Why are Android flagships cheaper than iPhones?

[bwillard92]

I was surprised to notice this morning that the price of the new base model Samsung Galaxy s6 is $599.99 from Verizon while the iPhone 6 base model is $649.99. Even the new HTC One M9 is $599.99. Then if you compare the s5 to the 32GB 5s it's $100 difference. Why are Androids cheaper? Is it that Apple is the only one who makes iOS devices while Android has multiple OEMs making phones causing competition?

 

[MRU]

Depends on where you live. Here the S6 off contract price is more expensive than the 16gb iPhone 6.

Also I do believe that Verizon are still subsidising the base price somewhat. The actual RRP for USA is $699 for the S6 and $849 for the S6 Edge.

 

[Kariya]

Outside of the Oneplus they aren't. Here (England) the flagships are as expensive as each other both on or off contract. Sometimes even more expensive than an iPhone.

 

[bmt134]

They're not. End of discussion. Close thread.

 

[z31fanatic]

They're not. End of discussion. Close thread.

Someone ate your cereal this morning?

 

[sparky08]

Why are iMacs pricier than every other desktop? Why are MacBooks more expensive than any other laptop? Why are iPads.......

 

[rockitdog]

I was surprised to notice this morning that the price of the new base model Samsung Galaxy s6 is $599.99 from Verizon while the iPhone 6 base model is $649.99. Even the new HTC One M9 is $599.99. Then if you compare the s5 to the 32GB 5s it's $100 difference. Why are Androids cheaper? Is it that Apple is the only one who makes iOS devices while Android has multiple OEMs making phones causing competition?

I wonder about prices myself. The AT&T S6 is $684.99 off contract. Why is the Verizon S6 $85 cheaper (plus its unlocked out of the box!)

 

[cfedu]

I was surprised to notice this morning that the price of the new base model Samsung Galaxy s6 is $599.99 from Verizon while the iPhone 6 base model is $649.99. Even the new HTC One M9 is $599.99. Then if you compare the s5 to the 32GB 5s it's $100 difference. Why are Androids cheaper? Is it that Apple is the only one who makes iOS devices while Android has multiple OEMs making phones causing competition?

Because they are fragmented and the competition is greater within android. One to two months after release Androids have a hard time selling even close to the MSRP.

 

[apolloa]

Outside of the Oneplus they aren't. Here (England) the flagships are as expensive as each other both on or off contract. Sometimes even more expensive than an iPhone.

In the UK the iPhone tends to be more expensive on contract, and that is because Apple force a premium to be charged on their devices by the provider, and if they don't agree to charge the premium then they are not allowed to sell Apple products.

 

[MRU]

Why are Android flagships cheaper than iPhones?

In the UK the iPhone tends to be more expensive on contract, and that is because Apple force a premium to be charged on their devices by the provider, and if they don't agree to charge the premium then they are not allowed to sell Apple products.

Here they are much the same price subsidised or not..

IPhone 6 on cheapest contract here €299
Galaxy s6 on cheapest contract €299


HTC m9 on PAYG (no contract) €679
IPhone 6 on PAYG (no contract) €669
Galaxy Alpha on PAYG (no contract) €649

 

[Kariya]

In the UK the iPhone tends to be more expensive on contract, and that is because Apple force a premium to be charged on their devices by the provider, and if they don't agree to charge the premium then they are not allowed to sell Apple products.

iPhone 6 and S6 on a £38/£39 contract from Three commands a £49 upfront cost. Granted you arguably get more for your money spec-wise but both flagships, and cost is virtually identical.

I don't think Apple forces a premium, they just restrict discounting unlike other manufacturers

 

[Robisan]

I don't think Apple forces a premium, they just restrict discounting unlike other manufacturers

This. Apple pretty much prohibits retail price competition. Anti-competitive market control is an essential component of their business model.

 

[mi7chy]

You just have to shop around. Was originally looking at $1049 for the 128GB Edge at Best Buy but found it on Verizon for $899. Going to price match it at Best Buy to get the free wireless charger pad and use their $100 trade-in on an old phone. You just have to be smart about it if you want a superior product for less money. Really no different than, say, buying a car.

 

[technosix]

Apple has years of practice collecting fat profit margins. It doesn't matter if it's the smartphone sector, tablets or computers, Apple has the most money because they mark up the price.

We've paid them big bucks for everything with Apple branding.

Everything

 

[spinedoc77]

I wonder about prices myself. The AT&T S6 is $684.99 off contract. Why is the Verizon S6 $85 cheaper (plus its unlocked out of the box!)

ATT is often (maybe always) more for some reason. The Note 4 is $50-100 more expensive than Verizon/tmobile with no justifiable reason other than gouging.

 

[whoknows87]

They are not cheaper by any means

iPhone 6 16GB is $649
GS6 $679 S6 Edge $779
Note 4 - $749
Nexus 6 $660
Z3 $650
G3 is around $500
HTC M8 was $660 when it released

 

[Jibbajabba]

Depends on where you live. Here the S6 off contract price is more expensive than the 16gb iPhone 6.

Also I do believe that Verizon are still subsidising the base price somewhat. The actual RRP for USA is $699 for the S6 and $849 for the S6 Edge.

In the UK, on average the iPhone costs twice as much as the comparable Galaxy flagship ... subsidized on contract that is.

 

[sickducker]

The introduction prices aren't far off, but iPhones prices hardly drop months after release. Apple products are more popular and retain their market value longer. Anyone selling used Apple gear has experienced this.

 

[mattopotamus]

They are not cheaper by any means

iPhone 6 16GB is $649
GS6 $679 S6 Edge $779
Note 4 - $749
Nexus 6 $660
Z3 $650
G3 is around $500
HTC M8 was $660 when it released

this. They are actually closer priced to the 6+

 

[pdqgp]

The 64gb S6 is $40 more than the iP6 at AT&T. Not a big deal and to be expected given it's brand new and not out yet. Give it a few weeks and they will drop the price depending on how it sells. IMO It's also saved in the fact that it doesn't require proprietary cables. I can use any old micro USB cable and car charger when setting up charging stations in the vehicles, office or other rooms.

 

[skratch77]

Verizon always has unlocked Samsungs a little cheaper then everyone else.they might have a deal with Samsung because Verizon is the biggest network in the world and has the most subscribers so they prolly get volume discounts because they buy so many phones from samsung.

The same gs6 at best buy for Verizon is like 150 bucks more

 

[Gav2k]

In the UK, on average the iPhone costs twice as much as the comparable Galaxy flagship ... subsidized on contract that is.

There isn't 'subsidised' pricing any more. There is a negotiated unit price between the network and the manufacturer based on purchase volume. Apple have a set price. Samsung etc will reduce the price to be competitive.

 

[Jibbajabba]

There isn't 'subsidised' pricing any more. There is a negotiated unit price between the network and the manufacturer based on purchase volume. Apple have a set price. Samsung etc will reduce the price to be competitive.

Subsidised from the point of customer when signing a 24 months contract.

Samsung is still not cheap, well the handset is,but the same plan I am now on would cost me £20 more per month. See previous post.

I would save approx. £350 over 24 months if I pay the overpriced price on Amazon even, compared to device coast and monthly cost vs. Outright and cheaper PAYG.

Buying a phone on a 24 months contract becomes as %&#£ as payday loans from sharks.

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iPhone 6 and S6 on a £38/£39 contract from Three commands a £49 upfront cost. Granted you arguably get more for your money spec-wise but both flagships, and cost is virtually identical.

I don't think Apple forces a premium, they just restrict discounting unlike other manufacturers

S6 Edge demands an almost sixty quid contract from Three. I am with Three as long as I can remember, but I think it is time to buy outright and take a cheaper PAYG sim.

 

[soulsyphon]

in terms of canada, all android phones are cheaper than iphones.

2 year contract iphone is 475$ while the galaxy s6 is 360$

non contract
iphone 6 16gb 750$
gs6 32gb 750$

but who wants a 16gb iphone 6? really it starts at 64gb which is 860$

the canadian dollar is low right now.... thats why prices are high.

 

[Kariya]

S6 Edge demands an almost sixty quid contract from Three. I am with Three as long as I can remember, but I think it is time to buy outright and take a cheaper PAYG sim.

Gave up on contracts about 8 years ago. Found contract prices kept increasing but value didn't, and phones were no longer free anymore. Plus they were locked to the carrier.

Decided to go SIM-only route and buy my phones outright. Don't regret my decision one bit.