I'll tell you why: the ownership experience. I like a lot of things about Android, but the ownership experience is a key differentiator for me.
I've had Nexus phones and iPhones, and I like the software on both. But when I drop my iPhone and crack the screen, as I did several months ago, I can go to one of several Apple stores near me and get a replacement in about 15 minutes from polite, well-trained employees. That service also extends to OS and security updates for many years instead of just one or two.
The new Pixel phones cost more than $600, which puts them roughly in the iPhone price range. I certainly would not pay that much for something that is so important to my daily life if I had to ship it somewhere to get it repaired, possibly being without a phone for several days while I wait for it to come back. It won't run the latest OS after two years, either.
It's the same reason a lot of people buy Lexuses instead of Toyotas -- you are treated better when you need service, you get a nice loaner car instead of a ride home in a minivan shuttle, etc.
In general, as I've gotten older, I have learned that paying for service is just as important as paying for features. I sometimes buy things with features I don't really need in order to access the better service experience.
I've had Nexus phones and iPhones, and I like the software on both. But when I drop my iPhone and crack the screen, as I did several months ago, I can go to one of several Apple stores near me and get a replacement in about 15 minutes from polite, well-trained employees. That service also extends to OS and security updates for many years instead of just one or two.
The new Pixel phones cost more than $600, which puts them roughly in the iPhone price range. I certainly would not pay that much for something that is so important to my daily life if I had to ship it somewhere to get it repaired, possibly being without a phone for several days while I wait for it to come back. It won't run the latest OS after two years, either.
It's the same reason a lot of people buy Lexuses instead of Toyotas -- you are treated better when you need service, you get a nice loaner car instead of a ride home in a minivan shuttle, etc.
In general, as I've gotten older, I have learned that paying for service is just as important as paying for features. I sometimes buy things with features I don't really need in order to access the better service experience.