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Why Are Eir Phones So Expensive?

  • 17-05-2018 01:22PM
    #1
    DaveyDave
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 6,576 ✭✭✭


    In the market for a new phone and as usual there's not much of a selection. Looking at the Huawei P20 and it's €700 with Eir compared to €550 on Vodafone and €560 on 3.

    Huge price difference, you'd be mad to actually spend that considering it's factory unlocked on Amazon for €530.

    I had a look at other phones and it's both old and new. Whether it's a Galaxy or the iPhone 8, they're all €100-150 more expensive on Eir.

    Are these factory unlocked? Because these prices are far too high.

    I could move to 3's €30 Sim only plan with unlimited data, texts and minutes and the extra €5 a month would still be less over a 2 year period than if I bought the phone with Eir.


Comments

  • #2
    Doodah7
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,899 ✭✭✭Doodah7


    Have you also compared the monthly cost of your 24 month contract? Add the cost of your phone to 24 months of a bill and come back and say who is the cheapest, comparing like with like, say 15GB data per month. Without looking, I bet it will be eir!!


  • #3
    DaveyDave
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 6,576 ✭✭✭DaveyDave


    Doodah7 wrote: »
    Have you also compared the monthly cost of your 24 month contract? Add the cost of your phone to 24 months of a bill and come back and say who is the cheapest, comparing like with like, say 15GB data per month. Without looking, I bet it will be eir!!

    I'm talking about prepay phones and I'm on a Sim only plan. I'll never go back to a 24 month contract on Eir. I signed up to a 4G plan and they got rid of 4G in the area. When it came back, I had zero signal despite living across the road from a cell tower. Called them up and was told my house is a "black spot" despite their coverage map showing 4G in my area.

    Getting back on topic. The cheapest plan on 3 is €30, which has unlimited data, calls and texts. Eir's €30 plan only has 15GB of data. Like for like, 3 are better value.

    Since you mentioned a contract, on a €30 contract on both networks the phone is €309 on 3 vs €399 on Eir. 3 has unlimited data, 50 minutes and Eir has 1GB of data, 100 minutes.

    Eir aren't cheaper. Their plans aren't as good and their phones are a lot more expensive.

    Not to worry as I ordered the phone on Amazon and saved myself €160 :)


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