Does buying an iPhone with a 2 year contract save the most money in the long run?

[Reminisce32]

Does buying an iPhone with a 2 year contract save the most money in the long run? Or would I save money by paying full price up front as an AT&T customer?

I'm currently holding onto a grandfathered unlimited data plan, so I plan on keeping my plan and staying with AT&T, but wanted to know if AT&T provided any way for me to save money monthly if I pay retail for the phone?

Thanks.

 

[NukeIT]

Not that I know of.

 

[mad3inch1na]

Does buying an iPhone with a 2 year contract save the most money in the long run? Or would I save money by paying full price up front as an AT&T customer?

I'm currently holding onto a grandfathered unlimited data plan, so I plan on keeping my plan and staying with AT&T, but wanted to know if AT&T provided any way for me to save money monthly if I pay retail for the phone?

Thanks.

It depends on how much you are paying now. As a general rule of thumb, if a non-contract plan costs $20/month less than your current plan, then it is worth while (about $450 over 2 years). Subsidized plans cost more in general, but plans at AT&T vary. Unsubsidized plans are best especially if you keep your phone for more than 2 years, because you save more money each month.

For example, if you are paying $200 for 4 phones on contract, and an equivalent subsidized plan costs $120 or less a month unsubsidized, then it makes sense to purchase your phones outright.

T-mobile currently has arguably the best pricing for families of 4-6 people. This assumes you are ok with the coverage though. They are currently offering 2.5GB of LTE with tethering, international, and free music streaming for $100 a month total for 4 people.

Edit: I misread your post. They will not let you keep your grandfathered plan and pay for your phone outright.

 

[theMaccer]

hard to say, but carriers are moving away from 2 year contract, so it must have been costing them.