iPhone 12 Upgrading from an iPhone 7 Plus 32GB to an iPhone 12. I Need Help on Plans.

[gregpod9]

This week, I'm going to upgrade my iPhone 7 Plus to an 64GB or 128GB iPhone 12. Currently I use Verizon Wireless as my phone carrier. I've been currently paying about $87 to $89 a month on my phone Starter Unlimited plan from Verizon. Verizon recently added 5G to my plan. When I went to the Verizon store around noon today, they told me that I can get up to a $699 credit towards the iPhone 12 and I needed to upgrade my plan to one of the higher tier plans when I trade in my iPhone 7 Plus, however the $699 credit will be divided up into 24 monthly credits of $29.13. I also went to the Apple Store afterwards and they said I have to contact Verizon to upgrade my plan before they could offer me their deal with Verizon or else I have to use their standard trade in deal. With this $699 credit deal, I'll end paying an additional $56 per month that includes the upgraded plan and $29.13 credit thats broken up from the $699.

I checked what my iPhone 7 Plus trade in value is from Verizon, Best Buy, and Apple. Here are the values:
Verizon: $64
Best Buy: $150
Apple: Up to $130

With these high credit trade in deals are they a ripoff for customers that they pay more to the carrier than doing the standard trade in deal with other retail stores like Best Buy? I'm still undecided what route I take: the standard trade in credit from Best Buy or Apple or go with the $699 credit option, even though I'm going to pay more on my montly bill.

Is it better to get the AppleCare or get the carrier's monthly insurance plan?

Please I need your advice.

 

[chscag]

With these high credit trade in deals are they a ripoff for customers that they pay more to the carrier than doing the standard trade in deal with other retail stores like Best Buy? I'm still undecided what route I take: the standard trade in credit from Best Buy or Apple or go with the $699 credit option, even though I'm going to pay more on my montly bill.

Have you given thought to buying an iPhone 12 Sim free model from Apple? You can trade in your 7+ at the same time. You can still stick with Verizon if you choose that or you can switch to another carrier that may be less expensive.

Is it better to get the AppleCare or get the carrier's monthly insurance plan?

I use my Wells Fargo Visa Platinum card to pay my monthly carrier bill. That gives me free insurance from WF up to $700 for repairs, damage, and loss. There is a $20 deductible.

Perhaps your credit card offers the same? Otherwise, Apple Care direct from Apple is a better choice in my opinion.

 

[now i see it]

Keep the 7 Plus
Don't buy another iPhone until the one you've got won't run the current version of iOS.

 

[mhdena]

Pay cash to Apple and stop being lured into those monthly plans.

Find a cheaper service like T-Mobile if it works in your area.

 

[MisterMillz]

I second paying for a SIM-free phone over monthly installments. If cost is a concern, maybe look at new/refurb models of the 11s.

iPhone 12 carrier deals can be pretty solid, but not if you’re changing your plan and paying more than you already are. They’re basically recouping the losses.

$1344 over the next 2 years is not much of a deal when you consider the 12 is $829-979.