide-two_350/Samsung-Galaxy-S24-Ultra-is-the-new-best-smartphone-camera-PhoneArena-Camera-Score.jpg)
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the new best smartphone camera: PhoneArena Camera Score
![meanestgenius](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/user-avatar/117385-150/FB-IMG-1668940685015.jpg)
A Foldable iPad is something I can definitely get behind. I prefer tablets to smartphones, so it's not a shock that I prefer iPads to iPhones.
With that said, I'm not so sure that Apple had an issue with the displays. I just think that they realize how far behind they are with Foldables in the smartphone space and have decided to first test out how well they'll do with a Foldable device via a Foldable iPad. Foldable tablets are a virtually untapped market. How successful they are with Foldable iPads will determine if Apple will then release a Foldable smartphone, IMO.
![iPad road map features a major surprise coming in 2027 that might blow you away](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/155622-wide-two_350/iPad-road-map-features-a-major-surprise-coming-in-2027-that-might-blow-you-away.jpg)
iPad road map features a major surprise coming in 2027 that might blow you away
Huawei use to buy $billions$ of chips from Taiwan , S.Korea, US, and Japan but, is now "stuck" buying $billions$ of "more expensive" chips from China's SMIC
this Means
1.China will no longer be spending $billion$ IMPORTING foreign made chips
And
Foreign chipmakers like Japan, S.Korea, US and Taiwan will no longer be making $billions$ selling chips to china...money that use to go into R&D for more advanced western chipsInstead2. China will be making its own expensive 5 nm chips and keeping $billions$ at home where the $ can be used for R&D into new , cheaper & improved Chinese chipsSo3. US export controls have basically ENERGIZED the Chinese Chip industry And Hurt western chip makers
4. Which was just the OPPOSITE of what politicians like Trump and Biden sought to do.So5. Trump & Biden are the "founding fathers" of the Chinese chip industry
![Blockbuster report says SMIC will build 5nm chips for Huawei this year](https://m-cdn.phonearena.com/images/article/155087-wide-two_350/Blockbuster-report-says-SMIC-will-build-5nm-chips-for-Huawei-this-year.jpg)
Blockbuster report says SMIC will build 5nm chips for Huawei this year