Holiday Tech Crisis: Should I Upgrade My Phone… or Buy a Whole 3D Printer?

It’s that time of year again — the season of questionable financial decisions wrapped in holiday cheer. And if you’re anything like me (a younger, mildly-obsessed tech geek whose wallet trembles every November), you’re probably staring at your wishlist like it’s a multiple-choice question with no correct answer.

This year, I’ve narrowed my choices down to four gadgets. Four. And they couldn’t be more different:

• Pixel 10 Pro
• iPhone 17 Pro Max
• Bambu 3D printer
• Makera Z1

Yes, I know. The spectrum ranges from “normal human upgrade” to “I want to become a basement inventor.” But hey — at least I’m self-aware.

Option 1: Pixel 10 Pro — The Android Nerd’s Dream

The Pixel 10 Pro is whispering to me like an AI-powered siren. Clean software, insane camera upgrades, and that Google magic sprinkled all over the UI. Plus, I’ve always secretly wanted to flex the “actually, on Android…” line whenever my friends ask me something.

Pros:
✨ Pure Android goodness
📸 Computational photography sorcery
⚡ Smart features that actually feel smart

Cons:
😬 Being that person who keeps showing off AI tricks

Option 2: iPhone 17 Pro Max — The One That Will Last Forever

Then there’s the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The shiny one. The one that makes me consider switching ecosystems for the fifth time this decade. Apple’s processors, battery life, and polish are absolutely overkill — and I love it.

Pros:
🔥 Probably the fastest chip of the year
📱 Cinematic photo and video everything
🔗 Works seamlessly with every other Apple device

Cons:
💸 My bank account is filing a complaint

Option 3: Bambu 3D Printer — Because Why Not Print My Own Future

Now we’re entering the “I could actually build stuff” territory. Bambu printers are fast, quiet, and almost too easy to use. I can already see myself printing things I absolutely don’t need yet feel morally obligated to create.

Pros:
⚙️ Fast, reliable, and plug-and-play
🛠️ Can print wild multi-color designs
✨ Turns you into a maker overnight

Cons:
⏳ Goodbye free time

Option 4: Makera Z1 — The Swiss-Army-Knife Machine

And then there’s the Makera Z1 — the machine that whispers, “Start a workshop… you know you want to.”

It’s a laser engraver, CNC, and 3D printer in one. It’s the ultimate “I can make anything now” device.

Pros:
🔥 More capabilities than I have skill for
🎨 Laser + CNC + printing = endless creative chaos
💡 Great for gifts, side projects, or accidental Etsy shops

Cons:
🐇 A very deep rabbit hole
🤑 Accessories and materials cost real money

So… What Do I Actually Choose?

Honestly? I still don’t know.

Every day I wake up and rotate through the choices like a playlist — some mornings I want the dependable and polished iPhone 17 Pro Max. Other days I crave the freedom and AI magic of the Pixel 10 Pro. And on the most chaotic days, I’m convinced I should become a full-blown maker with a Bambu printer or Makera Z1.

All I know is this: whatever I pick will be fun, overkill, and absolutely on-brand for a geek trying to justify one more holiday splurge.

If you were me… which one would you choose?