iPhone 12 Mini (cheapest current generation iPhone) is 55,440 yen (530.95 USD).
Google Pixel 5 is 87,840 yen (841.24 USD).
In comparison, 249 USD (25,999 yen) for a Pinephone is still very reasonable.
Especially considering the fact that the expensive 2 are designed to last only 1 or 2 years, getting weakened by each OS update, you have no say about what happens to the phone, and are practically locked down into either Apple or Google walled gardens.
Pinephone on the other hand is designed with the same life span as a regular PC (so you can replace parts to upgrade or to extend its life), OS updates might or might not break or fix stuff, you do with it what you want, and don't have any walls surrounding you.
Google Pixel 5 is 87,840 yen (841.24 USD).
In comparison, 249 USD (25,999 yen) for a Pinephone is still very reasonable.
Especially considering the fact that the expensive 2 are designed to last only 1 or 2 years, getting weakened by each OS update, you have no say about what happens to the phone, and are practically locked down into either Apple or Google walled gardens.
Pinephone on the other hand is designed with the same life span as a regular PC (so you can replace parts to upgrade or to extend its life), OS updates might or might not break or fix stuff, you do with it what you want, and don't have any walls surrounding you.