i bought my last phone straight cash since i intended to stay with it for at least 3-4 years before i even looked at making an upgrade. but i haven't been kind to my phone and now its got a few cracks. i want to make it to 4 years before i even consider looking at another phone but who knows how long it would last. as far a functionality goes, still feels good and snappy. anyways if the cost is 600/800 a year for a new phone, including the phone bill and having insurance then it doesnt seem that bad.