Apple products have conquered the markets of most countries around the world, despite their considerable cost. But why is the iPhone so expensive? The short answer to this question is this: The iPhone is expensive compared to many Android phones for several reasons: First, Apple designs and produces not only each phone's hardware, but also its software. Secondly, the manufacturer controls the entire user interface.
Historically, many competitors (like Samsung) have released phones and used Google's operating system to run them. In the case of the iPhone, there is a careful integration of software and hardware, which is more resource-intensive. Hence, this naturally increases the price of the phone.
One more point can be added to this. When you consider everything that goes into an iPhone - dozens of metals that must be mined from all corners of the globe, hand-crafted parts and complex components (like gyroscopes, accelerometers, multi-touch sensors, Gorilla Glass and the incredibly small and powerful A-series processors) , a smartphone no longer seems so expensive. It can perform more tasks than many desktop PCs. This explains why an iPhone is more expensive than a computer.
Apple also continues to position the iPhone as a high-end product, preventing it from becoming a leader in some large emerging markets (such as India). This gives the company the opportunity to earn much higher profits per device than its competitors. To date, the iPhone is the most profitable product in modern history.
All this makes it clear why the iPhone is so expensive. Additionally, there are many reasons why iPhone is better than Android. This is especially noticeable if you compare the capabilities of Android 8.0 and iOS 11.
The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus may not offer huge features, but they still received good reviews from many buyers. Currently available are the 8 and 8 Plus models, which come with wireless chargers and upgraded cameras. Most recently, the iPhone X entered the market, which received the addition of Face ID. All this allows us to understand why the iPhone 10 is so expensive and why it is better for many users in comparison with Android devices.
Programs and services
Applications for iPhone appear first and look better than similar services on Android. Most popular programs are available on both platforms, but many of the best games and apps still appear on the iPhone first. Of course, often similar services appear on both platforms at the same time, but many of them exist only for iOS.
Moreover, even when applications are available on both iPhone and Android, you can see better design in the iPhone version. This is still true in 2020. For example, you can see some new features for Snapchat and Spotify, but they are much better presented on the iPhone X. Moreover, some new applications appear only on iPhones with AR support. Some action-packed games arrived on the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X later this year and will only be available on the iOS platform going forward. This explains why people buy iPhones so expensive.
In simple terms, apps are an area where the gap between mobile OS is gradually closing, but the differences still exist and remain noticeable. Clearly, Apple takes better care of the AppStore. Recently, developers removed 47,300 apps from the store that were unsuccessful or outdated.
Unexpected return
Just recently it became known that the updated iPhone 6S with 32 GB of permanent memory was entering the market. We conducted a small analysis of how relevant this model is 2.5 years after its release, and how it differs from the “six”.
The first difference that catches your eye is the slight changes in packaging design. The Apple logo on the side of the box moved to the end, and the number 6 was added. The equipment remained unchanged. The only technical difference between the new and old gadgets was the amount of built-in memory. The original iPhone 6S is available in versions with 16/64 and 128 GB of ROM, and the new device has 32 GB of internal memory. But that's not all: according to the synthetic test PerfomanceTest Mobile, the device shows impressive results - the recording speed is 35-70 MB/s, which is twice as high as existing models.
The main update in the upcoming seventh generation of iPhones was the introduction of a dual camera - good news for those who like to take bright, highly detailed photos.
We can talk for a long time about each subsequent model, but in short, each new iPhone made a significant step in performance, iOS optimization, manufacturability and quality of its components. Thus, the 3GS became much faster and acquired additional features, such as 3G and GPS, the iPhone 4S became a bestseller that can still be bought. With the line of fifth iPhones, the company reached a new level of profit, and the 5S was rightly considered a flagship smartphone.
Fast updates
iPhone owners enjoy fast and regular iOS updates no matter what model they use.
Updates on Android take several months to adapt to all devices. Once an Android device is one and a half years old, the user may need to purchase a new smartphone to get the latest software.
Apple provides iPhone updates for devices that are even three years old. Thus, the company offers support for the 4s model on IOS 9, while the same is not available for older Android phones. On this platform, device support ends much faster. Google promises a maximum of two years for Nexus devices, and even less for devices from other manufacturers. This is a very objective reason why the iPhone is more expensive than other phones.
Updates
When purchasing an iPhone, buyers know for sure that their smartphone will receive updates for the next 4-5 years. Moreover, you can get them without “crutches” and the need to install updates using special utilities. Over the years, many new iPhone models will be released, but the “old ones” will be updated on a schedule, along with their more advanced receivers.
Android smartphones are hopelessly behind in this regard. A brand new flagship Android device, identical in cost to the current iPhone, will receive updates for no more than three years. The saddest thing is that the release of updates will have to be tracked in a special way, because after the official release of a new version of Android, only “selected” devices will be able to install it. The latter refers to smartphones from Google itself - Nexus and Pixel.
Works with all devices
If you have an iPhone, iPad, and Mac, your data is easily copied from one device to another. You can quickly sync photos across all your devices, answer the phone on your iPad or Mac, and send text messages. There is also Handoff support, which allows you to start a task on your iPhone and continue working on your iPad or Mac.
Overall, communication between these devices is exactly what Android can't achieve without relying on a collection of third-party apps and services to keep gadgets working together.
Thanks to AirDrop, accessing files from iPhone to Mac is also faster and easier. This built-in service sends the file wirelessly directly to your Mac, even if there are other Wi-Fi sources nearby.
However, it will not be possible to use Android for a similar purpose so quickly and functionally. By comparing this, you can draw conclusions about how well the iPhone works with the MacBook and simplifies tasks that you perform several times every day. All this clearly demonstrates why the iPhone is more expensive than the Android.
It's all about strategy
While other brands released several models a year, trying to cover different price segments, Apple announced about one device at a time with a high price. This strategy has continued to this day. The manufacturer invests large financial, intellectual and time resources in the development and improvement of one device. That is, they make only one smartphone a year, but it is so good that thanks to this they occupy a reliable position in the market. Thanks to its product strategy and marketing policies, Apple products are highly valued and considered the standard of quality. After all, people know that Apple's new product is the best the market has to offer. The release of each iPhone is accompanied by a large advertising campaign, which creates additional excitement.
No third party services
There are no additional mobile apps on the iPhone when you buy a new device. Many Android phones come pre-installed with a host of brand-supporting services, many of which you'll never use.
It is often not possible to remove these additional applications, only to disable them. This means they still remain on your phone and take up space. This is a small problem right out of the box, but a year later when you need more memory and can't clear it quickly, it can become a problem.
Unlike Android, iPhone looks more like an empty slider out of the box. Additionally, in iOS 10, you can delete some user data and hide unnecessary Apple apps.
Simplicity
iPhones are, without a doubt, one of the most technologically advanced smartphones in the world, if not the best in this regard. But every year, receiving more and more functions and capabilities, they remain easy to use. When purchasing a new iPhone, people do not have to worry about the smartphone being unusual or inconvenient to use.
On the other hand, iPhones are not boring. This means that the difference between two different generations of iPhone, which may be similar in appearance, will really be felt. Apple achieves this through comprehensive software and hardware improvements.
AppleCare guarantee on iPhone
Another reason why the iPhone is so expensive is additional risk insurance. Apple offers an iPhone warranty for $99 to $129 that extends the manufacturer's commitment by two years and adds the same amount of user support. This service is called AppleCare+, and there are no equivalents on most Android phones.
HTC offers free 1-year UhOh protection that covers cracked screen and water damage repairs. Samsung offers an additional warranty for Galaxy smartphones that costs between $99 and $129, depending on the model. This service offers features similar to AppleCare+, but it does not allow you to replace your device. The rest of the Android smartphone world doesn't have similar guarantees. Therefore, it is obvious why the iPhone is so expensive and popular.
Replaces many other devices
iPhone is a universal assistant in all areas of a consumer’s life. Thanks to it, it is possible not only to communicate with loved ones, but it also allows the user to get rid of other unnecessary gadgets. For example, iPhone manufacturers have built a high-quality camera into the smartphone body, which in its characteristics is in no way inferior to professional devices, and in some models the camera has become completely waterproof, which makes it possible to shoot even underwater. The iPhone also replaced the music player, computers and laptops, routers, and much more.
Device sharing
When your friends also use iPhones, things get a little easier. For example, if you want to share your location with another iPhone user, you only need to send one message. Sharing photos, links or files is also very easy with AirDrop.
On the other hand, if you were to perform the same interaction with Android devices, you would need to download multiple apps to maintain the same level of communication. Samsung is making this process easier with Android Marshmallow devices, but this is just the beginning. For this reason, it is also obvious why the iPhone is more expensive than the Samsung.
The difference between the American and Rostest iPhone
Apple classifies Russia as a European market, which means the differences will be almost the same as in the previous subheading (with minor clarifications):
- Guarantee. Moreover, Rostest iPhones are officially serviced and repaired in Russia, in some cases you can count on a two-year warranty. The American never dreamed of this.
- "Congestion." We take PCT and don’t think about blocking for a specific SIM card and operator. Plus? Plus!
- Charging adapter. The fork will be different from the one we are all used to. Sockets in America are of a completely different shape :)
- A clip for removing the SIM card. It may not be in the box with the “American”.
- Price. But here the choice is far from being in favor of Rostest - the “American” costs less money. And sometimes, significantly less.
Conclusion: the differences are few, but they are very important.
Worth more when you resell
An iPhone retains its value longer than an Android phone. If you are selling your Android smartphone that is 1-2 years old, even a flagship device, you will often get much less money for it than you paid for it. At the same time, when selling an older iPhone, you can get an amount that is almost double the cost of the Android phone that came out at the same time.
For example, a 2020 Galaxy S6 in immaculate condition costs $130 today. An iPhone 6, which came out a few months after it, now costs $195. This also explains why iPhones are so expensive in Russia.
This trend is changing slightly due to improved build quality and higher demand for the latest Android devices, but for now, used iPhones are still more expensive. In addition, the value of a device also depends on its prevalence: limited editions are always more expensive. Therefore, it becomes clear why the red iPhone is more expensive.
The most advanced smartphones
Apple is often criticized for the high price of its gadgets. However, similar smartphone companies have not gone so far either:
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9. On the one hand, this series of smartphones is unique, for example, the work with the pen, which none of the competitors could perform at such a high level. This model also features a high-level camera, and the other characteristics of the model are maximum. But on the other hand, there are models on the market of the same high level, but sold at a much lower cost. Samsung Galaxy Note 9 price—RUB 87,990.
- Sony Xperia XZ. Once again, Sony has released an excellent top-of-the-line model. The gadget boasts a very expensive and eye-catching design and, of course, top-class materials. The strengths of the smartphone include a high degree of protection against water, very high performance, a powerful battery and technical equipment. Xperia XZ3 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor. The cost of Sony Xperia XZ3 in Russia is 61,840 rubles.
- Huawei P20 Pro. This gadget model is unique at least for its triple camera. The P20 Pro smartphones will be of interest primarily to those who are serious about photography and love to create great shots in any lighting. The device is equipped with a HiSilicon Kirin 970 processor. The cost of Huawei P20 Pro in Russia is 59,425 rubles.
It's possible that iPhone prices will go down for some time.
Lightning and micro USB
Apple uses a Lightning cable to charge and sync iPhone. This wire is vastly superior to the Micro USB cable that most Android phones use for a similar purpose.
When using Lightning, there is no wrong way to connect it because there is no top or bottom. Micro USB cables force users to try to connect the cord several times before figuring out the correct direction and angle of insertion into the connector.
The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge come with wireless charging support, which works better than Lightning, but some features still require a Micro USB cable. Even though its scope is gradually narrowing, it is still used on many phones.
Crazy performance
Apple independently develops the hardware for its smartphones, for example, the Ax processor, thanks to which the iPhone received very high performance. The high performance of the Ax series processor is due to the fact that this system uses microprocessor cores with ARM architecture. But such high performance will not affect the speed of launch and operation of basic applications, however, when working with resource-intensive programs, for example, when processing video, the iPhone is much faster than Android smartphones.
Stores and support
When downloading applications does not go as planned, or when installing any service, the iPhone's performance deteriorates, AppleStore immediately cancels it. You can solve this problem in a few hours, and not have to wait a day or two with a non-functional iPhone. AppleStore customer support is often a step above the help that Android device manufacturers can provide over the phone or in specialty stores. And since all the support is directed from the USA, it becomes obvious why iPhones are so expensive in Russia.
Is the iPhone really worth a lot of money?
The fact that the cost of an iPhone is much higher than that of other gadgets is simply a myth. The price of the iPhone is approximately equal to the price of flagship devices from other companies. For comparison: in 2020, an iPhone 7 with 32 GB costs about 55 thousand rubles, and a Samsung S7 with the same amount of memory costs almost 60 thousand rubles.
The prejudice about the high cost of the iPhone arises from the fact that Apple does not produce budget smartphone models. Their role is played by “outdated” gadgets - previous modifications that shamelessly lose value immediately after the release of the next new product.
Ease of use
The iPhone is still easier to set up and use than most Android phones. Even a “teapot” can start using a smartphone. This also explains why the iPhone X is so expensive.
Google today provides greater ease of use than older versions of Android, but not all phones benefit from these updates. For example, Samsung has come a long way in simplifying Android with EasyMode, but there are still some issues. This isn't a problem for advanced users, but for people who don't want settings changed randomly, it can be a problem. This is especially true when using Wi-Fi or Cellular.
The fate of the iPhone X in China
The Chinese market is very difficult for Apple. If in Europe and America the average buyer, all other things being equal, will definitely buy an iPhone, then in the Middle Kingdom Huawei dominates. This brand is the most popular in China.
Be that as it may, Apple is trying with all its might to capture the Audience from the Middle Kingdom, because over a billion potential buyers live in the country. Therefore, the company keeps iPhones on sale longer than in any other markets.
In addition, the Chinese themselves often assemble Apple gadgets, releasing so-called refurbished iPhones. You can easily find them on AliExpress. Due to their very low price, they are often confused with official products, thereby making a very serious mistake.
Due to the sanctions confrontation between the United States and China, there is a high risk that iPhones will soon simply stop being sold in China.
Headphone control
If you love listening to music and constantly need to be in control of your playlist, the iPhone benefits from headphones that can control many aspects of your playback.
Standard iPhone headphones can play, pause, fast forward or rewind a track. iPhone users can also control volume without the phone's involvement thanks to volume up and down buttons. Additionally, Apple includes the ability to launch Siri so users can make a phone call and perform other actions at the same time.
This is a big advantage that most Android phones lack. Today there are more options for controlling headphones on Android devices, but they are far from universal.
How to distinguish a “gray” iPhone from a “white” one
Naturally, the store won’t let you unpack your iPhone, but the box itself will help you easily distinguish a “white” iPhone from one imported from abroad. The description of the smartphone (on the bottom of the package) must be in Russian, at the end of the model identifier there must be the mark “RR”, “RS” or “RU”.
For example, the model identifier of an iPhone that was produced for the US market will end with the letters LL (or LL/A), “British” – B (B/A), an Apple smartphone from Poland – PM (PM/A), from Hong Kong – etc.
Photo of the “white” iPhone settings:
Screenshot of the “gray” iPhone settings from Poland:
Counterfeiting all these insignia or using packaging from another smartphone is quite difficult and not very profitable in terms of potential profit, so these signs can be considered sufficient to determine the “whiteness” of an iPhone.
If you are agreeing to purchase an iPhone second-hand, but do not want to purchase a “gray” gadget, then also start checking it by matching the information on the box and on the smartphone itself.
The serial number, IMEI and model must be identical in the device settings (Settings → General → About this device) and on the box.
We described in detail how to find out the serial number and IMEI on a new, non-activated iPhone in this manual.
We talked in more detail about checking iPhone online in this article.
Eventually:
If you need a definitely “white” iPhone, then buy only in large retail chains and official reseller stores: Svyaznoy, M.video, re:Store, on the Apple website, etc. This iPhone has "RR", "RS" or "RU" at the end of its model ID, which can be found in iOS settings or on the back of the packaging.
iMessage, FaceTime and FaceTime Audio
Apple makes it easy to connect with other iPhone and iPad owners by providing three unique services that make communication quick and easy.
iMessage allows users to send longer messages in one go, and they can be sent to any other Apple device they own.
FaceTime provides a great way to video chat. Unlike Hangouts, it's built into the phone app, so it's easy to switch from a phone call to a video call with a simple press of a button. FaceTime Audio also helps iPhone users make calls when network coverage is spotty by using data to make an audio call. This app's audio calls also sound better than a regular call and work when you have a bad cell signal but still have Wi-Fi.
iPhone is supported by Apple for a long time and with high quality
When buying a smartphone, we don’t even think about how much money the company spends on supporting our gadget. This includes warranty repair/replacement of the smartphone, a support service that answers all our questions, and the release of new versions of iOS for ours.
We don’t pay extra for this and don’t worry, like the owners of Android devices, that the device won’t receive updated firmware in a year.
Just think about it, the iPhone 5s and iPad mini 2 from back in 2013 will receive iOS updates at least until the fall of 2020 .
Many software features get onto the devices, and most importantly, all found problems, bugs and holes in the system’s security are corrected.
Storage and media use cases
You can add a Micro SD card to an Android smartphone, but the device won't recognize it the same way as if you had an iPhone with 64GB or 128GB of native storage. The Galaxy S7 comes with a feature that essentially tricks the phone into seeing Micro SD as part of the internal storage. Because of this, you can't move all your apps to the SD card, and programs you use widgets for can't be copied to it.
All the above arguments explain in detail why the iPhone is so expensive. Perhaps over time its cost will decrease, but at present no equal competitors to this device have yet been released.
The secret of popularity
The popularity of the Apple brand was achieved thanks to the colossal efforts of Steve Jobs. It was with his light hand that the iPhone received a recognizable form factor and functionality, still remaining in that minimalist design that distinguishes it from its Android rivals.
Back in 2007, the company’s first new product, the iPhone 2G, was presented. At that time, it was a progressive device, to work with which you did not need to use a stylus, the screen was no longer resistive, so the device could be controlled with your fingers. Also, it was then that users first became acquainted with proprietary iOS, and at that time there was no Android yet, i.e. Apple was one step ahead of its competitors when it came to interface. All this contributed to an increase in sales and the beginning of the popularity of the brand, despite the price tag of $500-600.
iPhone is not the only choice for your first smartphone
If you're buying your first smartphone (or buying your child's first smartphone), you may think that the iPhone is the only choice. After all, many people (wrongly) believe that iOS is easier to adapt to than Android. The truth is that learning any new operating system will take some time, regardless of the model.
The platform will work in any case, and you will get used to it (especially if you do not need resource-intensive software, or you do not plan to configure the device with professional programs). An iPhone can be a good first smartphone - but so can any other, more affordable one.
