Few pricing disparities between iPhone and Android apps

Application prices in Apple's App Store and Google's Android Market are quite similar with the exception of the Reference category, where Android Market apps carry a significantly higher price tag, according to new data issued by analytics research firm Distimo. The disparity is due largely to a handful of dictionary-themed Android apps priced between $15 and $30, notes TechCrunch. The top-selling premium downloads in categories including entertainment, navigation and tools are otherwise available at roughly the same average price across both the iPhone and Android platforms, although there is some disparity on games: The most popular Android games typically cost between 99 cents and $5.95, with most selling for $2.99, while most App Store titles sell for 99 cents, with a few offered between $6.99 and $9.99.

Distimo adds that games remain the App Store's best-selling category, with more titles in the premium Top 15 than in the free Top 15. Classic games are particularly popular in Android Market, where three out of the Top 15 are emulators. (The App Store does not approve emulators.)

For more on the app pricing trends:
- read this Distimo report

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