>The openness, freedom, customizability and accessibility (money wise) were the tenets that differentiated Android from Apple devices.

i have never heard someone outside of tech circles (e.g. HN) mention openness, freedom, or customization, even as a passing comment.

they use a phone to access mainstream apps (youtube, instagram, reddit, maybe their bank) and text/call. mention "apk" or "fdroid" and their eyes start to glaze over.

cheaper devices, sure, i agree with that as being the differentiator to the average non-techie. the rest is, at least in my experience, absolutely a "HN view".