Why Numbers and Prices Don’t Tell the Whole Story in Tech Purchases
A critical look at how consumers often judge products by price or model numbers, and why deeper understanding matters.
Introduction
Over the past couple of years, I’ve repeated one message: don’t judge technology products only by their price or by the number in their name.
Many buyers fall into the trap of thinking “higher price means better” or “bigger number means stronger.” In reality, the story is far more complex.
Example 1: Earbuds and Market Hype
Take the popular QCY T13X earbuds in Iran.
- When I bought them, they cost around 800,000 Toman.
- Today, they’re priced at 1,800,000 Toman.
At the same time, the QCY T13 ANC model was about 1,200,000 Toman, but now it also sits at 1,800,000 Toman. Why? Simply because demand for the T13X skyrocketed, pushing its price up. At that price range, there are better alternatives, but hype and sales volume distorted the market.
Example 2: iPhone Pricing
Another case is the iPhone. At one point, the iPhone 14 was actually cheaper than the iPhone 13, despite being newer. Why? Because the 13 had higher demand, and demand often drives price more than technical merit.
Example 3: CPUs and Misleading Numbers
Many buyers assume that an Intel i7 must be better than an i3 because the number is higher.
But the truth is: the generation and architecture matter more than the label.
- A newer i3 can outperform an older i7.
- The suffix numbers (e.g., 12700 vs 7700) reveal the generation and actual performance.
Similarly, in mobile CPUs, you can’t just look at “Snapdragon 5xx vs 3xx.” You need to check the cores (Cortex types) and nanometer lithography. A chip labeled “5” might have weaker cores than one labeled “3.”
Example 4: RAM Confusion
Another mistake: choosing 12 GB DDR3 over 8 GB DDR5.
The raw number looks bigger, but DDR5 is newer, faster, and more efficient. Performance depends on generation and speed, not just capacity.
Example 5: Software Experience
Software matters as much as hardware.
- Nothing OS looks simple, almost barebones. But it’s essentially stock Android, which means it runs smoothly and avoids bloat.
- Xiaomi’s HyperOS looks flashy, full of effects and features. But after six months, it often slows down and becomes heavy.
The lesson: simplicity and stability often outperform flashy features in the long run.
Conclusion
When buying tech, don’t be fooled by:
- Price tags inflated by hype and demand
- Model numbers that hide generational differences
- Bigger specs that ignore efficiency and architecture
Instead, focus on:
- The generation and architecture of CPUs and RAM
- The real-world performance of devices, not just marketing numbers
- The software experience, which can make or break a product over time
Smart buying requires strategy, research, and critical thinking — not just chasing numbers or hype.
That’s the message I’ve been repeating for years, and it’s more relevant today than ever.