Two age-old questions have been around since the dawn of smartphones: Why are iPhones so expensive? Why are they more expensive than Android devices?
Apple has been a leader in the tech industry for decades, ever since it released its first Mac computer. Like the computer industry, it has been at the forefront of the smart-tech industry since 2007, when it released the first iPhone.
Nearly two decades later, Apple’s iPhone has a market share of nearly 30% of the global operating system market. As of 2024, iPhones make up 56.68% of the smartphone market share in Australia, and it is only projected to grow.
In 2023 alone, Apple shipped over 234.6 million iPhones worldwide. The Apple brand has become synonymous with the word iPhone. Every year, people eagerly await the announcement of new models and technological advancements. Most recently, the iPhone 16 and the upgrades made to Apple Intelligence—their version of artificial intelligence.
Price Comparison: iPhone Vs Android Phones
Below, we’ve compared the price of the past two generations of iPhones with their counterparts from Android leaders like Google, Samsung, and OPPO. While the price difference between iPhones and Androids has been decreasing, it’s still noticeable.
This is because Apple has always positioned iPhones as premium devices, which is reflected in their pricing. Lowering the price would devalue the item. However, a few Android manufacturers have been releasing ‘luxury’ models on par with Apple’s pricing, like Samsung’s Ultra phones and Google’s Pixel Pro devices.
iPhone 16 Series
- iPhone 16 256GB: $1,599, Galaxy S24 256GB: $1,1149, Pixel 9 128GB: $1,149.
- iPhone 16 Plus 256GB: $1,799, Galaxy S24+ 256GB: $1,699
- iPhone 16 Pro 256GB: $1,997, Galaxy S24 Ultra 256GB: $2,199, Pixel 9 Pro 256GB: $1,697
- iPhone 16 Pro Max 256GB: $2,147, Pixel 9 Pro XL 256GB: $1,997
As you can see from the figures above, the iPhone model is usually more expensive than its Android flagship competition. The only exception is Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Google’s Pixel, Pixel Pro, and Pixel Pro XL phones are all cheaper than their iPhone model counterparts. Google has always positioned its Pixel line as a budget-friendly phone, with the main appeal being value for money with the performance and camera.
iPhone 15 Series
- iPhone 15 256GB (Base Model): $1,447, Galaxy S23 256GB: $1,287, Pixel 8 256GB: $1,287
- iPhone 15 Plus 256GB: $1,597, Galaxy S23+ 256GB: $1,459
- iPhone 15 Pro 256GB: $1,899, Galaxy S23 Ultra 256GB: $1947, Pixel 8 Pro 256GB: $1,787
- iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB: $2,297
Similarly to the iPhone 16 series, when it comes to most of the phones competing with the iPhone 15 series, Apple’s products were more expensive. It’s important to note that Samsung does offer more expensive Z Fold and Z Flip devices at a premium price.
If you were to go back further in generations, all the iPhone predecessors compared to their competitors follow similar trends. Apple’s products are always more expensive, and for good reason.
Why Are iPhones More Expensive Than Android Phones?
There are a few key reasons why iPhones are more expensive than Android devices. These include brand reputation, high-quality build, app quality control, and security. Apple’s products have always been synonymous with status, but that isn’t the only reason for their high price.
A key reason for the iPhone’s price tag is its high-quality build materials. Apple always opts for the highest-quality materials available, like stainless steel, ceramic shield glass, and custom silicon for its chips. Compare this to Google’s Pixel series, for example, which is a much more budget-friendly option, typically using recycled plastic and aluminium.
The iPhone’s higher price tag also allows for a more closed-off ecosystem. Apple has more control over the software and users compared to Android devices and the Google Play Store. This leads to better security, fewer lower-quality apps, and better optimisation.
The Apple ecosystem is another factor in why iPhones are more expensive. iPhones are designed to seamlessly work with all of Apple’s other products, like iPads, Apple Watches, and services like iCloud and iMessage. This seamless integration promotes brand loyalty, which allows Apple to maintain its premium pricing.
Finally, Apple also provides longer software support for its phones than most Android devices. Many Android manufacturers only support their devices with major software updates and security patches for 3-5 years, while Apple typically supports its phones for 5-6 years.
The Benefits of Buying Refurbished iPhones
There are various benefits to buying refurbished iPhones. First of all, buying refurbished is a great way to save money while also accessing the latest technology. Depending on the model and the time since the original release date, you can save up to 10% to 50% off.
There’s a common misconception that you can only get older models refurbished, which isn’t true. You can find even the recently released iPhone 16 refurbished at some reputable sellers. Refurbished models typically come out 1-6 months after the initial release date.
If you’re an eco-conscious shopper and want to contribute to a greener economy, buying refurbished is the sustainable choice. It adds to and promotes a recycle, reuse, and reduce model.
Refurbished models also provide quality assurance that not even factory-new phones get. When you buy a phone through a reputable seller, it should undergo a thorough refurbishment process.
During this process, a qualified technician will evaluate and test the device, ensuring all components are fully functional and running optimally. This allows them to catch any issues, including manufacturing defects and repair them if needed.
As time has passed since the initial release of the phone, when you buy a refurbished device, it should come with any bug fixes and patches. Support for accessories, like cases, is always better post-launch, too.
Save Money Buying Refurbished iPhones at OzMobiles
If you want the best deals on iPhones, buying refurbished is a great way to save money. Here at OzMobiles, we stock a large range of smartphones, including the latest iPhones and Samsung’s Galaxy range.
At OzMobiles, we also stand behind our products with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return policy, so you can be confident when you shop with us. If anything happens or you have a change of mind, our team is here to support you.
All the devices we sell go through a comprehensive refurbishment process and quality check in our local Melbourne headquarters. Our qualified technicians ensure every component is fully functional and running optimally.
Our devices are also sustainably sourced. If you’re an eco-conscious shopper, you can rest assured that we’re doing our part to contribute to a sustainable economy. You can join us by buying a refurbished phone, which contributes to a recycle, reuse, and reduce model.
If you have any questions about iPhone cost vs. Android, our refurbishing process, or help finding the perfect device, contact us today. Our team would love to connect you with the right device.
