Why do people buy expensive phones?

Some people think that buying an expensive phone is an investment, as it will stay with them for a long time and they wouldn't have to regularly upgrade it.

People usually go for the best option when buying electronics, as it's guaranteed to be of high quality and live longer.

Some people buy expensive phones, and electronics in general, as a mark of their high social status.

Some people's intention behind buying expensive things, and phones in specific, is to show them off.

People who are into technology make sure to not settle for anything other than the best option, which is usually expensive.

People who are not restricted by a certain budget when buying a phone will tend to go for the more expensive option, as it's usually the high-quality option.

Expensive phones usually have more features and better specs than cheaper ones, which motivates people to buy them.

Some people may buy an expensive phone to fit in a certain social circle that would look down upon them if their phone wasn't of high-quality. (See Why is the iPhone so expensive?)

Some people like rewarding themselves by buying luxury items such as an expensive phone.

People who are materialistic are more likely to buy expensive phones just because it costs more money and would make them look good than people who don't care about appearances.

Studies have shown that people who buy luxury goods feel proud, which is known as hubristic pride. Therefore, buying an expensive phone could be a way of maintaining this sense of pride.

Some people find happiness in buying expensive products such as phones, since it plays on their materialistic side. (See Why do some people love iPhones that much?)