It seems the author doesn&#x27;t really understand the low-end pre-paid market. Luckily I&#x27;ve escaped this, but for a long time, this has been what I could easily afford. I had one that functioned best as a flashlight, but most function well enough and are Much better than no phone - and these are better than a non-smartphone. Limited power and space are things that people grow accustomed to, much like trying to avoid using non-wifi internet. Most, but not all, will understand that one will need a bit more money for working service - though understandably, many are replacing or upgrading a phone and don&#x27;t need the minutes. A year lock on the phone doesn&#x27;t seem like a horrible thing since it is subsidised - as pointed out, there are other options that cost less than replacing a car tire.