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Can't say they are expensive anymore, you can get an updated android phone for less than $50 new or less second hand. Can't say about monthly plans, as that de
by xandrius 2y ago
Can't say they are expensive anymore, you can get an updated android phone for less than $50 new or less second hand.
Can't say about monthly plans, as that depends on the country.
Privacy is a different matter and always dependent on the technical literacy as opposed to hard costs.
- nehal3m 2y agoThe larger point is that to use the mainstream apps you would buy a smartphone for, you are forced into a contract (or at least to agree to terms of service) with one of two third parties, Apple or Google.
- deadlydose 2y agoIt's still an additional 'tax' on individuals.
- xandrius 2y agoAnything can be a "tax", if we want it to be. Is the requirement of wearing clothes in public a tax? Maybe. But today definitely someone can still live without owning a phone, if they have access to a computer nearby (e.g. A library or friend).
- wccrawford 2y agoAs I noted in my other comment, you don't even need a cell plan. You can just use wifi. Your own, your neighbor's, a nearby coffee shop, etc.
- mitthrowaway2 2y agoThis isn't necessarily the case; many services will require a registered phone number.
- everdrive 2y agoI think that ends up pretty nuanced. A cheap $50 Android will receive security updates for one year if you're lucky. So now you have a choice between buying a new cheap phone yearly, forgoing security, or being technically savvy enough to put a 3rd party OS on your phone. With regard to privacy, smart phones really don't have options for privacy unless you go with a 3rd party OS. And, if you do so, you might not even be able to run the various apps which the various businesses require. I just don't see this as a valid alternative.