We don't "need" computing devices at all, so I'm not sure what you are getting at. However, I would argue we "need" a system that is hackable and tries to keep the user's best interests in mind. Look at the power Linux has given us on the desktop/server side of things. I'd argue that a lot of improved security and innovation has come because of that, so lets do it on mobile as well.

I know I personally have a lot of "needs" that aren't being met by the current smart-phone options.