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Buying iPhone 6 outright -- am I crazy?
- Thread starter InsideTJ
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An individual 'Mobile Share' plan with 2 GB data, unlimited voice and text will run you $65/mo (+fees of course) if you buy phone outright or participate in Next vs. $80/mo (+fees) if you sign another 2 year contract. For reference, my mom has this exact plan in NY state and her monthly bill is about $71 after fees.
Absolutely. I would not have a smartphone, if I couldn't buy an unlocked phone outright and shop for my own carrier.
For me, this whole confusing shell game of tying the device cost to the service plan is a scam to try and obfuscate the true costs. It's like car dealers that try to sell you based on the monthly payment, rather than the total cost after accounting for the interest and loan term. Even programs like Edge, Next, and Jump are confusing, because nowhere is it clear that these programs are nothing more than glorified financing programs with an accelerated upgrade option that resets the payment schedule after you've traded your device in.
By owning the phone outright, I can shop for the plan that best meets my needs, without having to account for how the device cost factors into everything. It's simpler and more transparent, and I can upgrade my phone when I'm ready, rather than on someone else's fixed 12-, 18-, or 24-month schedule.
For me, this whole confusing shell game of tying the device cost to the service plan is a scam to try and obfuscate the true costs. It's like car dealers that try to sell you based on the monthly payment, rather than the total cost after accounting for the interest and loan term. Even programs like Edge, Next, and Jump are confusing, because nowhere is it clear that these programs are nothing more than glorified financing programs with an accelerated upgrade option that resets the payment schedule after you've traded your device in.
By owning the phone outright, I can shop for the plan that best meets my needs, without having to account for how the device cost factors into everything. It's simpler and more transparent, and I can upgrade my phone when I'm ready, rather than on someone else's fixed 12-, 18-, or 24-month schedule.
But, that's also not a true comparison because 1) the contract cost also includes an upfront subsidized device cost; and 2) the Mobile Share cost does not factor in the device cost tied to Next (which according to AT&T's website costs $27 to $32/month for a 12- or 18-month upgrade schedule). This is why I'd rather just buy the phone outright, and shop for carrier service without having to factor in all these sliding scale device charges.
I do the same thing. Selling the old model and temporarily using some other phone is worth it for me because the cost ends up being roughly the same as the subsidy, but I can upgrade more often.
Yes, but also, I can just afford new phones that cost $800+ and don't make blanket statements like "$800 is a lot of money." Yeah, it is a lot of money, unless it's not.
Isn't AT&T Next 0% APR?
If so I don't see any point in buying it outright unless you don't plan to upgrade to the 6S next year. Just keep selling your old iPhone to get the new one each year.
If so I don't see any point in buying it outright unless you don't plan to upgrade to the 6S next year. Just keep selling your old iPhone to get the new one each year.
So if your on AT&T and buy out right do you need to call them up to tell them you are bringing your own device? I believe AT&T will give you a $15 or $25 depending on your plan if your bring your own device.
Not sure about Verizon but on AT&T ... They charge $15/per phone on my soon to be expiring 2 year agreement .... the NEW 2 year contract it has changed to $40/month ..... $1200 more when subsidized.
Well, you're jumping into a conversation halfway. I already recommended to the OP that he wait to buy on subsidy because the the difference in subsidized price vs. full retail is greater than the cost savings from a reduced monthly bill by purchasing the phone at full retail or participating in Next.
There is no additional cost to participate in Next as it's essentially 0% financing to pay for the phone in installments, assuming you pay for the device in full. There is only added cost if you plan on trading in the phone for an upgrade before paying for the device in full as you have to turn in the phone.
I am also buying mine outright because:
(for a 32gb)
With a Plan
75$*24 + 320$ = 2120
Outright
35$*24 (current plan with unlimited talk/text and 1gb data) + 820$ = 1660
I save 460$
(for a 32gb)
With a Plan
75$*24 + 320$ = 2120
Outright
35$*24 (current plan with unlimited talk/text and 1gb data) + 820$ = 1660
I save 460$
nope if you can afford it...saves money over the 2 year contract.
Only issue is that the data plans have cost baked in that shouldn't be reduced for those that do buy the phone outright. At least in the states.
Only issue is that the data plans have cost baked in that shouldn't be reduced for those that do buy the phone outright. At least in the states.
Wouldn't it make more sense to get the 1GB plan ($50) and then pay the $15 overage only if you go over 1GB rather than paying for the $65 plan?
It would if the overage cost $15/GB on that plan. You need to take a closer look at the conditions--overages on the 1GB plan cost $20/500MB so going over 1GB would cost an extra $40/month.
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Ok, after reading the fine print it looks like you are right. Thanks. AT&T has all the angles covered.
No. When you buy off contract you just buy the phone right there. I get to upgrade every other year for a good price.
You're not crazy. Everyone should mortgage their home to buy and own an iPhone. What's a few measly cents over a span of 30 years.