Let me paraphrase you:

"I have no idea how people can enjoy something I hate, since I can't understand that, they must be brainwashed"

Now to answer your actual question, "why do people buy iPhones?"

I use an iPhone 12 Mini, I bought it as I needed to upgrade from my iPhone 6s.

I have used Android phones and tablets, they are great devices, and I liked them.

Why do I still use an iPhone if I like Android?

Because I like iOS more than Android.

The main reason is that Android is made by a marketing company, and I allways feel like they are looking over my shoulder when I use Android, iOS doesn't give me that feeling, though I do realize that they probably are monitoring my use, but the feeling isn't the same.

Show me a non shit cellphone that I can use bank apps from that isn’t also from a shit company.

I’ve had many Android phones and only a few iPhones. iOS has been miles more stable and has much more predictable support.

OK, I'll bite. Why do you think I'm brainwashed. Please be specific.

I buy iPhones because they’ve been much cheaper. The purchase price of flagship iphones are similar to Android flagship prices, but they’re supported for years longer. My last iPhone was the 6s, released in 2015. It’s still receiving security updates today in 2024, more than 8 years later (last update Jan 22, 2024). When I stopped using it, it ran as well as the day I bought it. The resale price was also decent.

Meanwhile, android phones from that era typically lost support within 1-2 years of release.

I’m genuinely curious and also prepared for whatever but…

Why are you in a community called “Apple Enthusiast” if you’re just going to constantly be negative and rude to actual enthusiasts?

Why are you here?

I keep an Android and iPhone. Apps tend to be more polished/available on iOS versus Android. However, if you don’t plan on installing your own OS, use the UI customization (launchers and what not), or install apps via .apks — which isn a large percentage of the population — an iPhone is fine. Heck, you may save money if you either sell it second hand to finance your new phone, or use it until it doesn’t receive support. Heck, I’m in the camp of spending $799 on a handset in 2019 that will get major updates through 2026 and security updates through 2028/9 (should Apple follow their support pattern, of course).

Don’t get me wrong, I like my Pixel with GrapheneOS with its perfectly tuned UI, but if I’m flying out for a weekend trip — I’m bringing my iPhone along for reliability, and integration with the world around me.