When it's not a phone, but an always-on 6.5" tablet computer with an excellent camera, persistent wireless high-speed internet, amazing screen, thousands of incredibly useful apps that obviate the need for dozens of other electronic devices, and near-desktop performance for web browsing anywhere, I don't mind paying mid-range laptop prices every few years when I use it literally 4-6 hours per day, every day.

For many people out there - that is their singular computer. I know many people who don't own laptops or desktops anymore - just a phone.

I would argue that both are insane.

Specially 1600 for a component that need probably at least half that much more just to be fully utilized.

In the US, at least, its common to simply pay that $1k phone over time on a plan - or simply never stop paying off a phone through an upgrade program, either through their carrier or direct (e.g. iPhone Upgrade Program).

$30/mo doesn't hit as hard as $1100 up front. For some consumers, its a fundamentally different way of thinking.

Yes, because $1100+ for a phone is insane too.