I always when smartphone newbies (at least I assume they are) are shocked and outraged at the price of unlocked phones. Here's one from "Android and Me"...
Yikes! Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 to cost $879
Is the Xperia X10 really expensive? Sure, I wouldn't pay $879 for it. But, if you take a look at other high-end unlocked smartphones, you will find similar high prices. In fact, let's do this by taking a look at eXpansys Inc.'s US online store in this category found at:
http://www.expansys-usa.com/mobile-phones/sim-free-phones
Let's see what we find there:
- Motorola AURA $2,034.99 (this is not a typo)
- Apple iPhone 3GS $1,199.99
- HTC HD2 $829.99
- Sony Ericsson Saito $829.99
- Samsung OmniaPro $744.99
- Palm Pre $714.99
- Nokia N900 $699.99
Unlocked phones are also unsubsidized phones. Are this prices ridiculous? I sure think so. But, that's how it is when you reach the rarified air of the unlocked phone market.
I should note though, that there are also relatively affordable unlocked phones. But, the high-end supercool ones are not usually in the "affordable" range.
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