If there’s anything I’ve learned over the years, it’s the “new” doesn’t always actually mean “good”. It sure can have that shine though, that cutting-edge aura where you feel like you’re actually a pioneer or some shit. Then it becomes merely a “thing” and no longer a “new thing” and all that luster is kinda worn off. Even worse–sometimes the new thing changes the stuff you liked about the old thing, while introducing new features/options that don’t always fill the gaps. Sometimes there’s progress in the transition: lighter, faster, more capable, etc. But i feel there’s always a tradeoff and it’s usually reliability or legacy compatibility that’s the first thing to get reduced to make room for more glitter.

I think I’m just getting older and find myself less interested in trying out different tech, i just want something that works and i don’t care if it’s current or not. At this point, the difference between the capabilities of most current stuff doesn’t justify spending 2-4x as much to upgrade from my cheap, reliable daily drivers. The tech in these phones is amazing, but it doesn’t seem like there’s been any major improvements in the past several years that felt really ground breaking. I’m sure I’m overlooking something or perhaps there’s newer functionality I’m unfamiliar with. It just feels like they really are just re-releasing the same products over and over but with a new number slapped on it so people get the warm and fuzzies when they buy it.