This is probably just a personal lifestyle thing, but I'd rather have a cheaper, not as good thing that I own outright rather than lease (not own) a nicer, better thing. Cars, phones, computers, whatever it is. I don't like the idea of not owning the stuff I use every day, if I could just own something not as good instead.
There's another side to this. If you don't own the phone, then it is in Apple's best interest to keep the phone running. No more planned obsolescence, or not caring if it breaks after the warranty period is over. Maybe not owning is the more environmentally friendly choice?
I have come to the realisation that it just makes more sense to buy repairable / upgradeable electronics / computers and cars, used. You save a lot of money that way, and the second-sales market has also become more organised so you don't really waste time too in the process.