Can somebody just explain my options on ATT - let's assume the current phone

I don't understand. Are you asking a question?

Well, you need to factor in monthly fee differences for different options--like the contract option not having a monthly discount at all, for example. Also, potential upgrade fees that might be involved--like in particular with the contract option.

Also potential tax differences--some states make you pay the tax on the full price of the phone with various options, others don't, etc.

So at least on the surface the contract option is $300, plus $25/month more for each month of the 24 month contract, which is $600, plus potentially a $40 upgrade fee, making the total that is over $900 (not counting potential tax differences, if any).

With NEXT does one get to keep their device after upgrading?

RoboWarriorSr said:

With NEXT does one get to keep their device after upgrading?

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You mean if you are on NEXT and want to upgrade? If you pay off your device, then you get to keep it when you upgrade, otherwise you have to return it.

nostresshere said:

UPDATED:

Buy It : $750
Next for 20 Months: $ 37.50 or $750 total
Next for 24 Months : $31.25 or $750 total
Contract : $300 (edit to add $25 a month or $600) - total $900


So, leaving taxes aside for a minute and maybe a $40 activation fee it looks like a contract is the least favorable. The next plan is sort of a contract, but as I said before I could care less about a contract as I am not switching carriers anytime soon.

Why would next not be better than just buying it?

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It's basically a difference of paying it all up front and paying lower monthly fees or financing it (at 0% essentially) over a period of a little less than 2 years paying higher monthly fees to account for the financing (and you can pay it all off anytime if you wish).

No your plan will stay the same, you will just see the installment on the bill as well. 20month or 24 month installments

nostresshere said:

UPDATED:

Buy It : $750
Next for 20 Months: $ 37.50 or $750 total
Next for 24 Months : $31.25 or $750 total
Contract : $300 (edit to add $25 a month or $600) - total $900

Why would next not be better than just buying it?

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Next iPhones are still locked to AT&T. If you buy outright at Apple Store (any version except Sprint), the phone will be factory unlocked which would be useful for, say, international travel. Otherwise, the cost is pretty much the same either way.

Personally going with Next this year (to get off contract on a couple of 5s lines). Since any international travel will be planned at least half a year in advance, I can always pay off the remainder of the balance 2-3 months before said travel to get it unlocked ahead of time.