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The U.K. iPhone 4 Thread
- Thread starter CD3660
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limesmoothie
macrumors 6502a
I was just doing the maths and reached pretty much the same conclusion. Over 18 months, the cost of PAYG & Sim only vs. Contract works out virtually even for me.
However, the issue comes with the annual roll out of iPhone, with the 3GS O2 didn't offer an upgrade path for 3G users, so since then I've preferred to go down the sim only route. It all comes down to whether the customer can afford the high initial outlay for the PAYG handset (easier once you have a iPhone to sell!).
redgaz26
macrumors 68020
wrkactjob
macrumors 65816
hmmmm I never trust these figures, funny how often I seem to find myself in that massive 2% zone where there is no 3G.
Yes, I know exactly what you mean. This is the second time in just a few weeks that we have been subjected to this nonsense. Hopefully, they might tell us something today.
Yes! Out of all the networks I've been on 3 have been the best...get 3G coverage almost everywhere I go. Oh and I'm on an 18 month contract with them 😛
I just hope they get it on the 24th as I want that phone asap - I'm starting to wonder though if every iPhone is just going to be sold unlocked on PAYG? What's the point in SIM locking it if every carrier got it?
pik.
macrumors 6502
I can't see this happening if only because it would encourage a huge black market in unlocked iPhones based in the U.K.
People would be exporting them through eBay etc. and many visitors to the country would be buying them to take abroad.
redgaz26
macrumors 68020
Although this time I don't think apples to blame, all these carriers are trying to be clever and find out what everyone else is doing, bit of the old cat and mouse. I think we will see far better tariffs than on the 3GS.
Remember the first iPhone £269 for the phone £35 a month for 200m and 200 texts and I stood in line for 4 hours on a freezing November 😱
gazzrenn
macrumors 6502a
The only differentiator then would be the amount of free minutes between Simplicity and a 35/month contract.
I remember your posts from those days, and I remember the event too.
Seems like a lifetime ago even though it was less than three years ago!
Totally agree. I think Apple's and the networks argument could be that if all the major players are offering the product why would there be the need to unlock etc (even tho many switch sims etc).
I know that the likes of o2 say they "subsidise" the phone but is this really the case?
redgaz26
macrumors 68020
Hope you remember them in a good way 😀
I remember yours too.
I'm may not be as series as some of you but I love my iPhones
NightFox
macrumors 68040
Yes, my Simplicity 20 gives me 600 minutes and 1200 texts which I think is what I used to get on my £35/m contract. However, I see that you now only get 300 minutes on the £35 contract; the £40 contract gives you the 600 mins, but also reduces the cost of the phone. Where's my calculator?
Not in my case.
PAYG/simplicity route
Original cost of phone: £405 (32GB 3GS Brand new and sealed from ebay)
Contract length and cost: 12 months at £25 (£300)
Quidco Cashback: -£200
Buyout cost for early upgrade: £0
Ebay/Recycle old iPhone trade-in price: £599
Total money paid over 12 months = £0
Profit = £94
I don't think they do, unless Apple charges them some sort of levy.
The actual cost of manufacturing an iPhone is surprisingly low. About £125 I believe:
http://blogs.barrons.com/techtrader...e-3gs-materials-cost-similar-to-last-version/
limesmoothie
macrumors 6502a
Errrrrm - like iPads, you mean 😉
I'm guessing that the willingness of Apple to offer iPads without a network lock means that they may be willing to do the same for iPhones in the UK?
There's only VM and Tesco that haven't confirmed they'll be offering iPhone 4
Here's hoping.....
If a device is unlocked world-wide (like the iPad) then obviously there isn't a problem.
The difficulty with the iPhone is that it is carrier-locked in some countries but not in others. That's where the black market problem can arise.
Personally, I'm in favour of all devices being unlocked and the consumer having an entirely free choice.
Sorry to reiterate but I'm afraid my question may have been lost in the sea of conversations in this thread 🙁.
Do apple do network upgrades in store or will I have to go to an O2 store?
(that's question 1)
and question 2, will apple do brand new contracts in store (I don't mind getting a new number and I figure I may actually want to change contract to whoever is cheapest)
Do apple do network upgrades in store or will I have to go to an O2 store?
(that's question 1)
and question 2, will apple do brand new contracts in store (I don't mind getting a new number and I figure I may actually want to change contract to whoever is cheapest)
limesmoothie
macrumors 6502a
Well, quite.
It would just be a ridiculous situation where most, if not all of the networks were offering the iPhone and Apple were carrying stock of 6 or 7 different carrier locked phones, of both 3GS and 4 (16gb & 32gb) models.
I think you didn't get an answer because no ones knows yet for sure until they announce more details.