It’s for the people who usually buy the Pro but don’t actually use any of the Pro features and just like having the expensive iPhone because it’s a status symbol. It will do well. I myself would buy it were it not because I have an iPad Pro and would rather prefer a smaller phone.
Edit: I know status symbol in this context is used as a derogatory term usually but I mean it in a descriptive term. Same reason many buy a Rolex vs a Casio which is just as durable and tell the time fine. If you have the cash and don’t mind the compromises, go wild it’s a gorgeous device .
Two decades of “just learn to code bro”, will do that to a profession.