Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

iPhone 5S - buy my own or go on contract ?

  • 16-12-2013 9:34am
    #1
    Cerbera
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 371 ✭✭


    I'm looking at the cost of an iPhone 5S and if I buy my own off Apple the cost over 24 months on a Vodafone SIM-only package is exactly the same as if I go on a 24-month contract with them.

    I'm thinking to buy my own phone seeing as the cost will be the same.

    Also if I want to change it at any stage I already have a factory-unlocked phone which would be easy to sell on.

    Am I over-simplyfying it here, is there something I'm missing?

    What's your opinions folks?


Comments

  • #2
    conor_ie
    Hosted Moderators Posts: 1,809 ✭✭✭conor_ie


    Buy from Apple!!


  • #3
    Creamy Goodness
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,584 ✭✭✭✭Creamy Goodness


    the 'buy a factory unlocked vs. a contract iphone' debate is done to death.

    it usually comes down to the simple fact of whether you have the cash up front to pay apple or you need to spread the cost over 12/18/24 months. The actual cost savings/difference can be as little as €20 in the grand scheme of things.

    iPhone plans do seem to be over priced though in comparison to 30day sim only plans, but sure the price of the phone is built into the contracts.


  • #4
    Cerbera
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 371 ✭✭Cerbera


    I've looked and it's exactly the same for me over 24 months

    I don't need to spread it over 24 months so I reckon I will go the Apple route


  • #5
    Dades
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,558 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    Either way you might want to factor in insurance, too.


  • #6
    The_Pretender
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 594 ✭✭✭The_Pretender


    If it's the exact same then definitely just buy it straight out. You'll be free to do what you want, and won't be tied down to a contract.


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    Cerbera
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 371 ✭✭Cerbera


    Yeah I know about insurance but that's an extra either way


  • #8
    Zcott
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,206 ✭✭✭Zcott


    Buying from Apple gives you an Apple receipt and an unlocked phone, which is worth more for resale.


  • #9
    Creamy Goodness
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,584 ✭✭✭✭Creamy Goodness


    Best approach.

    Buy from apple on a tick year.
    Get upgrade on a tock year.

    Pros free upgrade on tock years. Unlocked phone to sell for tick years.


  • #10
    SteelyDanJalapeno
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,357 ✭✭✭✭SteelyDanJalapeno


    Creamy Goodness wrote: »
    Best approach.

    Buy from apple on a tick year.
    Get upgrade on a tock year.

    Pros free upgrade on tock years. Unlocked phone to sell for tick years.

    What is a "tick year"?
    What is a "tock year"?


  • #11
    Creamy Goodness
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,584 ✭✭✭✭Creamy Goodness


    tick year = iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 4, iPhone 5
    tock year = iPhone 3G S, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5S

    apple's release pattern for iPhones is like the tick tock of a clock.


  • Advertisement
Advertisement