Exactly my thoughts.
Discussion
A smartphone is maybe something of a necessity these days. The latest iPhone? That's a luxury.
It would be a different question if he was asking for, like, a $300 phone, IMO.
Agreed entirely ehich also makes me suspicious that his drug problem has gotten so bad that he's trying to bilk me one ladt time for two grand under the pretense of getting a phone.
All in all the situation with him is sad as fuck. He's gone from once, a troubled but trustworthy kid to being a very dubious individual.