Chapter 1: The Reluctant Shift

For years, I promised myself I would never own a smartphone, viewing them as unnecessary toys. Yet, I eventually succumbed and purchased one.

The device I relied on for the last decade was the Nokia 105 Dual SIM, weighing just 74 grams and roughly the size of a Mars Bar. It boasted a battery life of 13 days and even included a radio and two games. In contrast, my new phone weighs 220 grams, has a mere day's battery life, and feels as portable as a chopping board.

Not too long ago, carrying around a bulky "brick" of a phone would prompt laughter. So, what changed? How did these hefty devices gain popularity when two decades ago, you could easily find a phone the size of a matchbox? I’m not a tech anthropologist—if they exist—but I suspect it all shifted the day Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone and proclaimed, “This is the future!”

Thanks for that, Steve; now even I felt the need to jump on the bandwagon.

Of course, I didn't have to buy one; I wasn’t coerced from the tech heavens. But I did it. Why? I can’t say for sure. I had considered it for a while. There were moments, like when I got lost in Caen during a downpour at 1 AM after making a wrong turn from the ferry terminal. Companies often sent verification texts that could only be accessed through a smartphone, which added to my frustration.

However, none of these incidents truly justified the purchase; I could have continued using my reliable Nokia. But then came my brother’s wedding, and everything changed.

During his speech, he playfully mentioned my "technological isolation" living on a farm in France—a fact I embraced. Yet, while enjoying the wedding cake, an overwhelming urge to acquire a smartphone hit me, as if my life depended on it.

Although I couldn't act immediately since I was in North Yorkshire, once I returned to France (after my detour in Caen), I decided it was time. I ordered a Xiaomi Redmi 9A as a Christmas gift for myself. Upon receiving it, I excitedly messaged my brother: “Hi, Guess what!!!!???”

I anticipated a quick response, but there was none. I sent the message again. Still nothing. Had something gone awry? Was my message stuck in some encrypted Xiaomi void?

Nope. My brother simply had his phone switched off for the holidays. The irony wasn’t lost on me.

I briefly considered sending the phone back since it had fulfilled its purpose—I had reached out to the outside world. But who returns their own Christmas present? Not me. So, I pressed on, embracing the smartphone life: downloading apps and snapping photos of trivial things, like this charming double-tap wine box available in red or white.

Do I miss my Nokia? Absolutely. I long for its compact design, its tactile feel, and its sleekness. It was small enough to hold between my fingers with ease. Twenty years ago, such a phone was the epitome of sophistication—an emblem of modernity, boldly stepping into the 21st century.

Now, we carry around what feels like a brick in our pockets, weighing us down. Leaving the house nowadays feels like preparing for a strongman competition. Do I have my phone, wallet, keys, bag, laptop—my life? Was it this complicated when I was 25? I can’t recall, but I doubt it. I didn’t even get a mobile phone until I was 28, and it was one of those bulky Motorola models made of tough plastic—perfect for opening beer bottles or even as a makeshift weapon, though I never resorted to that.

Reflecting on it, the term "mobile phone" has become a bit of a cruel joke. Perhaps that’s why it was rebranded as a "smartphone" to eliminate confusion—probably initiated by Steve Jobs himself.

Regardless, the decision has been made, and there's no turning back. The return window has closed, and I do enjoy the Star Walk app, which reveals the stars and constellations I’m gazing at through my camera. So, if I ever find myself launched into space or abducted by aliens, at least I’ll know where I am.

Further Reading:

1. Why I Don’t Own a Smartphone (here)
2. Why I Still Don’t Own a Smartphone (here)

Chapter 2: The Unforeseen Irony

In this video titled "I Bought All The Smartphones On Wish," the creator explores the bizarre world of budget smartphones and the unexpected outcomes of purchasing from such platforms.

In "I BOUGHT A NEW SMARTPHONE !," the creator shares their personal experience of transitioning to a new smartphone and the challenges that come with it.