Carrier Someone explain unsubsidized phones to me, please.

[mebehere]

I bought a 64GB iPhone 6 at launch for $399. Paid for up front, which was the only choice.

There were two phones on the plan, and the monthly bill was about $80 (We don’t use much data). Verizon. It’s still around $80/month.

Now iPhones cost much more. If I buy a new one, will my actual cell bill go down to compensate for a much pricier phone, or will it still stay at about $80 per month for two phones?

Thanks.

 

[C DM]

I bought a 64GB iPhone 6 at launch for $399. Paid for up front, which was the only choice.

There were two phones on the plan, and the monthly bill was about $80 (We don’t use much data). Verizon. It’s still around $80/month.

Now iPhones cost much more. If I buy a new one, will my actual cell bill go down to compensate for a much pricier phone, or will it still stay at about $80 per month for two phones?

Thanks.

It depends on your plan (and its details) really.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I bought a 64GB iPhone 6 at launch for $399. Paid for up front, which was the only choice.

There were two phones on the plan, and the monthly bill was about $80 (We don’t use much data). Verizon. It’s still around $80/month.

Now iPhones cost much more. If I buy a new one, will my actual cell bill go down to compensate for a much pricier phone, or will it still stay at about $80 per month for two phones?

Thanks.

Depending on your plan and whether or not you use the carrier financing method for a new phone, you monthly bill could go up.

Generally speaking, carriers do not lower the price of service because a person buys a new phone (even if paid in full).

 

[mebehere]

So essentially, unsubsidized phones are more expensive overall than subsidized phones (because of the more expensive phones/monthly payments for the phones?

Thanks.

 

[Apple_Robert]

So essentially, unsubsidized phones are essentially more expensive overall than subsidized phones (because of the more expensive phones/monthly payments for the phones?

Thanks.

Many people want to see the turn of subsidized phones (that won't happen). The thing a lot of people fail to realize is that they paid a lot more for their subsidized phone than $199 etc.

 

[gigapocket1]

So essentially, unsubsidized phones are essentially more expensive overall than subsidized phones (because of the more expensive phones/monthly payments for the phones?

Thanks.

Not entirely. I feel that with the new plans. It comes out about even.. it’s just that the prices of everything is more transparent. Cell phone plans are cheaper.. by the time you add on that new phone it’ll come out to be the same...
the difference is that prices of phones are higher.. back in the day.. the unsubsidized price of phones was $600.. now their $800+...
It’s definitely a rip off if you do the installment plans on older cell phone plans..

 

[mebehere]

Not entirely. I feel that with the new plans. It comes out about even.. it’s just that the prices of everything is more transparent. Cell phone plans are cheaper.. by the time you add on that new phone it’ll come out to be the same...
the difference is that prices of phones are higher.. back in the day.. the unsubsidized price of phones was $600.. now their $800+...
It’s definitely a rip off if you do the installment plans on older cell phone plans..

How much do you think I’ll pay per month overall with a new phone, say an XS with the same plan. More than $80 plus the cost of a subsidized phone of around $400?

Thanks.

 

[C DM]

So essentially, unsubsidized phones are more expensive overall than subsidized phones (because of the more expensive phones/monthly payments for the phones?

Thanks.

Well, what plan do you have? Typically with older plans they had the subsidy built into the price of the plan, so while you got the phone for a smaller price you also paid more each month essentially to make up for it (and even after you covered the subsidy after 2 years, which is what typically the contract would be for, to make sure you covered the subsidy, the monthly price would remain the same, which is where people were potentially losing money if they didn't upgrade right away again). The idea since then is that the subsidy wouldn't be part of the monthly cost and thus it should be lower, with the cost of the device being separate (either paid up front or on a monthly basis as a separate financing fee).

 

[mebehere]

Well, what plan do you have? Typically with older plans they had the subsidy built into the price of the plan, so while you got the phone for a smaller price you also paid more each month essentially to make up for it (and even after you covered the subsidy after 2 years, which is what typically the contract would be for, to make sure you covered the subsidy, the monthly price would remain the same, which is where people were potentially losing money if they didn't upgrade right away again). The idea since then is that the subsidy wouldn't be part of the monthly cost and thus it should be lower, with the cost of the device being separate (either paid up front or on a monthly basis as a separate financing fee).

Plan looks like 2GB of data with rollover.

 

[Minimalist00]

Plan looks like 2GB of data with rollover.

When you upgrade, unless you buy the phone outright, you’ll be moved to a new plan. That plan will probably be cheaper, but then you’ll have the added cost of the phone.

You can buy the phone outright at full price, or you can do a monthly payment, which is the full price of the phone divided by 24 months.

Your best bet would be to go look at the plan calculator on Verizon, select what you want, and see the cost of that plan. From there, select the phone/phones you want, and add those device payments if you’re not buying outright.

I’d also suggest looking at potential BOGO deals if you need two phones. This can offer substantial savings and there have been a lot of them on this year’s iPhones.

 

[mebehere]

When you upgrade, unless you buy the phone outright, you’ll be moved to a new plan. That plan will probably be cheaper, but then you’ll have the added cost of the phone.

You can buy the phone outright at full price, or you can do a monthly payment, which is the full price of the phone divided by 24 months.

Your best bet would be to go look at the plan calculator on Verizon, select what you want, and see the cost of that plan. From there, select the phone/phones you want, and add those device payments if you’re not buying outright.

I’d also suggest looking at potential BOGO deals if you need two phones. This can offer substantial savings and there have been a lot of them on this year’s iPhones.

I’ll look into that. Thanks again.

 

[gigapocket1]

With a quick google search of Verizon data plans... you’ll be looking at around $90 a month for 2 phones that cost around $20 a month each... and 4gb of data..
or $70 if u can find a BOGO deal...
Now yes. The bill per month is going up 10 or 20 dollars. But u don’t have to pay the $299 or $399 for the device when upgrading.. all that would be owed is tax. =cheaper