the cost of new phones has really changed my purchasing behavior.

when it was $200-$300 to upgrade with a contract renewal, I tended to get a new phone with every iteration, regardless of the new features or condition of my current phone.

Now that the latest phones are $700+, or $40+ per month with insurance, I evaluate the purchase in the same way I've always looked at new laptops/desktops. If the current model meets my needs and there are no new features I will get much value from, I have no interest in upgrading.

have others experience this shift?

the only new feature that has me interested in a the iPhone X is portrait mode in a smaller form factor.