Understanding the Access to Expensive Smartphones by Tech Reviewers
Tech reviewers are often seen as an indispensable part of the tech community, providing in-depth analyses and honest opinions about the latest gadgets. One common question that arises is: 'How do tech reviewers get to have expensive smartphones every day?' Are they simply rich, or do they receive them for free? This article delves into the intricacies of how tech reviewers typically access these devices for their reviews.
Manufacturer Partnerships: A Key to Accessing Technology
The landscape of tech reviewing is heavily influenced by manufacturer partnerships. Many tech reviewers enter into long-term relationships with smartphone manufacturers. These manufacturers often send devices to tech reviewers as early as the development phase, ahead of launch events. The reasons for this are twofold: to generate buzz around the upcoming product and to gather valuable feedback before the final release. This relationship helps tech reviewers stay ahead of the curve in terms of reviewing the latest technology.
The devices provided under these partnerships are primarily for review purposes. While the tech reviewer has access to the product for an extended period, they are generally required to return it after a specified time. This practice is beneficial for both the manufacturer, who gets early feedback and market awareness, and the tech reviewer, who can leverage the device for comprehensive reviews.
Review Units: A Costly but Invaluable Resource
Another common way tech reviewers obtain devices is through review units. Brands often provide these units to tech reviewers and influencers. Review units are essentially loaned devices, meaning the reviewer must return them after a specified period. The availability of review units allows tech reviewers to conduct thorough analyses and provide detailed reports on the technology they are reviewing.
However, this practice comes at a cost. Tech reviewers must ensure they have the capacity to manage the return of these devices in a timely and efficient manner. This can be particularly challenging for those who review a wide range of products, as they may need to keep a collection of devices at any given time. Despite the logistical challenges, many tech reviewers find the value of the feedback and exposure through these partnerships to be worth the effort.
Sponsorships and Advertising: A Source of Revenue
For tech reviewers with a significant following, sponsorships and advertising can be a significant source of income. Some companies sponsor tech reviewers by providing them with free products, which the reviewers then promote through their content. This can take the form of sponsored content, review videos, or blog posts. The promotion of sponsored products often leads to increased traffic and engagement, which can be monetized through various means, such as affiliate marketing or ad revenues.
Some tech reviewers are part of affiliate programs, earning commissions when their viewers, readers, or followers purchase products through the affiliate links they provide. This incentivizes tech reviewers to recommend more expensive and higher-end devices, as they stand to benefit financially from the sales. The combination of free access to devices and the potential for financial gain makes it easy for tech reviewers to justify the importance of reviewing the latest technology.
A Personal Investment in Tech Reviews
For tech reviewers who cover a wide range of products, personal investment in the devices they review is often necessary. These reviewers often purchase the most popular and widely reviewed devices themselves. By doing so, they can ensure a comprehensive and unbiased review, as they have firsthand experience with the product. Over time, these reviewers may build a collection of devices, which not only benefit their reviews but also enhance their credibility within the tech community.
However, the personal investment required can be substantial, especially when it comes to the most popular models. Tech reviewers must manage their finances carefully to cover these costs, ensuring that their personal investments do not compromise their overall financial stability. Despite the challenges, many tech reviewers find the satisfaction of providing high-quality, insightful reviews to be more than worth the investment.
The Case Study: MKBHD’s Experience
To provide a practical example, let's take a look at MKBHD (Marques Brownlee), a prominent tech reviewer known for his in-depth analysis and engaging content. MKBHD has grown from a smaller reviewer to a significant figure in the tech community, with companies now lining up to collaborate with him, not only to have their products reviewed but also to pay him for the privilege. While he still needs to purchase some devices himself, particularly for popular models that he hasn't received for free, his income from views and sponsorships allows him to cover these costs with ease.
According to leaked cost-per-view (CPV) data from February 2018, MKBHD earns an average of $2,433 per day, translating to around $17,000 per week from the views on his channel. Given that he releases an average of 3-4 videos per week, even if he buys one new smartphone worth $1,000 for each video, he would still have $13,000 left over. Thus, while some tech reviewers are indeed rich, many rely on industry relationships, sponsorships, and promotional partnerships to access devices for their reviews. Whether they receive devices for free, through review units, or by personal investment, tech reviewers ensure that their audience stays informed about the latest technology.
For those curious about MKBHD’s total earnings, a recent video analysis offers a detailed breakdown, showcasing the various sources of income and the breakdown of expenses. This analysis provides valuable insights into the economics of tech reviewing and the complex mechanisms behind the access to expensive smartphones.
In conclusion, while some tech reviewers may indeed be financially well-off and can purchase expensive smartphones, many rely on manufacturer partnerships, review units, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing to access these devices. The combination of free samples, loaned devices, and financial incentives allows tech reviewers to provide comprehensive and insightful reviews, benefiting both the tech community and the companies behind the latest gadgets.