Research: The rapid increase in mobile phone prices that started in 2017 continues this year.

Inside 2017, a combination of different factors contributed to the increase in average phone prices.

Τthe size of this increase was quite large and so it was perceived by consumers. The phenomenon was particularly evident in the American market, as the cessation of the subsidy transfer system, the trend of the general sector of the economy and the ever-increasing competition that made companies hunt for expensive materials, contributed to this phenomenon.

Apple decided to differentiate itself in 2017 with the new biometric Face ID test, while presenting for the first time the notch on the screen, two features that were not in demand. The rest of the companies followed in a fight for the shape of the notch and the largest screen surface possible, with a minimal frame. Dual screens, folding cameras and other solutions that were invented came at a high cost. The built-in fingerprint sensors below the screen, despite lower-than-expected performance - worse than conventional ones - have remained a "sacrifice" in the "screen-only" mobile race.

Single cameras and 4G RAM are simply no longer enough, since we see devices with storage. space to reach 1TB and at the back cameras with 6 sensors! The AMOLED screens that have become necessary now do not have many suppliers, which again raises the cost, while the curved screens (3D glass) raise the prestige and the price more, despite the usability. If we add to the above the ToF sensors and the reverse wireless charging, we have many new small solutions for problems that we did not know we had until now, but at a high cost on the contrary.

The above has led to a gradual decline in sales and now, according to a survey by Strategy Analytics for the US market, users hold their phone for much longer, without buying a new one: 33 months on average. Manufacturers, in order to cope with the lower sales, as expected, increased the prices, trying to add new features.

The same survey showed that only 7% of Americans are able to buy a cell phone worth $ 1.000. The same users seem to stick to two main brands, without considering the suggestions of other manufacturers while what they are looking for is the quality of the camera mainly, but without giving much emphasis, since only 1 in 3 is looking for sophisticated features. It seems that buyers much more prefer their pocket and a more affordable mobile phone.

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