The bold is spot on. I don't think people are aware, so I'm hoping to temper expectations as this is a great device, just don't expect top tier smartphone performance.
On the cost front, the m11 is the same price as this with a vastly superior soc. So no, I don't think a better processor costs vastly more, mainly because these chips as small and cheap to manufacture. I just have seen a lot of tech products come out of China and generally, it's just what they can actually source. For their current laptops/tablets for example, they aren't getting new Intel processors, where they used to before and sometimes they only get pentium and can't get the m3 line. And besides, I don't think consumers should ever take this stance. You should be framing in the best way for you. You pay the same price and make them do more. Either make them do more with the same, or make them eat their margin. Just don't do that to whatever company I'm at. I like fat bonuses from consumers overpaying and not arguing or advocating for themselves.
But hiby is clearly trying. Fiio is too, I just don't understand their hatred of fixing the android src and the play store. How do you pair a strong soc, with locked android? It makes no sense.....
You'll run yourself crazy wondering if other daps will sound better than what you have. And your mind will tell you something new sounds better many times anyway. Better to buy on an actual need. You want a slightly smaller dap? You have issues with oi? Your iems don't play nice with the r6 and you get hiss?
Otherwise, hiby could release an airplane dap and you'd wonder if you need it, when no one needs an airplane sized dap.
I want an ipod touch sized dap. This is the best open src android device you can get currently. If you're using this device or a device in hibys android line up, or their partners cayin/Shanling? I think you're as close to end game as you'll get with very marginal. 0.01% benefits.
And the release of the r8, which I had continually asked hiby about putting a sim card in a dap, makes the lineup very enticing.
Wait a year or a couple, see if they can impress you. Otherwise, you've already got a good dap...