Why Budget Smartphones In 2025 Just S@ck!

Summary

In this video, the presenter critiques the disappointing trends in budget smartphones in 2025, highlighting the removal of essential features like stereo speakers, 4K recording, and UI animations. They discuss how brands are cutting costs by rebranding processors and components, and the rise of gimmicks that prioritize appearance over functionality. Despite budget phones boasting high-end specs, these compromises affect performance, user experience, and long-term usability. The video urges consumers to consider older models or lesser-known brands offering better value, and suggests stopping the coverage of subpar budget phones.

Takeaways

• 📈 Budget smartphone prices in India have increased significantly, with ₹20,000 being the current average, compared to ₹10,000 a few years ago.
• 🔊 Many budget phones are removing stereo speakers even in higher-priced variants, reducing core audio functionality.
• 📸 Circular camera modules are often gimmicky, with only one functional camera while others, like depth sensors, add minimal value.
• 🎥 4K video recording and playback are being downgraded or removed in budget smartphones despite capable gaming performance.
• 💨 UI animations are sometimes intentionally disabled in phones with capable processors to make higher-end variants feel smoother.
• ⚙️ Processors and camera sensors are often rebranded rather than truly upgraded, creating a perception of new technology.
• 📦 Accessories like chargers, cases, and scratch guards are increasingly removed from boxes, a practice known as shrinkflation.
• 💰 Manufacturers prioritize appearance and marketing gimmicks over practical functionality, leading to compromised user experience.
• 🛠️ Users are advised to consider previous-year phones for better value, as they often provide superior features at lower prices.
• 🎯 Consumers should focus on real performance—camera quality, smooth operation, and 4K support—rather than cosmetic or branded upgrades.

Q & A

Why has the price of budget smartphones increased over the years?

The price of budget smartphones has increased primarily due to improvements in performance, battery size, and other features. However, some of these price hikes are not justified by the added features, as brands often cut corners by removing basic functions or downgrading certain features, such as stereo speakers or 4K video recording.

What is the significance of removing stereo speakers in newer budget phones?

Removing stereo speakers in newer budget phones is a frustrating trend, especially when the previous generation had them. Despite upgrades in other areas, such as battery and processor, the removal of stereo speakers lowers the overall multimedia experience, which is a key selling point for many users.

Why do budget smartphones have large, circular camera layouts that are impractical?

Large, circular camera layouts on budget phones are mostly aesthetic and serve no real purpose in terms of camera functionality. These designs often house sensors that do little to improve photo quality, such as depth sensors that don't actually affect the portrait mode. The design can also cause discomfort when using the phone without a case.

What impact has the lack of 4K video recording had on budget smartphones?

The lack of 4K recording in budget smartphones is a significant downgrade for users who want to capture high-quality video. Not only do many phones fail to support 4K recording, but they also cannot play 4K videos properly, which limits the overall media experience, especially when receiving 4K videos from other devices.

Why are some budget smartphones removing UI animations, and what effect does this have on the user experience?

Some brands remove UI animations to make the phone appear faster or snappier, especially in budget smartphones with weaker processors. However, this often happens in phones with capable processors too, seemingly to make higher-end models feel smoother. This results in a less polished user experience and can make the phone feel less fluid.

What is the issue with rebranding older processors and components in budget smartphones?

Rebranding older processors and camera sensors as newer models is a deceptive trend that misleads consumers. For example, the Snapdragon 695 is marketed as the Snapdragon 6S Gen 3, and Sony's Litia series camera sensors are essentially rebranded IMX sensors. This practice gives the impression of newer, advanced components, even though they are just repackaged older technology.

How has Apple's removal of chargers from the box influenced the budget smartphone market?

Apple's decision to remove chargers from the box was initially mocked but has since become a trend adopted by many brands, including budget smartphones. While this can be justified in premium devices where users are expected to already have chargers, it has trickled down to lower-end phones where users often rely on the included charger. Some brands have even started removing other accessories, like cases or screen protectors, which adds to the overall value reduction.

What is shrinkflation, and how does it apply to budget smartphones?

Shrinkflation refers to the practice of reducing the quantity or quality of a product while maintaining its price. In the context of budget smartphones, this is seen when brands remove accessories like cases or screen protectors from the box, or reduce the size of the packaging, all while keeping the price the same. This ultimately diminishes the value offered to consumers.

What are some unnecessary features that are added to budget smartphones to make them seem more premium?

Features like IP ratings for water resistance, wireless charging, and virtual RAM are often added to budget smartphones to make them look more premium. While these features may sound attractive, they do not always offer practical value, especially if they are poorly implemented, such as wireless charging that is rarely used or virtual RAM that does not enhance performance.

Why are companies moving from budget smartphones to premium brands, and what does this mean for consumers?

Many companies start by offering budget smartphones and, once they have established a market, shift to premium brands, increasing their prices. This is often accompanied by a jump in quality, with newer brands offering better specs or established brands offering older models at discounted prices. Consumers are advised to consider older models from trusted brands or explore new brands offering good value for money.