No offense but I wonder if they've ever used an iPhone? Those who make comparisons and say that $200-500 phones can compare to iPhones. If they only talk about basic functions like calling, I can confirm that they don't even need to spend 200-300$ to buy an Android. They only need $50 to own an old Nokia phone with full calling features.

And if we talk about other features like camera, battery life, security and especially their durability. I agree with you that even Samsung's high end Galaxy phones or GG's Pixel phones can't compete with the iPhone let alone other budget phones. Everything has its price, nothing is cheap but has superior quality, I know everyone knows this but for some reason they deny it.

Many years ago when I spent money to buy iPhone 11PM, many people also complained that I wasted money. But the interesting thing is until now: my IP11 still works smoothly and smoothly while some people have changed to a new device a few times.
After years of use and if I wanted to sell it now, I bet its value is higher than many new android phones on the market .