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I think it goes beyond just the price, there is also the need. Most people don't actually need an iPhone or any smart phone. Two toilets at home is also a form of luxury.
Luxury is also comfort. Being able to access the Internet, your email, play Angry Birds, navigation, etc... it's things that makes live more fun, easier, but it's not stuff we really need. You can Internet at home, ask for directions or use a map.
Most smart phones aren't bought to make/receive calls, they are entertainment devices. It allows us to access the Internet from the couch.
Take away all smart phones and replace them for dumb phones. The world won't end. There will be less tweeting, Facebook updates, picture taking and staring at phones in restaurants, but nobody will die.




Member since:
2007-07-27
I'd say it very much depends on how rich you are. At $649 an iPhone clearly won't break the bank for an average american, but for the average chinese that's as expensive as if the the american had to pay $5800 for the iPhone. Paying that much for a phone - now that is a luxury item!