Yes I do prefer to own but I like many others can't afford to pay outright for a $1000+ phone. Even $700-800 is too much for me. That's why I sign the two year deal when upgrading a phone. Either way no matter which phone I get from my carrier I have to pay the phone price upfront. For example the iPhone 8 is advertised a $0 on a two year contract. I still have to pay the cost of the phone upfront. I tried by going through the upgrade online.
Plus, you have to factor in the taxes you have to pay separately and your carrier upgrade fee, so it’s likely an additional $150 or more that you’re not factoring.