I'm normally a technology curmudgeon, but I've given in to the usefulness of a fully featured cell. Back in high school, a kid told me he was setting up a wired network in his home, and I said it was stupid, why would anyone need a home network when you can just transfer files with a floppy disk.
Then when internet was available on cell phones, I said that was stupid, because I have home internet and it's way better.
I use my cell to:
- deposit checks to my bank
- send and receive money from people with no transaction fees
- navigate with real-time info about where hazards and cops are
- find the cheapest gas stations
- control and monitor power draw from smart outlets
- view security camera footage
- make grocery lists
- sell items I want to get rid of
- track sleep/feeding schedule of my daughter
- track my weight, bodyfat, etc
- stream music
- listen to podcasts
- topo maps
- organize/book travel
- find wind speed and direction
- check weather forecast
- check my speed
- set reminders
- calculate
- photos
- video chat for troubleshooting purposes
- alarm clock
- hail an Uber or Lift
- get grocery store discounts
- fly my drone
- identify celestial objects
- watch 3D movies
- store photos of important documents like insurance cards
- surf the web
- record conversations that might be useful evidence in court
- make phone calls
- text
- play games
- much more that I'm sure I'm forgetting
For people that use a cellphone all the time, it make sense to invest in an expensive one. I'm always telling people to spend their money where they spend their time. If you watch a lot of TV, but a really nice TV. Travel a lot, buy nice luggage. Drive a lot, get a comfortable/reliable/efficient car. On your phone a lot, get a nice phone.
Is it crazy that some phones cost $700; sure it is. Maybe it's worth it if someone uses it all the time, to the full extent of the capabilities, and there are plenty of very nice phones for under $200.