When you or I bought our phones doesn't matter because even if I bought a top of the line phone once per year that wouldn't buy me a house. I don't, fwiw, and I'm privileged enought to be able to afford to buy a house - but I also don't make the mistake of thinking that being frugal is what got me here. Individuals in America and the UK (can't speak for anywhere else, I'll limit it to where my experience lies) do not have a choice they can make that will get them the things they need at a reasonable price. It is not their fault for wanting too much or anything else.