^^ Nice post ^^
Also nice to have a "civil" discussion in a thread. *L*
Yes, there is always a catch in below market pricing, way more so if your one like me that hasn't signed up with a cell phone company in what must be getting close to a decade now.
I purchase my own stuff and then select a phone carrier.
As I have posted, I am totally enjoying my iPhone XR and new Mac Desktop, enjoying the seemless integration of both and speed.
I used to be VERY much against Apple Products, for one reason, price.
However, now, in todays world, for me, its more about privacy, security, fun factor etc, sure, the hardware is great but other companies are too, but the biggest point of all is, Apple products pricing is now darn close to mainstream cell phone pricing with Apples outstanding quality, support and security.
More or less, taking everything into account, I see the value in Apple products, simply because all the other makers have now got the prices up to and way over the price of iPhones and those phones use the free, insecure Wild West google Android system vs Apples well thought out and "protected" operating system.
All for the same price and less.
For the Android people dont get your feathers ruffled, I am only talking about what I am enjoying by entering the Apple world, wife has now inherited my VERY capable Android Huawei phone, its an awesome phone. Though, depending on my experience with the iPhone and suspect one day we will move her to Apple too.