What makes some cell phones worth ten times others?

I will guess that the people posting here are more likely to observe The Rule Of Diminishing Returns. That is, for any given expenditure, there is a point at which additional expense delivers less value. However, it is all subjective. People here may be more practical than the average consumer, so money saved by not overspending on one thing can be spent elsewhere. The law of diminishing returns had me buy a Subaru instead of a BMW. I saved enough to buy a second car. Here is something that crosses the line into diminished value territory: Full body paint on my new RV. It that really worth more than $6,000? Nope. I did it anyway because it looked better and blocks cosmic rays and telepathic brain scans.

An inexpensive smart-phone and a reasonable wireless plan is all many people need. Others will use features and services available and pay more for those accordingly. Then there are the folks that buy gadgets with capabilities way beyond their needs. Like having a super-multifunction Swiss Army Knife when all you do is open letters and cut string.