The real cost of iPhone 5s: prices reaching $1090

The Apple iPhone 5s is a costly pleasure. Sold most often for $199 on contract in the United States, its actual unsubsidized price is much higher than that. Did you know that the cheapest 16GB iPhone 5s actually costs a whopping $707 off contract? That’s the real cost of it in the US, but in other countries it’s even higher than that and climbs to a mind-boggling starting price of $1091 off contract for the very same iPhone 5s sold in Asian and European countries.

This should also be a good answer to any questions you might have about why isn’t the iPhone more popular globally - its price is simply too high for the overwhelming majority of the world. MobileUnlocked has taken GDP numbers and iPhone price per country and estimates that in China for instance - the world’s largest phone market - an iPhone costs $866.93, and that constitutes for 9.57% of GDP (PPP). In another gigantic market, India, an iPhone costs $857.76 and makes up 22.32% of GDP (PPP), an excruciatingly large sum. The same goes for Russia where the iPhone is even more expensive starting at $921.36, accounting for 5.26% of GDP (PPP). All of these are prices with all taxes included.

These numbers are revealing. Interestingly, the Middle East and Europe is where the iPhone 5s in its basic 16GB model is the most expensive. Its price reaches a disturbing $1091 in Jordan and $1063 in the huge market of Turkey, clearly two huge amounts that very few would be able to afford.

The map above illustrate the iPhone price differences across the globe, and right below is a table of the countries where Apple’s coveted gadget is least and most expensive. Take a look and let us know what you think, is this price justified in your opinion?