The Samsung Galaxy S7 is $695
The Apple iPhone 6S Plus is $749
On computers, the total cost of ownership, you are absolutely correct.
Yep - I typically replace laptops (MacBook Pro) about half as often as most Windows PC Laptop owners I know. The only exception to this are those who are relatively light computer users who's demands are relatively light, who actually keep up with their maintenance and anti-malware, and who actually generally take care of their stuff (not so often with stuff that is relatively cheap).
My current MacBook Pro is actually a few years old, yet compares VERY favorable with the newest stuff coming out (but I still have an optical drive!). My previous MBP lasted me almost 5 years, and I just sold it for what the average Windows laptop )new) price! So I figure I will get several years on this one for less than the cost of a low-end Windows laptop by buying used, upgrading the ram, and taking care of it.