Can someone please explain the benefits of buying a phone at full retail

[Geckotek]

Here

Sorry, I don't see the word "data" anywhere in there.

Show me a plan comparable to AT&T or Verizon's that includes data similar to their's for the $40/month you quoted and I'll accept your argument. Otherwise just drop it because you have nothing.

Edit: I can't find this $40/month including basic data plan you speak of. Is it still offered?

Considering the OP, I'll accept one statement from you as being factual.

"If you are willing to accept a much slower data rate, you can purchase an unlocked iPhone at full retail and activate it on T-Mobile."

 

[Wolfmore]

Don't have good credit, then u don't have an iPhone

Some people can't get the subsidizes price cause they don't have good credit. You'd be surprised how many people don't qualify.

They would be ones to buy Phones out right.

 

[0blivion]

Quick question

So I'm almost at my one year mark on my 3 year contract with the iPhone 4. Now, as each day goes by, I'm really wanting to get the 4S. If I buy the iPhone 4S from Apple at full retail price, can I just switch SIM cards or something? Or are there gonna be extra fees with my carrier. I'm with Rogers

 

[Ping Guo]

Sorry, I don't see the word "data" anywhere in there.

Yeah, we're discussing iPhone plans. You know, smartphones. So show me where you're getting an iPhone plan for $40 a month like you claimed.

Show me a plan comparable to AT&T or Verizon's that includes data similar to their's for the $40/month you quoted and I'll accept your argument. Otherwise just drop it because you have nothing.

The OP never asked about any of that, please stop sending the thread off track. It's a simple question, with a simple answer, "What are the advantages, if any, of buying a phone at full retail?" I and other posters took the time to write thoughtful answers, based on our own experience of using unlocked iPhones with prepaid plans.

Again here's how I saved over $500 using an unlocked phone:

For a comparison, the cheapest iPhone 4S plan is Sprint for $70/month + $200 with a 2-year contract.

$70 x 24 months, + $200 = $1880

Unlocked 16gb 4S is $649. T-Mobile basic data + voice is $30/month.

$30 x 24 months, + $649 = $1369

You just saved $511, plus you have the freedom to change plans and providers whenever you choose, and you can travel with your phone.

Again: (actually it's $30 month):

http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans

Anyway, I'm out. What was it Mark Twain said about arguing with ***** and people not being able to tell the difference?

 

[Geckotek]

Yeah, we're discussing iPhone plans. You know, smartphones. So show me where you're getting an iPhone plan for $40 a month like you claimed.

I assumed your $40 plan included no data so I did not include my data. Simple concept.

The OP never asked about any of that, please stop sending the thread off track. It's a simple question, with a simple answer, "What are the advantages, if any, of buying a phone at full retail?" I and other posters took the time to write thoughtful answers, based on our own experience of using unlocked iPhones with prepaid plans.

Again here's how I saved over $500 using an unlocked phone:

For a comparison, the cheapest iPhone 4S plan is Sprint for $70/month + $200 with a 2-year contract.

$70 x 24 months, + $200 = $1880

Unlocked 16gb 4S is $649. T-Mobile basic data + voice is $30/month.

$30 x 24 months, + $649 = $1369

You just saved $511, plus you have the freedom to change plans and providers whenever you choose, and you can travel with your phone.

Again: (actually it's $30 month):

http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans

Anyway, I'm out. What was it Mark Twain said about arguing with ***** and people not being able to tell the difference?

Lol. You saved some cash I guess, in exchange you got a crippled phone. If the OP is cool with that I guess that's ok. But my money says that wasn't what he was looking for. Enjoy your crippled iPhone and you're right, I need to stop arguing with fools.

Edit: 30MB of data? LOL. I realize now you were just jerking me around all this time. Funny guy.

 

[MacManTexas56]

I assumed your $40 plan included no data so I did not include my data. Simple concept.





Lol. You saved some cash I guess, in exchange you got a crippled phone. If the OP is cool with that I guess that's ok. But my money says that wasn't what he was looking for. Enjoy your crippled iPhone and you're right, I need to stop arguing with fools.

Edit: 30MB of data? LOL. I realize now you were just jerking me around all this time. Funny guy.

This is actually a good example of what you can do without being stuck in a contract. They hit you with fees and taxes every month and the bill is constantly changing. They force a data plan on you as well. Not everyone needs data all the time. My wife has wifi at her work and I also have it at mine.

Want to change something on your contract account? You can't do anything with ease when on a contract.

We pay $25/month for each iPhone. 250 minutes and unlimited text. If we really need data we can add that on if necessary for one trip etc.

$25*24 months= $600 + $600 phone= $1,200
$60*24 months= $1,440 + $200 phone= $1,640

You are going to argue it's not equal. My point is the iPhone bill on AT&T with the minimum required family plan was $120 for 2 phones. That was the minimum if we wanted unlimited texting, the lowest minute plan, and data you had no choice it was forced on you.

It feels great not being locked in a contract.

 

[Geckotek]

Yes, but you can't use your iPhone freely as it was intended to be used. You are stuck with using WiFi or buying some expensive short-term data plan.

But you're right, it is an option and one that I guess works for you. However, I'll bet for most people this is not an acceptable solution.

And I don't understand all the concern about a contract when you can break it at any time??

 

[MacManTexas56]

Yes, but you can't use your iPhone freely as it was intended to be used. You are stuck with using WiFi or buying some expensive short-term data plan.

Who said I have to use a device exactly as someone else uses one? I'm around wifi 75% of the time. The point is, you can do WHAT you want with YOUR device. You aren't locked down and forced to using it as you say was supposedly intended for.

 

[Geckotek]

Nobody said that, but one of the great things about the iPhone is having data at your fingertips. It's not exactly at your fingertips when you are stuck on Edge.

I'm glad you have WiFi 75% of the time. A lot of us don't have that luxury.

 

[MacManTexas56]

Nobody said that, but one of the great things about the iPhone is having data at your fingertips. It's not exactly at your fingertips when you are stuck on Edge.

I'm glad you have WiFi 75% of the time. A lot of us don't have that luxury.

I think it's unnecessary to pay $15-$30 per iPhone for data when our Internet at home only costs $29.99. All I was doing was showing OP some of the other reasons why someone may pay retail pricing.

When we had a contract we were paying unlimited data at $30 for each phone. Our monthly bill was close to $175 with taxes etc. Not that I can't afford it but I was tired of paying a mini car payment when we aren't heavy users to begin with.

 

[drenline]

I assumed your $40 plan included no data so I did not include my data. Simple concept.

I am also paying a $30 prepaid plan from T-Mobile on my iphone 3GS, unlimited text and talk. And for data, all I need to do is fill up on $40 data one time that usually lasts me 8-10 months (no it doesn't expire after one month). I am saving huge, and I mean HUGE, money not being stuck on AT&T contract or any other iphone contracts.

 

[Geckotek]

I am also paying a $30 prepaid plan from T-Mobile on my iphone 3GS, unlimited text and talk. And for data, all I need to do is fill up on $40 data one time that usually lasts me 8-10 months (no it doesn't expire after one month). I am saving huge, and I mean HUGE, money not being stuck on AT&T contract or any other iphone contracts.

Wow, sounds good. I know I would go through that $40 data in a matter of hours.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Wow, sounds good. I know I would go through that $40 data in a matter of hours.

You do understand that the topic is "Benefits of buying a phone at full retail", and not "Reasons why Geckotek should buy a phone at full retail" - don't you? Just because a reason is not appropriate for you, does not mean it isn't a workable solution for someone else.

 

[Geckotek]

You do understand that the topic is "Benefits of buying a phone at full retail", and not "Reasons why Geckotek should buy a phone at full retail" - don't you? Just because a reason is not appropriate for you, does not mean it isn't a workable solution for someone else.

Really??
Uh, yeah....that was just a comment on my usage vs drenaline's. Who asked you to but in?

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Who asked you to but in?

Just one of my many service offerings. Thanks are not necessary.

 

[eMace]

Geckotek, with all due respect, Ping Guo said he pays $30 for text, talk and data. YOU were the one that responded with "Big whoop buddy. I pay $40 on <Verizon? ATT?>" Then a few posts later, you start asking HIM for proof of a $40 plan and comparing apples to apples? You sir, are the master of spin.

Anyway, thanks to the OP for this post. I am considering buying a factory unlocked now. Even the Tmobile unlimited talk, text and data for $70 seems like a good deal compared to Verizon and ATT. And I plan on keeping my new phone for a long time anyway. Only thing is, for full retail, it would really suck breaking it.

One thing though, unlocked phones won't be able to use CDMA in other countries? And how is your guys' reception on Tmobile prepaid?

 

[Geckotek]

Geckotek, with all due respect, Ping Guo said he pays $30 for text, talk and data. YOU were the one that responded with "Big whoop buddy. I pay $40 on <Verizon? ATT?>" Then a few posts later, you start asking HIM for proof of a $40 plan and comparing apples to apples? You sir, are the master of spin.

Yes, because I was convinced he was talking about a voice only plan. (Which he proved to be a $30 plan w/ 30MB of data) How is that difficult to accept?

 

[Ayman250]

I see a lot of discussions about this but I don't really understand it. Most likely because I've never bought an un-subsidized phone before.

What are the benefits of buying a phone at full retail with no contract? I understand ur not locked into a 2 year commitment but if I'm staying with the same carrier I'm still going to have to pay for service...right?

So I walk into AT&T and pay $600 for iPhone with no contract. What do I do next? Do i pay the same monthly fee that I would with a contract? Same data rates? Texting plan, etc?

Other then not be locked into AT&T for 2 years, what difference does it make. I know a lot of people do it, so I'm sure there's a good reason, but I just don't understand. The way I figure it, it would wind up costing more money doing it that way.

I equally don't understand how I sold my 16month iPhone 4 in decent condition (but not perfect) to someone for $400. I know some do it so they can unlock and use on other carriers but even that seems not very beneficial.

Can someone spell this out for me. Thanks!

It is because there are many people who want to get a new phone but are still not due for an upgrade. So they have to pay the unsubsidized price.

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So you pay $40 for your iPhone contract, with data, all inclusive. Care to provide a link? I'm sure a lot of people would be interested.

For a comparison, the cheapest iPhone 4S plan is Sprint for $70/month + $200 with a 2-year contract.

$70 x 24 months, + $200 = $1880

Unlocked 16gb 4S is $649. T-Mobile basic data + voice is $30/month.

$30 x 24 months, + $649 = $1369

You just saved $511, plus you have the freedom to change plans and providers whenever you choose, and you can travel with your phone.

But please, don't let facts and basic math stop you from spouting off yet again.

Yes but that does not include unlimited data from TM

 

[chillhase]

love this thread! you are ripping each other apart
for me its easy: ill go back to europe in 7 month --> definitely unlocked with month to month plan (probably tmobile all unlimited for 50$)

 

[Xenc]

No, no extra minutes.

Hmm, it's a different story outside of the US. It's still better to not owe a company money where you can, though.

Yes but that does not include unlimited data from TM

Not everyone wants or has access to unlimited data. Or wants to be on T-Mobile. Different people, different needs.

love this thread! you are ripping each other apart