Buying iPhone 6 outright -- am I crazy?

[AppleRobert]

Buying outright is what I have done with all the smartphones I owned.

I have a WiFi hotspot for data if necessary if I am not at a place that has it and I use WiFi calling with a Google number.

 

[Frankied22]

I bought my 5S outright and use the $30 TMobile plan. I will be doing the same for the 6. I'll sell my unlocked 5S for $450-500

 

[Cool Pup]

I always buy my phones outright and unsubsidized to keep my unlimited data. Nothing weird or crazy about it at all. New contracts make your phone far more expensive for much less data over the time you have the phone, even with the initial big discount.

 

[DVNIEL]

Buying iPhone 6 outright -- am I crazy?

I used to buy my phones outright with Verizon because I swore to never let go of my unlimited data. Considering I was about to pay close to $1000 for the model I wanted, I realized for me it just wasn't worth it.

I know carrier freedom is great but one of the previous posters said it best, if you don't have plans to leave might as well spread out what you were eventually going to spend.

Carrier freedom isn't really what it was before. In actuality, it's $100 cheaper if you pay ETF, most ETFs are $350, whereas the retail price on the iphone is +$450.

I left my unlimited data plan because I just don't see myself leaving Verizon. When I was in my early 20's, I loved AT&T because I loved switching phones every week: I had lots of awesome Nokias like the Arte and Luna, to the thousand dollar euro Motorolas. But now phones have so much stuff that you need a specific plan for like visual voicemail and imessage, and switching a SIM card just gives you so much grief. I'm with verizon because of my work discount and I just feel Verizon signal penetrates buildings better; I work in a hospital and need signal even in the basement. Sprint speeds in the Bay Area are just horrible where I've needed them and T-Mobile has great speeds but inconsistent for me.

Again these are just my reasons for staying with a carrier but whether you get a contract or buy a phone outright these days, it doesn't really matter. Carrier freedom isn't what it was anymore in the US. You can leave anytime and we all will still eventually have to pay our dues. Enjoy your phones!

 

[Amplelink]

I buy mine outright. The math is simple.

Cost of iPhone + monthly payments x 24.
Or subsidised
Cost of iPhone + higher monthly payments x 24.

If you look at the cost you are just paying for the iPhone monthly, e.g. no subsidising at all. Plus you have the freedom to move and upgrade when you want. Don;t forget to factor in the slightly higher resale cost of your old unlocked iPhone.

That's only if you're on AT&T or Verizon I think. Tmobile is a little different. There isn't any subsidizing either. So after you payoff the phone, your payments drop.

 

[Prognut]

There's clearly an ignorant "always buy the phone outright" crowd here, with no thought whatsoever. If you don't plan on leaving your carrier, or if you have some stability in your life, the 2-year contract subsidized price will save you money. Every couple of years I sell my iPhone on eBay to some idiot that pays me more than what I paid for the phone 2 years ago because they want the freedom to.... pay more money?

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No. You just have the "freedom" to carelessly jump from one carrier to another when you stop paying your bill.

I'm with Rogers in Canada. If I want to upgrade, I will lose my 6gb plan at $60 per month. I'd have to go at a $110 plan at 4gb minimum.

So compared with the upfront cost, new rate on a contract I am saving approx $650 over 2 years. This for me is a great reason to buy outright.

 

[serialtoon]

Everyone technically is paying for an iPhone or any Smart Phone full price, just some people don't understand that they are paying that money over the term of the contract...and then you have the people that are paying for it TWICE over with things like AT&T Next, Jump, Edge etc. Since they are paying the sub pricing AND a little more on top every month. Honestly, paying full price up front is usually the cheapest method...if you have the funds for it up front.

 

[rotlex]

Everyone technically is paying for an iPhone or any Smart Phone full price, just some people don't understand that they are paying that money over the term of the contract...and then you have the people that are paying for it TWICE over with things like AT&T Next, Jump, Edge etc. Since they are paying the sub pricing AND a little more on top every month. Honestly, paying full price up front is usually the cheapest method...if you have the funds for it up front.

Actually, with NEXT, you are not paying anything on top of it. Same as if you just dropped your dollars in full, or over time. I've always paid full price in the past, but this time, I decided to use NEXT and maybe pay it off in a few months. I mean honestly, why not? It is true 0% financing. Same $750 I'll pay up front, or over 20 months if I choose. Seems silly to me to drop that much cash when I can get free financing.

I do the same with cars if I can get a 0% interest loan. Why lose 20-30K from long term savings when you can finance for nothing.

 

[serialtoon]

Actually, with NEXT, you are not paying anything on top of it. Same as if you just dropped your dollars in full, or over time. I've always paid full price in the past, but this time, I decided to use NEXT and maybe pay it off in a few months. I mean honestly, why not? It is true 0% financing. Same $750 I'll pay up front, or over 20 months if I choose. Seems silly to me to drop that much cash when I can get free financing.

I do the same with cars if I can get a 0% interest loan. Why lose 20-30K from long term savings when you can finance for nothing.

Please explain to me how you ARENT paying extra on top? The $89-$100 you pay for you plan includes a subsidy in there. Add the $25-$35 you pay for the "Next" program and guess what...you are paying on top. And If you think that paying it off early is going to help, you already paid some on top as well.

 

[pragmatous]

yes. i'm kind of doing the samething. i bought it at subsidized cost but im paying the etf then switching carriers.

I've bought subsidized iPhones since the 3 came out. Due to the backorders for the 5 two years ago, my two years is not up until maybe mid-october or early november.

I'm on ATT with the unlimited data plan.

I'm seriously considering just buying the 6 outright for $800 or whatever. I'd pay $300+ for the upgrade fee, but I think I'd get a $20/mo discount for not having a subsidized phone.

I like the idea of having carrier flexibility, but $800 is a lot for a phone, but I can afford it. Do many people actually buy the device outright, unlocked?

 

[rotlex]

Please explain to me how you ARENT paying extra on top? The $89-$100 you pay for you plan includes a subsidy in there. Add the $25-$35 you pay for the "Next" program and guess what...you are paying on top. And If you think that paying it off early is going to help, you already paid some on top as well.

Your wrong. I'm on family share with a FAN discount on top of it.

No contract. No subsidy. Zero down on phone. NEXT "contract" states amount financed - $749. Total amount of payments - $749. Pay off early. No fee. Explain to me how I am paying more for the PHONE over time with NEXT rather than just writing a check for &749 up front. You can't, because I'm not.

 

[serialtoon]

Your wrong. I'm on family share with a FAN discount on top of it.

No contract. No subsidy. Zero down on phone. NEXT "contract" states amount financed - $749. Total amount of payments - $749. Pay off early. No fee. Explain to me how I am paying more for the PHONE over time with NEXT rather than just writing a check for &749 up front. You can't, because I'm not.

Obviously your situation is different. As is mine. I'm on a corporate line (not FAN) which only makes me pay 34$ /month for unlimited everything. I only need to buy my phones full price. But that's besides the point. "normal" plans on next end up paying double. Simple math.

 

[Apple fanboy]

That's only if you're on AT&T or Verizon I think. Tmobile is a little different. There isn't any subsidizing either. So after you payoff the phone, your payments drop.

Being in the UK, I'm not with either.

 

[InsideTJ]

Thanks for the feedback.

I did not pre-order. I'm gonna let the dust settle and play with each phone size then decide on the 6 or 6+. My two year old 5 is due for an upgrade.

The more I watch those T-Mobile 'Uncarrier' videos on youtube, the more I think I love what they're doing. John Legere is awesome. What other CEO calls his competition 'greedy bastards' in a presentation? F this, F that. What a refreshing approach they're taking.

I ordered the 7 night stand trial, so I'll see how TMO works in my situation. I used to have TMO about 10 years ago, but it sounds like the real improvements have just been made in the past year or so. We'll see.

Either way, I'm going contract-free. Likely buying the device outright. Possibly using the carrier's purchase program (no interest) without a contract.

 

[uchosen]

I did not pre-order. I'm gonna let the dust settle and play with each phone size then decide on the 6 or 6+.

Wait, you're not blindly throwing your money at a product that has not been released yet?!

 

[kerrikins]

I'm with Rogers in Canada. If I want to upgrade, I will lose my 6gb plan at $60 per month. I'd have to go at a $110 plan at 4gb minimum.

So compared with the upfront cost, new rate on a contract I am saving approx $650 over 2 years. This for me is a great reason to buy outright.

Yup, I'm in the same situation. I'd want the $125 plan but no way am I going from $60 to $125. I can afford to get the phone outright so that's what I'm going to do. Maybe eventually the carriers will drop the price back down again, but in the meantime no contract renewal for me.

 

[GLS]

I was all set to purchase a 6 for my wife and myself (not sure what I want yet---I'll just wander in on the 19th and fondle a 6 Plus first) and pay full price, but....

We are both grandfathered unlimited. We did renew and upgrade last year with the 5S. I assumed that we couldn't get a phone discounted and subsidized, but I was wrong.

Wife's 64 GB 6 was full price, minus $200 credit. I don't really want to read the fine print why, but $549 for the phone and we still get to get a 6S next year at the $299 price point...plus keep the data and calling plans we have now.

I looked into the Mobile Sharing plan, and $100 + $30 for two phones is slightly cheaper than what we have now for voice, data and texting....really wasn't worth the hassle of switching.

I get the same $200 credit on a 6 Plus, no matter what size, so $200 off the retail cost of the phone...I'll take it.

When the smoke is all clear, we will have two 64GB 5S to either keep or sell off. We will have 2 iPhone 6 models, both 64 GB. And a year from now, have the option to upgrade again...only at the full subsidized price if we choose to. And peddle this year's phones to offset the costs.

Maybe someone will come along and point out where I'm taking it up the rear on this, but meh.

Oh yeah, just finished ordering the wife's phone. It will come when it comes.

 

[Val-kyrie]

But in my case, given the monthly rate I'm currently paying ($50 per iphone, incl taxes and fees, for unlimited data and voice), it is my understanding that my monthly rate wouldn't change regardless of whether I buy subsidized or full price. Am I correct: there would be no reduction in my monthly rate by buying the phone outright because I am on a grandfathered unlimited data plan?

And frankly, is there any month-to-month plan at ATT or Verizon that is less than $50 all-in and includes unlimited data (or even >4gb)? If not, and if I don't mind another 2 year contract, is there ANY advantage (other than unlock) to buying the phone for full price?

In my area, $50 only gets you unlimited talk, text, and 1GB of data or add $10 for 2GB data (total).

I actually have the same train of thought as you. I don't see anywhere on my bill where I'm paying a subsidized fee for my two IPhones on our grandfathered unlimited plan. I think for us its just a matter of gaining the freedom to move to another carrier and not any cost savings.

I have been thinking about this too. I have unlimited data with Verizon and no discounts. My unlimited plan includes:

Talk: 450 min -- $39.99
Text: 1000 texts $10.00
Data: Unlimited $29.99

With taxes, I pay $91.58 per month.

My options include Talk, 900 min $59.99 or Unlimited $69.99 and Text Unlimited for $20.00.

Unfortunately, T-Mobile has poor coverage in my area, so it is Verizon or AT&T.

Compared to Verizon's $60 Unlimited Talk and Text with 2GB Data, my unlimited plan looks expensive because I just don't use that much data (yet). I was also offered 6GB Data by Verizon (and on website) if I upgraded to the iPhone 6, but I need to find out if that also was for $60. If so, I may have to reconsider my plan.

I always buy my phones outright and unsubsidized to keep my unlimited data. Nothing weird or crazy about it at all. New contracts make your phone far more expensive for much less data over the time you have the phone, even with the initial big discount.

Not so sure that buying outright decreases the cost of a plan, but it does allow for "unlimited" data; although that is now in question since the FCC has given Verizon permission to throttle unlimited users despite Verizon's agreement to not do so when it purchased the 700MHz spectrum.

I used to buy my phones outright with Verizon because I swore to never let go of my unlimited data. Considering I was about to pay close to $1000 for the model I wanted, I realized for me it just wasn't worth it.

I know carrier freedom is great but one of the previous posters said it best, if you don't have plans to leave might as well spread out what you were eventually going to spend.

Carrier freedom isn't really what it was before. In actuality, it's $100 cheaper if you pay ETF, most ETFs are $350, whereas the retail price on the iphone is +$450.

I left my unlimited data plan because I just don't see myself leaving Verizon. When I was in my early 20's, I loved AT&T because I loved switching phones every week: I had lots of awesome Nokias like the Arte and Luna, to the thousand dollar euro Motorolas. But now phones have so much stuff that you need a specific plan for like visual voicemail and imessage, and switching a SIM card just gives you so much grief. I'm with verizon because of my work discount and I just feel Verizon signal penetrates buildings better; I work in a hospital and need signal even in the basement. Sprint speeds in the Bay Area are just horrible where I've needed them and T-Mobile has great speeds but inconsistent for me.

Again these are just my reasons for staying with a carrier but whether you get a contract or buy a phone outright these days, it doesn't really matter. Carrier freedom isn't what it was anymore in the US. You can leave anytime and we all will still eventually have to pay our dues. Enjoy your phones!

Having the same struggle here.

I was all set to purchase a 6 for my wife and myself (not sure what I want yet---I'll just wander in on the 19th and fondle a 6 Plus first) and pay full price, but....

We are both grandfathered unlimited. We did renew and upgrade last year with the 5S. I assumed that we couldn't get a phone discounted and subsidized, but I was wrong.

Wife's 64 GB 6 was full price, minus $200 credit. I don't really want to read the fine print why, but $549 for the phone and we still get to get a 6S next year at the $299 price point...plus keep the data and calling plans we have now.

I looked into the Mobile Sharing plan, and $100 + $30 for two phones is slightly cheaper than what we have now for voice, data and texting....really wasn't worth the hassle of switching.

I get the same $200 credit on a 6 Plus, no matter what size, so $200 off the retail cost of the phone...I'll take it.

When the smoke is all clear, we will have two 64GB 5S to either keep or sell off. We will have 2 iPhone 6 models, both 64 GB. And a year from now, have the option to upgrade again...only at the full subsidized price if we choose to. And peddle this year's phones to offset the costs.

Maybe someone will come along and point out where I'm taking it up the rear on this, but meh.

Oh yeah, just finished ordering the wife's phone. It will come when it comes.

How did you get to upgrade and retain your unlimited plan?

 

[GLS]

How did you get to upgrade and retain your unlimited plan?

I checked it on both ATT and Apple's website before I committed. On ATT, after I added the phone to my cart, I was asked if I wanted to keep my existing voice plan, with a check box below asking if I wanted to keep my existing data plan. I checked and went forward. The details said LTE-Unlimited.

On Apple's site, I didn't have the option to change plans. It just listed this:

Data Plan:
Unlimited Data $30.00/mo

 

[WhiteHawk]

Outright every time, saving money in the long run, it's a big hit at the start but there is no way I would lock into a 1 or 2 year contract, a 1 month rolling contract is the most I would do, because of this I have had the freedom to change carrier and am thinking about doing it again for some 4G love.

 

[rtr1985]

Yeah just like my "big" laptop computers, I buy my "small" computer-phones outright.

 

[bidwalj]

Obviously your situation is different. As is mine. I'm on a corporate line (not FAN) which only makes me pay 34$ /month for unlimited everything. I only need to buy my phones full price. But that's besides the point. "normal" plans on next end up paying double. Simple math.

No you don't. When you are on a next plan or bring your own device plan, att removes the subsidy from your plan. For example, on the share plan, with 10 GB data, they subtract $25 per line. Your fan discount applies on top of that.

The next financing is truly only for the phone.

 

[The Tuck]

How can you buy the phone outright? I thought you had to be in store to do this and since all that is available right now is pre-orders, you can only get upgrade pricing, or pay for a full price T-Mobile (locked) phone. Am I wrong?

Tuck

 

[pdxmatts]

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.

When you trade it in at 12 or 18mos to go on NEXT again with a new phone, they wipe out the old phone balance and start new with the next phone. But, if I could afford to buy a new phone outright, I would do that.

 

[aleni]

i always bought iphones from the first to the latest 6 off contract. used them for one year, and then sold it -$200. not so bad. smartphones and gadgets are my hobbies especially apple products, i dont know what will happen tommorow, i can die, nobody knows, so i enjoy using the latest apple products every year. lol

it's like i said to my friends, why the fux did you change your car's rim???? the current rims are still pristine. they said, it's a hobby.