Summary Box: iPhone’s cool factor proves stronger than the lure of rival phones’ features

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Summary Box: iPhone succeeds without being best

IPHONE’S SUCCESS: Apple is selling more iPhones than ever, even after three years — an eternity for gadgets.

FALLING BEHIND: The iPhone remains popular even though newer smart phones do some things better, such as offering higher-resolution cameras and high-definition video.

HOW IPHONE DOMINATES: Apple manages to triumph at two crucial qualities: status and simplicity. Many people crave the aura of cool associated with iPhones and don’t seem to be asking whether the iPhone has the best technology.