Absolutely! My expensive phone shattered last year. Bought a basic model for cheap. Honestly, it works just fine for daily stuff. The battery lasts all day now. Saved a ton of cash too. Really opened my eyes about all the hype.
But wait, I gotta disagree (sorry!). Expensive phones do more than just the daily basics, like taking pro level photos or editing videos on the go. Cheap models often cut corners on parts that matter over time, leading to more issues down the road. That faster processor isn't just for show, it keeps everything smooth when you're multitasking. Battery life can be a trade off, but you get features that actually save you time in other ways. Paying more upfront can mean a better experience for years, which feels worth it to me. The hype isn't all empty, it's about having tools that do more when you need them.