Why a $199 iphone cheap or expensive?

China
August 6, 2009 8:46am CST
In China, an iphone 3Gs costs 6000RMB(around $550-$570).But in America it only cost $199.How I wish I could buy one from America. Is it expensive to call in America? If not,why does iphone so cheap?
4 responses
ellonge
@ellonge (68)
• United States
6 Aug 09
I don't know but it's like that with many countries not just china, In El Salvador it was around that price when it came out, can u believe that in a country where the average salary is $7 a day. It's very inexpensive to make call here within the u.s. about 500 min for a monthly charge of $40 i did not know there was 3g in chine that is cool.
kidboy1988
@kidboy1988 (110)
• China
6 Aug 09
China is developing its 3G networks now. 3G here is a little bit expensive for us, about $200-$300 per year. Actually $40 for 500min is also very expensive for me.
ellonge
@ellonge (68)
• United States
6 Aug 09
for me too, that is why i don't own one haha. $40 u get ulimited minutes on nights and weekends, and call to cellphones on the same network are free. but that is for a regular cellphone, for the i phone is around $70 a month
mrakobesie
@mrakobesie (1246)
• United States
6 Aug 09
because economy in China rocks and you guys can afford it lol just kidding :) was it the phone by itself or with a 1-2 year plan? my phone was much cheaper becasue i was getting it with a plan, but it's usually much more without one.
Bellamy
@mydoto (5)
• China
8 Aug 09
I think there are not so much 3G producer,and competition of the 3g market is not so heavily. And ipod’s goods is selled for people with high salary. I believe the price of iphone will be more and more cheaper.
dianmelydia
@dianmelydia (2269)
• Indonesia
6 Aug 09
In my opinion, i think it depends on the network provider's policy. As we know that iPhone is sell exclusively by mobile network operator. In certain countries, some network operator give subsidy for mobile phone purchasing. But of course there's some terms and conditions apply. Usually the terms is about the subscription contract. Commonly the user must spend at least some certain bill amount in order to keep using the phone, or something like that. So don't see only on the price, but we should see the terms and conditions on a country. Have a nice day and happy mylotting.
macdrizzle
@macdrizzle (283)
• United States
7 Aug 09
Its because they only have one service provider so if you want one iPhone you have to get a 2 year contract with AT&T