My colleague buys $1,440 iPhone 17 Pro Max, 3 times her salary

At my company, there is a young female colleague who is not particularly tech-savvy. Whenever she forgets an email password or encounters a minor issue with Microsoft Excel, she immediately seeks help. Tech terms like "cloud," "drive," or "backup" are almost foreign to her. Yet she has one consistent habit: saving every year to buy the latest iPhone, even though her monthly salary is only around VND13 million (US$492) per month.

When I asked why she needed such an expensive phone, especially when she only uses basic features like calling, texting, browsing, and taking photos, she replied: "I want nice photos, long battery life, and most importantly, the confidence I feel holding it. After a year of working hard, I see it as a reward for myself."

Each iPhone launch season, she starts saving. She switched from the iPhone 13 to the 14 in less than a year, and later moved on to the 15 and 16 models. Now, even though the 17 Pro Max costs nearly VND38 million ($1,440), several times higher than both her monthly salary and the national average, she is already preparing for her next upgrade.

The iPhone 17 Pro (left) and 17 Pro Max. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Hung

Seeing this makes me pause and reflect, because my spending habits are the complete opposite. My phone has lasted more than three years, with a degraded battery and scratches, but I have no plans to replace it since it still serves my work and daily needs. Instead of spending tens of millions on a new phone, I prefer saving, investing in new skills, traveling with my family, or setting aside money for emergencies. For me, the peace of mind from having savings outweighs the excitement of holding the latest phone model.

Of course, I do not believe my approach is the right one, nor is my colleague's wrong. Everyone has their own values and sources of happiness. For her, a new iPhone brings excitement, confidence, and perhaps a sense of belonging with her peers. For me, comfort comes from knowing I can handle unexpected risks without financial stress.

This story has left me reflecting on a broader question: how should we spend money wisely? Some people invest in technology, some in experiences, and others in financial security. Viewed from a functional perspective, my colleague may not fully utilize the capabilities of a high-end smartphone. However, from a psychological standpoint, it is an "investment" in joy and motivation.

Perhaps the line between "wasteful spending" and "a well-deserved reward" depends on personal circumstances and priorities. The key is that purchases should not become a burden or push us into debt just to follow trends. I will continue using my old phone, while my colleague will soon hold a brand-new iPhone 17 Pro Max.

*Readers' opinions are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress' viewpoints.