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Discussion: People buy Android because they can't afford an iPhone.
Member Since: 5/18/2012
Posts: 20,576
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People buy Android because they can't afford an iPhone.
Summery: Apple iPhones aren't seeing the uptake in some markets due to price. Android devices are more affordable and therefore more accessible.
Source: http://www.zdnet.com/affordability-i...on-7000004314/
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I've read comments from readers, on my blog and others, that Android's superiority is the main reason that its popularity is growing worldwide. I have evidence to the contrary. It comes down to affordability and nothing else. If it weren't for the huge price difference in the two, Apple would be the clear winner. At worldwide sales of an estimated 244 million, the iPhone is a major force in the mobile market. Android phones might or might not have the same or greater marketshare but the bottom line is that it doesn't really matter which one has the greater share at those numbers. Mobile device users generally prefer Apple over anything else but if it doesn't make economic sense, then consumers have to choose second or third best for the money.
In the US, iPhones typically retail for around $400 but discounts, known as instant savings, are available that bring down that cost to $200. A $200 phone is fairly affordable for Americans. However, it's the $100 per month fee for phone service and data that really bites us on the backsides. These numbers are based on my experience with the five iPhones that I have in my house plus a few others that I've asked about from my in-laws and friends.
The Samsung Galaxy SIII is also $200 after instant savings with similarly priced unlimited talk, text and data usage plans. There are phones, even smartphones, available at US retailers for as little as one cent. It's really the monthly fees that make the largest difference for us.
Unfortunately, some US buyers don't opt for the unlimited plans due to the price but end up paying more each month when they exceed their plan limits. Those users inevitably upgrade to the unlimited plans after exhorbitant bills hit their mailboxes.
AT&T, my iPhone carrier, doesn't offer unlimited data plans, therefore we have to watch our usages very carefully. In my opinion, we pay for unlimited but we just aren't getting it. In the end, it's the carriers that really win in the phone battles. Sorry, I digress.
If you don't believe me about economics playing a major role in iPhone vs. Android adoptions, consider the following numbers.
In India, an iPhone 4S costs about $880 to purchase but the monthly fee is approximately $20 per month for a standard phone and data plan. The average tech salary in India is approximately $1,200. In Argentina, the iPhone costs a cool $750 and the monthly fees are a comfortable $45. The problem is that the average salary in Argentina is $900.
Those numbers, hopefully, will surprise you and educate you on the major reason why the iPhone hasn't quite caught on in certain countries. But, if you believe that I'm prejudicing my illustration with low wage countries, let me point out that the iPhone costs over $1,000 in US currency. Canada's iPhone price comes in at just over $800.
Price is a big factor in making a decision about a mobile phone.
By comparison, the Samsung Galaxy SIII cost ranges from $625 to over $700 in India. It sells for around $550 in Argentina. In the UK, the SIII price for an outright purchase is $800 and a mere $150 in Canada with a two year contract.
It seems to me that the choice, based purely on price, is easy in each case.
Neither phone is particularly inexpensive in any country but you have to admit that a 20 to 30 percent savings is significant enough to sway one's opinion and purchase decision toward the less expensive phone.
So, no matter where you are, you really want an iPhone. The reality is that you might not be able to afford one, so you choose to use the next best thing for the money. And, that's OK but don't assume or postulate that popularity equals quality or desire. It does not.
I don't have anything personal against Android phones. If you've kept up with my column, you know that I have a Samsung Galaxy SII and an iPhone 4. I like them both but for me, the iPhone is my choice for a personal phone and until I see something better, I'll always own an iPhone of some generation for personal use. It might not be the latest version but it will be an iPhone.
And, for me the choice wasn't so easy. In the US, the Galaxy phones and iPhones are very close in price, service and capacity. The primary factor that swayed my opinion to the iPhone was the Apps. Apple has the best Apps. The iPhone has a lot of third-party hardware and software support.
Secondarily, I chose the iPhone because of its ease of navigation, its stability, its long battery life and its recommendations by friends and colleagues. For me, the iPhone is the best choice--even if I had to pay a higher price. That's not the case for everyone and I understand that. But, I also understand that people have to make choices based on economics and not just features.
The heart says, "iPhone" but the bank account says, "Not an iPhone."
What do you think? Do you think that Android phones are popular because they're so great or because they're cheaper? Talk back and let me know.
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The opinions are not mine, but many people have this notion about Androids and iOS. But what do you think?
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Banned
Member Since: 6/25/2011
Posts: 37,192
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There's low end and high end androids.
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Member Since: 4/5/2012
Posts: 7,953
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False. I have an android because iPhones are ****. I am more than capable to purchase Apple's **** phones
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Banned
Member Since: 6/22/2011
Posts: 877
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Member Since: 9/24/2008
Posts: 14,256
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Quote:
Originally posted by Jameson Teqkilla
There's low end and high end androids.
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Exactly. The Galaxy S3 is pretty much the same price as an iPhone.
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Member Since: 5/18/2012
Posts: 20,576
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Quote:
Originally posted by Jameson Teqkilla
There's low end and high end androids.
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Exactly, however many people buy the low-end models. The majority of people using Android are buying the low-end.
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Member Since: 4/11/2012
Posts: 19,069
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It's true though. Everyone wishes they had an iPhone sans the geek fandroids. It just happens that people can't afford iPhone's so they settle for Android which is ridiculously cheaper.
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Banned
Member Since: 6/25/2011
Posts: 37,192
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Quote:
Originally posted by CoolestPerson12
Exactly, however many people buy the low-end models. The majority of people using Android are buying the low-end.
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Its not a logical conclusion to assume those consumers can't afford an iPhone though.
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Member Since: 5/18/2012
Posts: 20,576
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Quote:
Originally posted by Jameson Teqkilla
Its not a logical conclusion to assume those consumers can't afford an iPhone though.
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I stated above, that the opinions expressed in the article are not mine. I just wanted a discussion.
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Member Since: 3/25/2012
Posts: 10,673
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Um, what?  I paid almost $700 for Galaxy Nexus off contract when it first came out (including overseas shipping and insurance). The Galaxy S3 is the same price as an iPhone on contract. On every carrier that has the iphone, there is at least one or two high-end Android devices that are equal in price.  You don't even have to read the whole article to know this is complete bs. 
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ATRL Senior Member
Member Since: 9/26/2001
Posts: 22,475
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Quote:
Originally posted by Jack.
It's true though. Everyone wishes they had an iPhone sans the geek fandroids. It just happens that people can't afford iPhone's so they settle for Android which is ridiculously cheaper.
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...well, except for the S3, which even the article acknowledges has a similar price point. 
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Member Since: 5/18/2011
Posts: 17,136
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Uhhhhh I paid $200 for my HTC Amaze which is the same price as the iPhone 4s. I could've easily have gotten an iPhone but I CHOSE to go with an Android phone instead.
The ignorance
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Banned
Member Since: 6/25/2011
Posts: 37,192
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Quote:
Originally posted by Jack.
It's true though. Everyone wishes they had an iPhone sans the geek fandroids. It just happens that people can't afford iPhone's so they settle for Android which is ridiculously cheaper.
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This is why people hate Apple fanboys. 
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Member Since: 5/4/2012
Posts: 12,811
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Quote:
Originally posted by Jameson Teqkilla
There's low end and high end androids.
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Basically. There's something for everybody.
That and the OS is open source, so anybody can make their own, making a lot more options. You keep the developers happy, Everybody's happpy.
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Member Since: 9/8/2012
Posts: 10,084
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If I had the money enough I would buy an iPhone, but well... Android is not bad so I don't care. 
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Member Since: 12/16/2008
Posts: 59,380
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It's kinda truth at least in Mexico, it is.
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Member Since: 5/28/2010
Posts: 29,225
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Android being an economic-friendly choice.  Crapple will never.
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Member Since: 4/21/2011
Posts: 42,362
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That's obvious 
Not everyone can pay 600$ for a smartphone, so when they need a phone, what other choice do they have ?
Oh and Samsung also sells a lot of High end smartphones
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The phone that a passel of worldwide lawsuits couldn't hold back, Samsung's Galaxy S III, is the company's most successful yet, as Samsung announced tonight that it's delivered more than 20 million units in 100 days. That figure puts it at three times the sales rate of the Galaxy S II when it broke 20 million in February, ten months after launch and more than six times the original Galaxy S, which took 17 months. In a rare occasion, Samsung has supplied regional sales figures -- revealing six million devices for Europe, 4.5 million in Asia, 4 million in North America and 2.5 million in Korea. According to Samsung's gleeful press release it's moving 200,000 units a day -- any predictions for where that pace (or sales for its larger cousin, the Galaxy Note II which has its own hard act to follow) will go from here?
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(20 million S2, 10 million Note were sold in 2011)
We're coming for your wig, Apple.
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Member Since: 5/18/2011
Posts: 17,136
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By the way, the retail price of an HTC Amaze is $560.
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ATRL Administrator
Member Since: 6/29/2002
Posts: 77,601
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$100 per month? What in the world. I pay $20 and I already think it's too much.  SIM only
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