Earlier quoted context omitted.
Fool me? What are you talking about? If I get a S3 or an iPhone 5 via AT&T, the cost will be the same over 2 years. So what you're really saying is, if I get an iPhone on contract, I'm getting more hardware for my dollar?
First, I'm saying that the number you cite is not the true cost of the phone because it does not include the subsidy that AT&T pays the manufacturer on your behalf. Second, I'm saying that the true cost of an iPhone is usually greater than they true cost of the typical Android phone they're matched up against. In AT&T's case the apparent cost of ownership looks the same because they pay larger subsidies to Apple than…
The argument you SHOULD have made is "tmobile lets you sign up without a contract at a discount without subsidy baked in".
Now, on a more "touchy feely" note, I owned 4 android phones (moto blur you sucked!), but they have all been crappy in comparison. Hardware build quality, software quality, general "polish" etc... My 4s has been better in every single way. Oh and my personal data on the phone more secure to boot! (iPhone's hardware encryption is VERY good) Life is too short to worry about saving $200 every 2 years, fuck that shit and go with the better device.
Being frugal is a fine trait, but it can be "cant see the forest for the trees". Don't pull the fucking poor card on me, I came from extremely modest background... And even when I was poor I knew the value in buying, well, VALUE.