The cheapest smart-phone you can buy right now costs $1,100. That’s the 2 year cost of a typical service plan, assuming you replace your phone every 2 years and

The cheapest smart-phone you can buy right now costs $1,100. That’s the 2 year cost of a typical service plan, assuming you replace your phone every 2 years and the phone costs near zero. By comparison, an iPhone X costs $1,700, only $600 ($25 per month) more than a “free” phone . The reason is in two years, you’ll be able to sell your used X for around $400.