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Buy only the sim-free version (when it is released) at full price. Any other "unlocked" version is less capable.
 
So I buy my phones outright every year for my wife and I. I just sold my 6s+ 128 for 680 and my wifes 6s 64 for 540. I bought the phones using AMEX and this covers them 100% for 90 days. I filed a claim once since my wifes phone screen cracked. I got the credit for the $149 repair on my statement. I also pay my monthly bill with my wells fargo credit card which offers up to $600 coverage. Usually this is more than enough and even if the phone was stolen I can find something on craigslist for less than 600 after a few months. I cracked my screen on the 6s+ just a couple months ago and just had to pay the deductible of 25 bucks $124 was mailed to me as a check. This makes things simple for me and also is the most cost effective.
 
Yep i always buy outright. I sell my phone the day before and next day go to my apple store and buy the latest one. Easiest way. I am not in debt to Apple or a carrier that way. Mind you £919 for a 256mb silver is going to smart a bit this time especially as I want AW2 as well
 
I'm buying mine but this will be the first year. So do I need to swap the SIM card and go to the Verizon store to transfer over to the new phone? Not sure how that works exactly.
 
I'm buying mine but this will be the first year. So do I need to swap the SIM card and go to the Verizon store to transfer over to the new phone? Not sure how that works exactly.

I have tmobile but I just pop out the sim card they give me in the new iphone and toss it and then put mine in. Works like a charm. Switch it out before you turn on the phone though.
 
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Buying outright but I wait until I can get an unlocked one.
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Not with the Barclay Card, zero interest.

Only for the first 30 days after getting the card. Make sure you post ALL the facts :)
 
Is it easier to buy it outright when pre ordering? Or will both options be offered? I like the payment plan because you can just upgrade it every year, I don't see much difference in that and owning it and selling it, and paying full price again. It's zero percent financing so really no downside versus paying outright depending on how aggressive, or lazy (like me) you are at selling phones if you do buy them outright every year.
 
I am for the first time ever. I absolutely loathe monthly payments, and it just so happens that I'm making more money than ever before this year so I can afford to do it. Plus it is just SO much easier.
 
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Yup def; still :mad: fuming @ :apple: for dropping 64GB storage so I don't ve energy to overthink my purchase approach. It works out better for me as I sell my current phone & add a bit to the proceed.

I'd get over it at some point 2moro once pre-order is underway!!
 
I definitely prefer buying outright. I'm on prepaid (Tracfone) so that's my only option anyway.
 
That's what I was thinking too. I have no issue spending $1000 in order to not have another monthly bill (or a higher one for that matter).
I always wonder what the average income for people on this forum is. I'm sure this doesn't represent the majority (saw an article that ~60% don't buy new stuff until the old stuff breaks) but I swear, everyone on here seems to buy new phones, Watches, etc yearly and it's no big deal.

FWIW I'm buying my phone outright... although since I'm on a legacy plan, it'd actually be cheaper for me if they still offered subsidies. Go figure.
 
I think I just may buy it outright because I'm largely confused if CC companies (e.g., AMEX) still offer the free extended warranty if you decide to do a payment plan.

Anyone have experience with this?

I plan on buying it outright with my Costco Citi card, which I pay off monthly. It extends the warranty two more years (also gives 120 days of accident or stolen protection).
 
I always wonder what the average income for people on this forum is. I'm sure this doesn't represent the majority (saw an article that ~60% don't buy new stuff until the old stuff breaks) but I swear, everyone on here seems to buy new phones, Watches, etc yearly and it's no big deal.

FWIW I'm buying my phone outright... although since I'm on a legacy plan, it'd actually be cheaper for me if they still offered subsidies. Go figure.
It's less about income and more about necessary spend. Those with five kids have a lot less discretionary spend available than those with no kids. Things like driving a cheap car also allow for spend on other toys.
 
I always wonder what the average income for people on this forum is. I'm sure this doesn't represent the majority (saw an article that ~60% don't buy new stuff until the old stuff breaks) but I swear, everyone on here seems to buy new phones, Watches, etc yearly and it's no big deal.

FWIW I'm buying my phone outright... although since I'm on a legacy plan, it'd actually be cheaper for me if they still offered subsidies. Go figure.

I think you'd be surprised by how many people truly cannot afford these devices but manage to get one every year - partially because of these upgrade plans. The vast majority of people can swing an extra $40 a month when it comes in a bill and they have to pay it - but alot of people can't save even $50-$100 a month. When subsidies were around and you had to toss $200-$600 out at a shot, alot of people had to skip buying it right away because they don't even have that money.

Really comes down to the materialistic approach for alot of people. Some can't afford an extra $40 a month but they'll be damned if they don't get the newest phone.

Note: I don't believe this is the majority, but there are a ton of people that live like this. To each their own I suppose.
 
Non-Outright buyer here, usually do the 0% on credit whatever Apple offers and pay minimum all the way through. I like the idea of more money in my pocket less in theirs. Same with taxes hold onto more throughout the year and get the smallest refund possible, throw everything towards investments.
 
I can buy it outright but I choose to add it to my monthly AT&T bill through Next. Since its 0% financing, I figure I can get a better return on that $1,000 vs. shelling it out up front. Now, if I was charged a financing fee for it, then I would definitely purchase it outright.
 
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