Keeping two year contract

[Four oF NINE]

I see a lot of discussion about the new upgrade programs but nothing about keeping two year contracts. I am thinking about keeping my two year contract on AT&T for two phones on my account. It seems this is not an option if I preorder through Apple's website, only AT&T website. I will be upgrading two iPhones to the 6s+ 64GB, with the two year contract on AT&T it will be $800 for both phones not including tax and upgrade fees. The phones will not be unlocked and will not have Apple care, however the phones will be mine in two years and I only paid $800 for two new iPhones. After two years I can unlock both phones to increase resale value, which is what I did with my current 5s.

My question is....doesn't this sound better than paying a monthly premium for Apple's new program or AT&T NEXT program? I have been on the "s" series of iPhones for many years so I don't care about upgrading each year. With that said....after my two year contract is up I would've only paid $800 for TWO iPhones, rather than $1600 with the AT&T NEXT program or Apple's new program. What is the benefit of ditching my two year contract with AT&T other than the ability to upgrade each year and having AppleCare.

Totally with you on this one. I don't understand the appeal of these rolling contract lease deals, nor is it important for me to get a new phone every year. My phones still look new when I retired them after two years use, but I take care of them.

 

[Irock619]

So myself and a ATT rep crunched some numbers last night.....it turns out for two lines with 15GB data plan the price will be the same monthly for a two year contract or NEXT program. The only difference is the opportunity to upgrade every year. My wife said lets try the NEXT program so it looks like that's what I'm doing. I have a premier account and get 20% off my plan regardless. I'm probably going to upgrade on Apples website tomorrow night to the NEXT program.

 

[appygirl82]

So myself and a ATT rep crunched some numbers last night.....it turns out for two lines with 15GB data plan the price will be the same monthly for a two year contract or NEXT program. The only difference is the opportunity to upgrade every year. My wife said lets try the NEXT program so it looks like that's what I'm doing. I have a premier account and get 20% off my plan regardless. I'm probably going to upgrade on Apples website tomorrow night to the NEXT program.

The problem I have with the Next is....an iPhone is super easy to sell. I've always been able to sell it for the $299 or $399 (sometimes even more) which is what I pay when renewing the contract with an upgrade.

However, would be nice just to have the phone for the 12 mos, not have to keep it in pristine condition for sale and maybe even use it without a case etc!

 

[capitanbuzo]

I honestly don't understand what people's issues are with this whole dilemma. It's pretty straight forward. Amortize the subsidy over two years, compare that to the cost savings of next discount, and you are there.

I'm staying on my contract, even though it's pretty much a wash.