The invisible tax of owning gadgets: Why your devices actually end up costing more

When buying a new smartphone or laptop, most consumers compare only one number: the price on the box. Is it worth Rs 79,999? Can I stretch to Rs 1 lakh? Is there a bank discount or a sale on any e-commerce platform?Increasingly, however, that sticker price is only the beginning.The real cost of owning modern gadgets has quietly shifted from a one-time purchase to a steady stream of recurring expenses. Between subscriptions, cloud storage, accidental damage plans, paid AI features, accessories and repairs, consumers are paying an invisible tax that rarely features in advertisements.Take a flagship smartphone. A device priced at Rs 80,000 today is rarely used in isolation. Most buyers add a protective case and screen protector, spending a little extra depending on your choice. Since many premium phones no longer include chargers, that is another cost which one has to incur sooner or later.