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This might describe the U.S., but prices for smartphones in the developing world have a different starting point. They are forced to be cost competitive (both
by scottkduncan 15y ago
This might describe the U.S., but prices for smartphones in the developing world have a different starting point. They are forced to be cost competitive (both for the handset and voice/data) from the outset in order to get any initial traction. The Huawei Ideos (Android) has been quite successful in Kenya where it sells for about $80 with an initial allotment of minutes and data, which users than can then reload as necessary.
Huawei has sacrificed on tech specs to be cost competitive. I wouldn't be surprised if future entry-level smartphones in the developing world hold the technology relatively constant and focus instead on getting the viable price point even lower, which is the reverse of what we see in the U.S. where the price stays relatively constant but the handset technology constantly improves.
- ippisl 15y agoSpreadtrum releases platforms for $40 smartphones: http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4231253/Spreadtrum-releases-platforms-for--40-smartphones http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4231253/Spreadtrum-r...
- 18pfsmt 15y agoI'm not sure if you noticed or your parent was edited, but it specifically says "high reoccurring fees." I share this sentiment, and, therefore, only have an iPod Touch/ cheap phone. I pay $33/mo (incl. tax) for 1k min+1k sms+200MB data). I'm mostly near a secure wifi connection and the limitations of this set-up are worth the savings. To be clear, upfront costs have never been an issue for me, and I kind of wonder why the Android ecosystem has mostly failed to recognize this opportunity. Actually, I realize most people don't know how or want to bother with setting up proper SIP on a LAN (local SIP agent on router, etc.).
- 18pfsmt 15y agoAt the least one down-vote, so I expect some comment noting the flaw in my logic, or is this simply a "disagreement down -vote"?