I think the reason more people still prefer iPhone is the ecosystem more than it being a status symbol.
It's the platform within the last 10 years I think many can say they have been on at one time. It's a UI that hasn't changed drastically over time so most are comfortable with it and prefer it. They know what they are getting with an iPhone.
And features specifically like iMessage and FaceTime helps keep them on it because most of their friends and family are on it and it's a richer experience.
iMessage is the best messaging platform out there, seamlessly integrating SMS/MMS within iMessage to be able to communicate with every contact you have in one app. And if you are communicating with other iMessage users (which for teens in US that's about 8 out of every 10 cell phone user) the experience is even richer with something as simple as sharing hi-res videos in your chats.
Google tried it with Hangouts but you just don't have that established userbase Apple already has and is automatically just part of by having an iPhone and Android users will never be able to tap into that.
And recently I am seeing FaceTime use really increasing and again just by having an iPhone you're already able to connect to FaceTime else that has one just by clicking on your contact. And with 12.1 you can FaceTime up to 32 people in a session. Groups of friends on at a time or the Family holiday party connecting with the ones that couldn't make it.
The iPhone is probably the best social device currently. Recent study show 8 out of 10 teens in US own iPhones and showed percentage only growing when asked what next phone will be. I think the iPhone is seen more as the "standard" phone to have more than status and no signs that will change for a while.
Meh
. There are still people who buy phones for status symbols. Just because you don't know one doesn't mean someone doesn't buy Notes for status symbols.
There are people who buy many things for "status" that you or I would not understand. Hence me saying thinking iPhone is the ONLY one that has this stigma is kind of funny to me since that is just putting on blinders for what some may not like.