The problem is that unlike most other electronics-related branches I can think of there's actually not so much diversity in smartphones. It's like the product is directed at 100% of the market while only, say, 90% of the market really wants it. The others are left in the cold, but buy anyway since there's no other option.

Compare this to e.g. audio equipment which I consider a more 'normal' market system. There's the typical consumer stuff, there's the more professional stuff and then in the high end professional devices there's even subclasses. This seems completely absent in the cellphone market, where every player just follows the rest. At least. that is my impression.