this kinda contradicts your original point. Regardless, phones are a weird exception because many plans subsidize new phones; those getting new phones every year may be doing so because that’s part of how they can afford it
Additionally, even having a 2 year old phone can start limiting you. that’s around the point in time where you’ll start seeing apps no longer supporting some. functionalities on your phone. Phones also are one of the few luxuries many even have access to and they serve a practical purpose.