05/12/2025
A Note for Fellow Minimalists & Long-Term Phone Users
As someone who follows a minimalist lifestyle, I try to buy things that last, especially phones. I don’t upgrade every year, and I value reliability over flashy features.
Back in 2022, I saw a discounted offer from Excel E-Store for the official Samsung Galaxy Note 20. I thought, “Perfect, an official device with official support. This should serve me for years.”
Unfortunately, the experience was the complete opposite of what I expected.
From day one: The phone struggled with network issues. People could barely hear me during calls.
After one year: The battery bloated, and Samsung’s official service center charged Tk. 3,500+ for a replacement.
Two months after servicing: The microphone stopped working completely. A mechanic temporarily fixed it, but the problem returned.
Now I’m told the motherboard is damaged.
For a device marketed as “premium” and “officially guaranteed,” this has been the worst ownership experience I’ve ever had.
As a minimalist, I buy with care and expect longevity. Instead, I ended up with repeated costs, inconvenience, and almost zero satisfaction.
Why am I sharing this?
Because many shops loudly warn people against buying “unofficial” phones, claiming they are unreliable.
But my experience shows that buying official doesn’t automatically guarantee durability or good service.
I’m not telling anyone what to buy, just sharing my journey so others can make informed decisions with their hard-earned money.
If you’re a long-term user or someone who values real utility over hype, be alert, do your research, and choose what truly gives you value, not just what the seller claims.
Take care and spend wisely.
