Buzz
'Expensive but fragile' is a phrase used to praise a good product. But does being 'expensive but fragile' imply that tech items must endure and persevere?
Quality isn't simply about durability
Why are tech products expensive? It's because of 'quality,' where quality is a very broad term to express the value of a tech item. In the past, before the era of 'smart' devices, tech items like tube TVs, refrigerators, feature phones were praised for their durability.
That's because back then, devices didn't have too many features, so companies and advisors would use durability as a measure of experience and pricing. This explains why tech companies from Japan were selling like hotcakes. Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, Sanyo,... were all giants at that time. Because their products emphasized durability over time.
However, durability is gradually no longer the key measure of product quality, especially in an era where tech devices are increasingly feature-rich and smart. Phones are not just for calls, TVs are not just for watching cable TV but also for gaming, browsing the internet, or even as decorative devices, refrigerators also equipped with Wi-Fi,...
There are more and more components, parts, and features integrated into a device, but the emphasis on slim, flexible designs has inadvertently diminished the so-called 'durability' of the product. It's no exaggeration to say that tech products, especially phones, are no longer as reliable and durable as before, but in return, we have tools that serve both entertainment and work purposes, all in one. The quality of a smartphone in general or a specific phone is no longer simply about durability but also about features, design, and experience they provide. Just imagine now a million-dollar smartphone that's compact, durable but ugly and thick like the old feature phones, would you still be willing to buy it?
Technologies like phones, computers,... are becoming increasingly complex with many tiny circuit boards, even the chip manufacturing process only reaching a mere 3nm, despite being complex, they still have to be visually appealing, trending towards thinner and lighter over time. This creates many challenges as well as increases the failure rate of the products more than before. It's due to the complex manufacturing process rather than the simple processes of 10-20 years ago.
Additionally, despite having multiple product lines, companies still manufacture in one cluster of factories. For example, Foxconn assembles , whether it's the mid-range like or the high-end like , they're still produced in the same place, undergoing the same quality control process, so the quality assurance at the production line of expensive and cheap devices is the same. The risk of more faults in expensive items is due to technological factors.
Expensive items are becoming increasingly fragile
As mentioned, expensive items, to give a specific example, like phones or computer screens, TVs, the more expensive they are, the more fragile they become compared to cheaper alternatives. The reason is that manufacturers have to invest heavily in research and development to introduce technologies, tricks to create a tech item that not only meets functional requirements but also aesthetic demands for users. More expensive items usually have the latest, superior features from the manufacturer, which is seen as the difference between the high-end and low-end lines.
Because cramming too many features and components into a high-end device makes them more prone to damage. Or simply put, cheap devices have nothing to break, whereas expensive ones have too many things that could go wrong.
Take smartphones for example, high-end models like the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip develop creases due to the folding screen mechanism and the inherently delicate display, prone to scratches due to the flexible glass. Meanwhile, mid-range and budget models from the same manufacturer have nothing to complain about. Or take Apple's 2018 lineup, the higher-end models faced issues like bending and touchscreen glitches, whereas the lower-end ones with a home button remained glitch-free. It could be said that the newer the technology, the more expensive it gets, but its durability remains uncertain.
Buy for use, not for collection
Technology evolves every day, and expensive devices provide more value and experience for consumers. The constant innovation in gadgets, especially smartphones and computers, has diminished the importance of product durability. We want to change our phones even when they are not broken, or upgrade our computers even when the old ones still perform well. Expecting an expensive device to last forever or remain pristine for years is no longer reasonable in today's world.
Of course, this article discusses the decreasing durability of technology products compared to the past, without defending the release of faulty products into the market, which harms consumers. This is an issue in the production and quality control stages of the product.
Temporary Conclusion
Modern tech devices no longer ensure longevity like old refrigerators or CRT TVs (my house still has a CRT TV over a decade old and still works fine). Technology is increasingly accessible, and human needs are growing. Even products with high durability will eventually be upgraded and phased out by newer models. So, just use it, and you'll upgrade before it breaks down!
