Why your smartphone is getting more and more expensive

When introducing the iPhone 7 Plus two years ago, the cheapest version of this high-end device from Apple in the Netherlands cost 909 euros. For the latest current Apple device, the iPhone XS Max, you must pay at least 1259 euros. A price increase of 38.5%. In the United States, the price rose even faster, by 42.9%: from 769 to 1099.

Apple has always been at the forefront of the rise in prices of its smartphones, but the demand from other manufacturers is stronger than ever. for their main devices, such as the Galaxy Note 9 or the Huawei Mate 20 Pro. In addition, the new OnePlus 6T is much more expensive than the top model of 2016, the OnePlus 3.

Improvements

The fact that the top models become more expensive, is not so strange. Take back the iPhone: The iPhone XS Max is a much better device than the iPhone 7 Plus. Think of all the new technologies (such as Face ID), increased storage (from 32GB in the least expensive version of 7 Plus to at least 64GB in the XS Max) and new screen (OLED instead of LED) . [19659002] But more expensive parts and innovative technologies are not the only reasons for this price increase. "I'm sure the price increases are partly due to more expensive components and a more expensive production process, but do not explain everything," said analyst Ben Wood at CCS Insight for CNet.

Wood, according to Wood

The smartphone occupies a central place in the lives of many people: it is the most important device we have. And the most expensive models have become status symbols, says analyst Carolina Milanesi of Creative Strategies versus CNet. As long as we are ready to raise the funds for this, manufacturers will continue to raise their prices.