Waveform: The MKBHD Podcast Phones Will Cost More, but This Camera Is Free?
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Jan 16, 2026 
In this discussion, Mariah Zenk, a tech contributor, brings her insights on why we're seeing phone prices climb, particularly with the camera-first Xiaomi 17 Ultra. The team dives into a free giveaway of the quirky Fujifilm X-Half and debates the implications of subscription models in tech, including Apple’s new Creator Studio. They also touch on the rising cost of RAM and its impact on midrange phone offerings, plus how the evolving tech landscape is reshaping consumer expectations. Tune in for tech trivia and some surprising analogies!
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Phone Designed Like A Camera
- Xiaomi's 17 Ultra leans into being a camera-first phone with Leica branding and hardware touches.
- Marques says it prioritizes fun camera controls over being the absolute best camera in image quality.
Apple Bundles Creative Apps
- Apple Creator Studio bundles many pro creative apps into a subscription while keeping one-time purchases.
- Marques notes Final Cut Pro updates will remain available to standalone owners for now.
Students Should Try The EDU Tier
- Students should try Creator Studio's $3/month EDU tier to learn Apple apps cheap.
- Marques suggests students use the subscription, then buy one-time licenses if they go pro.