Why is Apple more expensive?
While some people will never buy Apple out of principle for most people it’s a matter of Apple products being seemingly more expensive than their competition.
Steve Jobs once said that Apple isn’t cheap because they don’t make rubbish. I think this still holds true. At the high-end of the market their prices are competitive, they just don’t compete with the cheaper Android devices.
You do get some excellent benefits for being a member of the Apple club:
- Apple Customer Service – legendary for its leniency and high quality customer care. For me the knowledge that issues will be dealt with fairly and quickly (and most of the time – for free) is a major plus and worth some of the extra expense.
- Software Updates – Apple devices receive updates for a long time after their release and at the same time as the latest devices. If you buy a 7 or 7+ you can expect it to be running iOS 13 or 14 in a few year’s time. (Hello from the future! This is true – in fact iPhone 6s still gets iOS 15!)
- Ecosystem – Apple products are designed to work seamlessly together. Handoff between devices, iCloud syncing notes, contacts, calendars, documents etc. with no thought whatsoever, copy and paste between your phone and your computer, unlocking your computer with your watch…the list goes on and on.
- Services – Apple does provide some of the best services in the world. Apple Music, iCloud, Maps, Siri, iWork, iLife, iCloud Photo Library etc. (+ Apple Pay, Apple Card, Apple TV+ etc.)
- Apps – Apple is still the #1 platform for apps. Sometimes apps are delayed on Android and sometimes they aren’t built for Android at all. When they do make it Android, the fragmentation of the OS means your experience can vary massively and apps may not be as optimised.
What are the best, cheaper devices available right now? (Out of date)
If your budget is limited or you are anti-Apple for some reason then some of my favourite non-Apple devices are listed below.
- OnePlus 3T – Very well spec’d phone for its price. Very little interference with stock Android from the manufacturer.
- Moto G Plus (4th Gen) – Reasonably spec’d. Unbeatable price to experience ratio. Again, relatively stock Android experience.