Premium mobile phone prices up by 490% since 2000
The retail prices for premium smartphones in the UK have soared by 490% during the last two decades and will continue on an upward curve for at least the next five years according to new research published by Uswitch.
The humble mobile phone has come a long way since the turn of the Millennium when the average device cost just £72.50 and the high-end Nokia 3310 was available for a comparatively frugal £220.
The lower prices did reflect on the more limited feature set which generally only included basic functions like making calls, sending short text messages and playing snake on a low resolution, monochrome display.
Ten years earlier, handsets used just for calls were considered a luxury after the Motorola 3200 went on sale for £762 in 1992.
The mobile phone since then has evolved into a primary computer of sorts. This trend started with the release of the first iPhone in 2007.
Users can now access a range of apps and functions that enable the mobile phone to double as a high-quality camera, music player, video streaming hub and minicomputer, with cutting edge tech such as ultrafast 5G and augmented reality (AR).
All of that functionality comes at a price though, as evidenced by the release of Samsung’s premium Galaxy S20 Ultra earlier this year.
The device packed in a huge battery, high refresh rate display, 108-megapixel rear camera, superfast CPU and Quad HD+ AMOLED screen.
The impressive tech spec list pushed the Ultra’s price tag up to £1,199, and there are rumours that Samsung’s next phone, the Note 20 Ultra, could retail for £1,300 when it goes on sale later this year.
Samsung is not the only company to have breached the £1,000 mark in recent years, as Apple launched the iPhone 11 Pro Max for £1,149 with the option of a maximum configuration that comes in at a whopping £1,499.
Uswitch mobiles expert, Ru Bhikha said there is no sign of the price hikes slowing down and that many consumers are willing to fork out extra for the devices they use on a daily basis.
He noted:” We pay for our smartphones in manageable monthly payments, so it’s easy to forget how much we’re spending on these technological works of art.
“Although top-end handsets are soaring in price, there are models on the market to suit every budget, with the Samsung Galaxy A10 costing just £139, and the iPhone SE offering great value at £419.”
While the premium handset is trending higher, budget phones are actually becoming cheaper due to increased competition which is beneficial for cost-savvy consumers.
So-called “dumbphones” that resemble the more limited functionality older Nokias can be purchased for as little as £54 and more advanced smartphones with OLED displays can be purchased for £100 more.
Mr Bhikha advised consumers on the lookout for a new device should decide on what features they need and compare different handsets to find something that is suited to their needs and budget.