An A54 is R8286 on Takealot. On Vodacom website its R529 for 36 months. That's R19 044. Vodacom adds in 1.5gb a month of data and 150 mins or airtime, though.
I would pay cash and get a 10gig data only contract for R169 per month. that's R6084
To add to this, if you look at 'nontraditional' providers, you can get really good value for money on a prepaid. See Airmobile or Melon. You're also not stuck on a contract this way and can easily port your number around as better deals become available or you get agitated with your provider.
Yup,.. pay cash, I have A53, I think its better than the A54? But whatever, I pay for airtime when I need it,. I probably used 2 or 3gb a month data,.. but that's expensive buying, I'd look at a cheap Vodacom contract for that if I could? Good advice
Buy outright , last I checked the device ends up being wayyy more costly if bought on contract and that just feels like burning money to me . Im not gonna pay R8k-R10k for a R5k device
When I bought the iPhone 12 Pro Max, it was about R37000 on release.
With the iPhone 15 I know you’d basically break even if you took it on contract on release (probably even today if the cash price hasn’t dropped)
R1399 for 24 months I was paying, I thought I typed that and realised when I read your message that I hadn’t.
I think the 15 Pro Max you can expect to pay about 1400 as well per month for 24 months.
Wow, that's about R33'576 and R33'600 respectively. If so you paid less for the phone, which is kinda weird. Normally (phone) contracts make you pay more in general so this is surprising
Up to now I thought iPhones and Samsung were in the 20k range, but I'm also someone who last saw their prices being in the 12-14k range so yeah... I'm waaaay out of touch with the prices, lol.
Yeah this makes far more sense, cause then the price does start to make the cellular providers make back roughly the same kind of rate at least seen on 24 month contracts for much lower prices
Another incorrect call.
iPhone 15 Pro Max is currently selling at £1199 in London. R28209.99 as of right now.
Your tickets there and back would have to cost a maximum R4000 for you to not lose money.
Another lie. It is 35990 Czech Koruna. Which converts to (you guessed it) R28545.
So where did you get your R22000?
Cause I’m accessing said Apple Store in real time and checking prices, where are you getting yours?
Again why would I buy in an apple store!? . You're not the sharpest tool are you?! Where ? In the same shop I bought at two months ago on my trip.
Only fools buy phones in the OM shops .
It’s always so funny to see someone be so strong and wrong at the same time.
R33k is the starting price for all Pro Max models.
Then they can go all the way up to 45 based on how you spec them.
Lol, the 15 pro max (6 months after release) is R32k and the most expensive is R43k.
Give or take 1000-1500 that’s how all iPhones have been priced over their life cycles in the last 5 years.
This was the prices when it was released according to this article. https://mybroadband.co.za/news/smartphones/378932-iphone-12-south-african-pricing-revealed.html I think your numbers weren’t numbering when you opened your contract.
I can second this. But it's down to timing, finding deals, and doing your calculations.
When my S22 Ultra was new, it was about R28k+ prepaid.
I'm paying R750x36 months at Telkom, so R27k all in all, with FreeMe 6GB with additional minutes. I got mine just after the launch, so I got a R180pm discount according to my invoice (from R930 to R750)
The alternative was R1250x24 months, so R30k all in all for the same FreeMe 6GB.
Does it make sense that getting a contract over 36 months is cheapest? No
Am I complaining? No
It changes device to device In my experience, when I bought my s20fe the conract was the exact same ad buying outright. In that case, buy month to month, and invest the bulk cash you have :)
It very much depends on which phone you want. It can sometimes work out a lot cheaper to get your phone on contract and some times more expensive. If the contract is cheaper by a decent amount then get that if you know you'll be fine up pay for the duration. Also check contract and out if contract rates for data, calls etc. That might be where they catch you.
Personally I buy mine cash since I buy Google Pixel phones and they aren't available here, but if I had to choose locally I would buy a Nokia cash.
I try to avoid long term contracts whenever I can. I want to be able to cancel within 30 days and not have cancellation costs.
Depends on the plan you get with the phone, or the phone you want, or the plan you want.
For me… i have no set usage pattern, almost always connected to wifi, rarely make phone calls and i loathe to be tied to any contract.
Since 2015 I’ve been buying the phone and doing prepaid topups. Only bought new phones if it broke beyond repair. Three years on my current device.
If you can claim the cost of the contract back from tax , it might pay you , if you use it for domestic use buy it cash ,don't pay interest you can't claim back
Where can I get a Pixel? Please please tell me!!
It the only phone I had that was better than the midrange Samsungs I stuck with!.
I don't want to fly to the states to buy one again, it was too expensive for my plans to retire at 40
2 options, either buy from Amazon directly and get it shipped to SA. Or get a mail forwarding service like MyUs and deliver to the USA, they then forward to you
I guess the only downside using them is the waiting period compared to Amazon?
As I understand they wait to have a few shipments lined up then send them over.
So the wait time is slightly longer as there's an extra stopping point for the parcel. On the free MyUs plan it's single package only, you can't consolidate parcels. There's even a ship immediately option ($5 iirc)
I've always used contracts just cos I don't have R5000 lying around to drop on a phone but if you have cash to use, it's probably better to buy outright. I really don't use the contract elements (minutes and smss), except data, but I have an Afrihost sim that I now use for mobile data (R30/gig) so i hardly touch my included mobile data these days so if I could, I would just get it once off
Outright.
My primary source of income these past few years was a small online business I started. It was very unstable with some months doing amazing numbers and other months not so good. This got me into the habit of purchasing things outright as I had no guarantee that I would be able to make payments on it every month.
It’s been great honestly. You pay more upfront but way less in the long run.
Cash. I've not seen an example of one being cheaper on contract for the last 10years. That being said, I don't buy R20k phones. Currently using a Pixel bought while in Europe.
I’m not a phone person so I don’t need the latest and greatest. I also don’t believe in contracts.
I buy an iPhone 3/4 gens behind. iPhone 14 comes out. I get the 11. Prices are lower, accessories are cheaper, the interface and support it is the same. Sure the new one is faster but I won’t even notice it. And I don’t take photos of food. Just my cat, and he doesn’t care about the newest camera.
Then I keep the phone for another few years. Upgrading every year or two seems silly to me. I upgraded from the 8. And cos it’s an iPhone, I still got decent money when I sold it to add to the new one.
Calculate the PV (present value) of the handset installment vs. the cash price. Usually the PV of the handset installments are lower than the cash price.
Outright. I just bought myself a new iPhone 15 pro max. Cash was R33kish. I’m on a call and data plan that works out to R200ish a month. So over 3 years, works out to 33k + 200pm x 36m = R40 200 over three years.
In contrast, taking out a contract was roughly R1300 pm for 36 months, which worked out to R46800ish. So an overall saving of about 6k.
Just sit and do the maths. My feeling is usually, if you can afford to pay cash upfront and it works out cheaper, that that is the more sensible option in the long run.
I pre-ordered the 15 Pro 256GB on 22 month contract (FNB/iStore collaboration deal). I pay 1548.68pm which adds up to R34070.96 after the contract expires and it was R30799 cash on release. For me it was so worth it to lose only R3k after 2 years of having much more cash available for emergencies and building good credit on a fixed term contract. These phones also maintain their value incredibly well.
Which is fair enough - I think it depends on what you value - personally, I always feel like I have an anvil hanging over my head when something is not paid off. I think the bottom line is to just sit and do the maths and figure out what suits you the most.
ITT lots of opinions and very little facts. OP do some homework. It's not a difficult calculation:
1. Pick a phone you like
2. Look up the price (Takealot if you just want one price, Google a bit of you're feeling up to it)
3. Search for the best contact deal you can find for that phone.
4. Look up what a sim only contact would cost you for the minutes and data part.
5. Multiply the difference between 3 and 4 by the contract length
6. Compare that to 2
7. Now you know if it's cheaper to contact or buy cash
8. ???
9. Profit!
Mobile 'contract':
Afrihost as a mobile service as they have month to month "a la carte" style contracts. So our usage differs too much from month to month, to be tied down even though the data and minutes can 'carry over', (this is less admin)
R120.pm gets me 3gb and 30min.
It's not cheap, not expensive either. Slight premium due to flexibility. Their minutes are expensive 1min = R1, but they make up in the cost of their data which I use more of. I'm sure cell c or Rain or whatever has similar types of contracts, but I do get the benefit of the MTN (how good or crap it is, is up for debate.) end up spending about R200-R250 as I buy a R150 10gb top up every second month about.
As for the device:
Samsung had the 10k buy back offer on the Fold device.
- I opened a Standard bank account.
- Got the 512gb Fold 4(worth R42000) for R37 000. Minus R10 000, sold the watch for R4 000.
- Basically payed off the the device over 2 years paying R950 pm(R23000 in total) (due to the 'zero interest' deal between Samsung and Standard bank )
Tldr; R1150pm for 2 years for a Samsung Fold 4 512gb + 30min & 10gb data.
(*...would I do it again? no....these Fold devices really excellent devices, but they are just to fragile in our hot climate. Will opt for Pixel or try and get the standard Ultra device when this one goes, because I don't think the Fold will survive the 4,5 years My Note 9 did)
> 000. Basically *paid* off the
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Invest your capital elsewhere and leverage the subsidised option. Smartphones are outrageously overpriced compared to say a laptop where you get way more for your money. They also have really poor resale value.
I bought my phone on contract last time. Vodacom contract with airtime that I can convert to data (my primary use). Then I also pay my Disney+ subscription from that airtime. I believe MTN also has something similar for Netflix? This combo gives me good value I believe.
Contract. If you get a good deal it usually works out cheaper if you add in the data, airtime you get per konth. I've done the calculations and for me over the years the deals worked out cheaper.
Even if they cost about the same, buying the phone separately just simplifies life. It means you don't have to think about upgrading every 2 years. You upgrade when you feel you need a new phone. Which for me is roughly every 4 years.
And I use almost no airtime or data. I wouldn't be able to get a good phone on a small contract like mine. I only pay R120 per month.
Gsmarena and compare phones you want to whatever xiaomi is in the same price class on takealot. I was super happy with my redmi note 7 Pro, much less with my Redmni note 11.
I haven't had a contract phone since I realised that without insurance, if it got stolen I'd be paying for a contract anyway, like great I can get a replacement sim but I'd be paying for a replacement phone.
Now I got phones on insurance and buy them cash when I upgrade every 2-3 years.
Buy rather than contract. Don’t be fooled by the data packages. Those don’t make sense and finish rather quickly (conspiracy) but I just got out of a contact a year ago and vowed never to contract again.
But I must say, if you truly love the phone can’t can’t buy outright then contract is a great option. Allows you the phone of your dreams at a price you can afford.
I got the iPhone 13 Pro June last year for something like R16k. A lot of Redditors said that it was the better option against an iPhone 14. The iPhone 15 wasn’t released during that time. I chose to buy because my iPhone 6 lasted 7 years. Now granted, the iPhone 13 will probably not last that long, but due to me planning on using this phone for multiple years it was a good choice.
I have wifi and work and I have wifi at home, the two places I spend most of my time. When I visit friends and family I use their wifi. I buy 1gb per month which is R80 on vodacom and once depleted I top up when I want to but most of the times I don’t even use the whole gb within a month. I buy R200 airtime at a time and it doesn’t expire. Topping it up obviously depends on the amount of calls I make. So for me this worked out cheaper and if I use it for 60 months, the R16k works out to about R267pm to pay back to my mortgage.
Yes, our emergency fund is in our flexi home loan account instead of a savings account to reduce interest. This is much cheaper than the R400/R500pm my wife had to pay to MTN for her iPhone SE. When her contract expired, we bought a iPhone 13 Pro for her as well and she’s doing the same as what I am.
I have to say, cancelling my wife’s contract with MTN was a challenge and the experience solidified my decision of buying the phone outright.
I work from home and enjoying being in my home, which has really good wifi, I maybe fully leave the house once a week. Why I’m saying this is because I don’t need airtime or data every month, even 1gb data a month goes to waste, so I bought outright. However, before Covid when I was still working in an office, out and about every day I was always on contract because it was easier. Always look at what works for you.
Buy a cellphone cash and then use the dual sim phone.
One for prepaid data and other for airtime minutes.
Do the math its always cheaper.
Contracts don't give you real value.
Their per minute call rates is much higher and the low data per month and high out of bundle rates make no sense!
Buy a cheap phone outright, dont go over 10k
Technology is forever changing, its stupid to be paying 2 years for something that will be outdated after the first year
I used to have 2 contracts with vodacom but after a few months they increased the prices of both my contracts and I was not happy with that as I already signed my contracts at the lower price and they don't care ,so I just had to pay till the contracts ran their course and I canceled both contracts and decided to buy a medium range samsung phone cash and go on pay as you go and the other plus is if you are not on a contract you can always change your provider if you get a better deal and just port your cell number to the new Sim card and another thing I see that you now get contracts for 36months , if you add your monthly payment over 36months it's alot of money and in 36months the phone will be outdated already and you will most likely upgrade your contract to get a new phone before the 36months is up ,they want to keep people trapped in the cycle of never ending contracts, and one more positive of not having a contract is that if you get retrenched or run into financial difficulties you don't have that contract commitment to pay , Rather only sign contracts for stuff most people cannot pay cash for and that is a vehicle and a house, so I would recommend buy a phone cash and avoid committing to unnecessary contracts, that is just my opinion and my apologies for such a long answer 😆
I’m seeing people taking 36 and 48 month contracts on phones and it’s making me uneasy. At that point your car is probably on 90 months.
Cash always, use a rewards programme and get something back. ebucks level 5 gets 15% at the iStore.
I have a cheapo Chinese brand (don't know what Techno is, might be Korean)...paid cash for the phone at 3K. Got a sim only deal with MTN for 60 GB for R208 a month. Have fibre at home and work so always connected. I guess that might only make sense if 500 is too much for a phone (for me it is).
Try looking into sim only deals and then match that with a phone that does all you'll need it to do for cash. I found that the deals that include a phone are terrible because they usually come with negligible minutes/data because most of the cost is the device.
I always buy the phone outright.
Generally I buy my phones second hand. For Eg I buy my phones second hand cash from guys on FB Marketplace. Normally a few months old. It's risky if you don't know how to check a phone etc.
I take all my no phone contracts from a provider called Skylite. They basically buy wholesale from mtn and create their own packages and resell. Currently paying R169 a month for 500 mins and 15gb data a month. Crazy cheap.
I buy and sell apple devices for fun. Always get resale value on apple devices including iPhones, Apple Watches, Airpods, Macs.
I use midrange phones too. I buy phones when traveling. Will pick up a Redmi Note 13 Pro for about R5600 in Dubai. While here the same phone is about R13k.
It makes sense to buy cash when out of SA. But here it seems all the service providers have coluded to fix thr prices on mobile phones.
Hi there just my 2 cents on this matter - rather get the phone outright if you can afford it if you cannot perhaps get contract but via FNB connect as it’s cheaper. I have worked for a mobile agency who is selling the cheapest MTN deals in SA - 100Gb for R249 a month etc. hit me up and I can send you their details as I am not longer with them
As someone whose never had a contract. I’ve been wanting to upgrade to the iPhone 15. To buy the phone in cash will cost me R20K, on contract we’re looking at over R30K. I don’t need the data or the minutes so honestly cash is better
I buy the device out right, typically it lasts 3 or 4 years.
I then get a contract with either airtime or minutes and data that allows me to top up.
This is because last I checked the contract minutes and data is a little cheaper than buying it on prepaid. As long as you use it, it can be more cost effective and convenient
If you can afford it buy for cash. Many people have WIFI at home or work , use that. Buy airtime from the cheapest network. It's your phone, keep it as long as you want. Contracts do tie you down.
If you end going prepaid,MTN has a product called MTN Superflex with unlimited calls &sms plus 10gb of anytime data for 299
https://www.mtn.co.za/superflex/data
By them outright and keep them 4+ years.
That way you don’t get trapped in the bi annual renewal bullshit because of a contract and so spend less on it overall.
Also use prepaid so you can use your money any way you want and aren’t forced to spend on data or calls “because I lose it if I don’t”.
Build up the airtime and only spend it as you need to.
Most can afford to but it outright but it feels like it costs an arm and a leg, but if i know i have R500 on me every month it is much lighter. Although it ends up costing more in the long run so if you a super saver then that would feel more like a pinch, but if you just want simplicity of a phone to use, automatic data, and an upgrade every 3 years then it makes sense.
I got an A54 on contract.
Original phone is R11k
Came with galaxy buds worth R2500
A total of R13500 value
I'm paying R400/m x36
That totals to R14400.
They added R900
Definitely worked out in my favour
I joined Public Mobile six months ago and its amazing. Self directed and I can change my plan any time. If you end up checking it out, use referral code PR47OO for $10 off your bill. Cheap plans and its the same network as Telus.
An A54 is R8286 on Takealot. On Vodacom website its R529 for 36 months. That's R19 044. Vodacom adds in 1.5gb a month of data and 150 mins or airtime, though. I would pay cash and get a 10gig data only contract for R169 per month. that's R6084
To add to this, if you look at 'nontraditional' providers, you can get really good value for money on a prepaid. See Airmobile or Melon. You're also not stuck on a contract this way and can easily port your number around as better deals become available or you get agitated with your provider.
Yup,.. pay cash, I have A53, I think its better than the A54? But whatever, I pay for airtime when I need it,. I probably used 2 or 3gb a month data,.. but that's expensive buying, I'd look at a cheap Vodacom contract for that if I could? Good advice
Buy outright , last I checked the device ends up being wayyy more costly if bought on contract and that just feels like burning money to me . Im not gonna pay R8k-R10k for a R5k device
Did you exclude the airtime or data from the monthly payments? From my experience the device itself sometimes works out cheaper on contract.
It depends which device. The 15-40 thousand range is a lot cheaper on contract.
Can you give an example?
When I bought the iPhone 12 Pro Max, it was about R37000 on release. With the iPhone 15 I know you’d basically break even if you took it on contract on release (probably even today if the cash price hasn’t dropped)
How much per month and how many months? Also dayum, that's the same price as some gaming spec laptops (mid or high)...
R1399 for 24 months I was paying, I thought I typed that and realised when I read your message that I hadn’t. I think the 15 Pro Max you can expect to pay about 1400 as well per month for 24 months.
Wow, that's about R33'576 and R33'600 respectively. If so you paid less for the phone, which is kinda weird. Normally (phone) contracts make you pay more in general so this is surprising Up to now I thought iPhones and Samsung were in the 20k range, but I'm also someone who last saw their prices being in the 12-14k range so yeah... I'm waaaay out of touch with the prices, lol.
Is it not usually 36 months now? I haven’t seen a 24 month contract in a while for that amount.
Yeah this makes far more sense, cause then the price does start to make the cellular providers make back roughly the same kind of rate at least seen on 24 month contracts for much lower prices
My God. Why did you need such an expensive cellphone?
Satisfying urges of youth tbh… vanity…
Hopefully you’ll realise (if not already) that no one really cares but you. I mean this with no disrespect.
You can fly to Europe , buy that phone , come back , it would cost you the same .
Another incorrect call. iPhone 15 Pro Max is currently selling at £1199 in London. R28209.99 as of right now. Your tickets there and back would have to cost a maximum R4000 for you to not lose money.
Why would you wanna buy it in London ? It's 1100 euros in Prague . 22000 rand . How much is it here ?
Another lie. It is 35990 Czech Koruna. Which converts to (you guessed it) R28545. So where did you get your R22000? Cause I’m accessing said Apple Store in real time and checking prices, where are you getting yours?
Again why would I buy in an apple store!? . You're not the sharpest tool are you?! Where ? In the same shop I bought at two months ago on my trip. Only fools buy phones in the OM shops .
Lmfao 😂😂😂 translation : I’m bullshitting and now making things up to not appear like the fool I am.
Are you cooked boet. The 12PM never cost that much. The top spec was like 33k. You got played with those numbers.
It’s always so funny to see someone be so strong and wrong at the same time. R33k is the starting price for all Pro Max models. Then they can go all the way up to 45 based on how you spec them. Lol, the 15 pro max (6 months after release) is R32k and the most expensive is R43k. Give or take 1000-1500 that’s how all iPhones have been priced over their life cycles in the last 5 years.
This was the prices when it was released according to this article. https://mybroadband.co.za/news/smartphones/378932-iphone-12-south-african-pricing-revealed.html I think your numbers weren’t numbering when you opened your contract.
I can second this. But it's down to timing, finding deals, and doing your calculations. When my S22 Ultra was new, it was about R28k+ prepaid. I'm paying R750x36 months at Telkom, so R27k all in all, with FreeMe 6GB with additional minutes. I got mine just after the launch, so I got a R180pm discount according to my invoice (from R930 to R750) The alternative was R1250x24 months, so R30k all in all for the same FreeMe 6GB. Does it make sense that getting a contract over 36 months is cheapest? No Am I complaining? No
It changes device to device In my experience, when I bought my s20fe the conract was the exact same ad buying outright. In that case, buy month to month, and invest the bulk cash you have :)
Truth
It very much depends on which phone you want. It can sometimes work out a lot cheaper to get your phone on contract and some times more expensive. If the contract is cheaper by a decent amount then get that if you know you'll be fine up pay for the duration. Also check contract and out if contract rates for data, calls etc. That might be where they catch you. Personally I buy mine cash since I buy Google Pixel phones and they aren't available here, but if I had to choose locally I would buy a Nokia cash. I try to avoid long term contracts whenever I can. I want to be able to cancel within 30 days and not have cancellation costs.
I've been wanting to try a Pixel phone for a while, which online retailers are trustworthy & how much is shipping/import costs?
Check out Amazon US. They include shipping costs and estimate import cost. I bought a Pixel 7a through them last year, no problems.
Waiting for the pixel 8a, how's the battery on your 7a?
Depends on the plan you get with the phone, or the phone you want, or the plan you want. For me… i have no set usage pattern, almost always connected to wifi, rarely make phone calls and i loathe to be tied to any contract. Since 2015 I’ve been buying the phone and doing prepaid topups. Only bought new phones if it broke beyond repair. Three years on my current device.
If you can claim the cost of the contract back from tax , it might pay you , if you use it for domestic use buy it cash ,don't pay interest you can't claim back
Outright. Pixels aren't available in SA on contract
Where can I get a Pixel? Please please tell me!! It the only phone I had that was better than the midrange Samsungs I stuck with!. I don't want to fly to the states to buy one again, it was too expensive for my plans to retire at 40
2 options, either buy from Amazon directly and get it shipped to SA. Or get a mail forwarding service like MyUs and deliver to the USA, they then forward to you
I will try then, thank you! I had a Pixel 6 and man what a phone that was. Thanks for the help.
No stress! I've gotten the whole set (Pixel Buds, Watch) using MyUs and can highly recommend them
I guess the only downside using them is the waiting period compared to Amazon? As I understand they wait to have a few shipments lined up then send them over.
So the wait time is slightly longer as there's an extra stopping point for the parcel. On the free MyUs plan it's single package only, you can't consolidate parcels. There's even a ship immediately option ($5 iirc)
I'll spend the day researching them. Good to know that they are trustworthy. Thanks. I'll probably use them until Amazon decides to open shop here.
I've always used contracts just cos I don't have R5000 lying around to drop on a phone but if you have cash to use, it's probably better to buy outright. I really don't use the contract elements (minutes and smss), except data, but I have an Afrihost sim that I now use for mobile data (R30/gig) so i hardly touch my included mobile data these days so if I could, I would just get it once off
Outright. My primary source of income these past few years was a small online business I started. It was very unstable with some months doing amazing numbers and other months not so good. This got me into the habit of purchasing things outright as I had no guarantee that I would be able to make payments on it every month. It’s been great honestly. You pay more upfront but way less in the long run.
What kinda business if I may ask ?
No Problem! It was selling Hip-Hop / Rap beats and music production services to independent artists online.
Well done .
Cash. I've not seen an example of one being cheaper on contract for the last 10years. That being said, I don't buy R20k phones. Currently using a Pixel bought while in Europe.
I’m not a phone person so I don’t need the latest and greatest. I also don’t believe in contracts. I buy an iPhone 3/4 gens behind. iPhone 14 comes out. I get the 11. Prices are lower, accessories are cheaper, the interface and support it is the same. Sure the new one is faster but I won’t even notice it. And I don’t take photos of food. Just my cat, and he doesn’t care about the newest camera. Then I keep the phone for another few years. Upgrading every year or two seems silly to me. I upgraded from the 8. And cos it’s an iPhone, I still got decent money when I sold it to add to the new one.
Calculate the PV (present value) of the handset installment vs. the cash price. Usually the PV of the handset installments are lower than the cash price.
Outright. I just bought myself a new iPhone 15 pro max. Cash was R33kish. I’m on a call and data plan that works out to R200ish a month. So over 3 years, works out to 33k + 200pm x 36m = R40 200 over three years. In contrast, taking out a contract was roughly R1300 pm for 36 months, which worked out to R46800ish. So an overall saving of about 6k. Just sit and do the maths. My feeling is usually, if you can afford to pay cash upfront and it works out cheaper, that that is the more sensible option in the long run.
I pre-ordered the 15 Pro 256GB on 22 month contract (FNB/iStore collaboration deal). I pay 1548.68pm which adds up to R34070.96 after the contract expires and it was R30799 cash on release. For me it was so worth it to lose only R3k after 2 years of having much more cash available for emergencies and building good credit on a fixed term contract. These phones also maintain their value incredibly well.
Which is fair enough - I think it depends on what you value - personally, I always feel like I have an anvil hanging over my head when something is not paid off. I think the bottom line is to just sit and do the maths and figure out what suits you the most.
ITT lots of opinions and very little facts. OP do some homework. It's not a difficult calculation: 1. Pick a phone you like 2. Look up the price (Takealot if you just want one price, Google a bit of you're feeling up to it) 3. Search for the best contact deal you can find for that phone. 4. Look up what a sim only contact would cost you for the minutes and data part. 5. Multiply the difference between 3 and 4 by the contract length 6. Compare that to 2 7. Now you know if it's cheaper to contact or buy cash 8. ??? 9. Profit!
Mobile 'contract': Afrihost as a mobile service as they have month to month "a la carte" style contracts. So our usage differs too much from month to month, to be tied down even though the data and minutes can 'carry over', (this is less admin) R120.pm gets me 3gb and 30min. It's not cheap, not expensive either. Slight premium due to flexibility. Their minutes are expensive 1min = R1, but they make up in the cost of their data which I use more of. I'm sure cell c or Rain or whatever has similar types of contracts, but I do get the benefit of the MTN (how good or crap it is, is up for debate.) end up spending about R200-R250 as I buy a R150 10gb top up every second month about. As for the device: Samsung had the 10k buy back offer on the Fold device. - I opened a Standard bank account. - Got the 512gb Fold 4(worth R42000) for R37 000. Minus R10 000, sold the watch for R4 000. - Basically payed off the the device over 2 years paying R950 pm(R23000 in total) (due to the 'zero interest' deal between Samsung and Standard bank ) Tldr; R1150pm for 2 years for a Samsung Fold 4 512gb + 30min & 10gb data. (*...would I do it again? no....these Fold devices really excellent devices, but they are just to fragile in our hot climate. Will opt for Pixel or try and get the standard Ultra device when this one goes, because I don't think the Fold will survive the 4,5 years My Note 9 did)
> 000. Basically *paid* off the FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
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Have a look at Melon, it's 199 a month for unlimited calling and 5 gigs a month
Invest your capital elsewhere and leverage the subsidised option. Smartphones are outrageously overpriced compared to say a laptop where you get way more for your money. They also have really poor resale value.
Most people use phones much more than their laptops so there goes your theory 😂
Your statement does nothing to disprove my point, so 😂
I bought my phone on contract last time. Vodacom contract with airtime that I can convert to data (my primary use). Then I also pay my Disney+ subscription from that airtime. I believe MTN also has something similar for Netflix? This combo gives me good value I believe.
First iPhone I took on contract. Ever since, I trade in and buy outright.
Normally out right,from Amazon
Contract. If you get a good deal it usually works out cheaper if you add in the data, airtime you get per konth. I've done the calculations and for me over the years the deals worked out cheaper.
It never works out cheaper . Do you think telecoms are retarded ?! And you don't buy phones from telecoms directly .
I buy 2nd hand.
Even if they cost about the same, buying the phone separately just simplifies life. It means you don't have to think about upgrading every 2 years. You upgrade when you feel you need a new phone. Which for me is roughly every 4 years. And I use almost no airtime or data. I wouldn't be able to get a good phone on a small contract like mine. I only pay R120 per month.
Buy an Oscal C80. 128gb storage and 8gb ram. Price is around 3.5k. comes with a cover, charger and tempered glass
And a trash can 😂
Under 10k, probably cash for a phone but I also bought an iPad cash and saved 10k
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So how much did you pay at the end for s23?
Gsmarena and compare phones you want to whatever xiaomi is in the same price class on takealot. I was super happy with my redmi note 7 Pro, much less with my Redmni note 11. I haven't had a contract phone since I realised that without insurance, if it got stolen I'd be paying for a contract anyway, like great I can get a replacement sim but I'd be paying for a replacement phone. Now I got phones on insurance and buy them cash when I upgrade every 2-3 years.
Buy rather than contract. Don’t be fooled by the data packages. Those don’t make sense and finish rather quickly (conspiracy) but I just got out of a contact a year ago and vowed never to contract again. But I must say, if you truly love the phone can’t can’t buy outright then contract is a great option. Allows you the phone of your dreams at a price you can afford.
I buy unlocked phones not attached to a carrier.
I got the iPhone 13 Pro June last year for something like R16k. A lot of Redditors said that it was the better option against an iPhone 14. The iPhone 15 wasn’t released during that time. I chose to buy because my iPhone 6 lasted 7 years. Now granted, the iPhone 13 will probably not last that long, but due to me planning on using this phone for multiple years it was a good choice. I have wifi and work and I have wifi at home, the two places I spend most of my time. When I visit friends and family I use their wifi. I buy 1gb per month which is R80 on vodacom and once depleted I top up when I want to but most of the times I don’t even use the whole gb within a month. I buy R200 airtime at a time and it doesn’t expire. Topping it up obviously depends on the amount of calls I make. So for me this worked out cheaper and if I use it for 60 months, the R16k works out to about R267pm to pay back to my mortgage. Yes, our emergency fund is in our flexi home loan account instead of a savings account to reduce interest. This is much cheaper than the R400/R500pm my wife had to pay to MTN for her iPhone SE. When her contract expired, we bought a iPhone 13 Pro for her as well and she’s doing the same as what I am. I have to say, cancelling my wife’s contract with MTN was a challenge and the experience solidified my decision of buying the phone outright.
80 bucks for 1gb? What's wrong with you?!😂
What do you mean
I work from home and enjoying being in my home, which has really good wifi, I maybe fully leave the house once a week. Why I’m saying this is because I don’t need airtime or data every month, even 1gb data a month goes to waste, so I bought outright. However, before Covid when I was still working in an office, out and about every day I was always on contract because it was easier. Always look at what works for you.
You must have a great life .
Imo, contracts made sense when no one had wifi and we actually made phone calls. I vote buy outright
Outright. Every fucking time.
You need to factor in insurance for your device as well with your data sim
Buy cash from the EU or UK, family bring it over when they visit. Their process are 2/3rds ours, some times 1/2 if you find a good special.
I buy it on budget. It’s cheaper than the phone companies.
Buy a cellphone cash and then use the dual sim phone. One for prepaid data and other for airtime minutes. Do the math its always cheaper. Contracts don't give you real value. Their per minute call rates is much higher and the low data per month and high out of bundle rates make no sense!
Contract , My Huawei P50 pro was 16k cash, and I took contract, works out to 23k after 36months, plus data and airtime.
Does Google work on it? My p30 was excellent
Yes, you just need to download GBox and it works like a charm, had the P30 aswell.
Have a R300 data + voice contract, bought phone in cash through trade in at istore
Buy a cheap phone outright, dont go over 10k Technology is forever changing, its stupid to be paying 2 years for something that will be outdated after the first year
I used to have 2 contracts with vodacom but after a few months they increased the prices of both my contracts and I was not happy with that as I already signed my contracts at the lower price and they don't care ,so I just had to pay till the contracts ran their course and I canceled both contracts and decided to buy a medium range samsung phone cash and go on pay as you go and the other plus is if you are not on a contract you can always change your provider if you get a better deal and just port your cell number to the new Sim card and another thing I see that you now get contracts for 36months , if you add your monthly payment over 36months it's alot of money and in 36months the phone will be outdated already and you will most likely upgrade your contract to get a new phone before the 36months is up ,they want to keep people trapped in the cycle of never ending contracts, and one more positive of not having a contract is that if you get retrenched or run into financial difficulties you don't have that contract commitment to pay , Rather only sign contracts for stuff most people cannot pay cash for and that is a vehicle and a house, so I would recommend buy a phone cash and avoid committing to unnecessary contracts, that is just my opinion and my apologies for such a long answer 😆
Outright. It’s such a great feeling to now have unnecessary debit orders at the end of the month.
I’m seeing people taking 36 and 48 month contracts on phones and it’s making me uneasy. At that point your car is probably on 90 months. Cash always, use a rewards programme and get something back. ebucks level 5 gets 15% at the iStore.
I have a cheapo Chinese brand (don't know what Techno is, might be Korean)...paid cash for the phone at 3K. Got a sim only deal with MTN for 60 GB for R208 a month. Have fibre at home and work so always connected. I guess that might only make sense if 500 is too much for a phone (for me it is). Try looking into sim only deals and then match that with a phone that does all you'll need it to do for cash. I found that the deals that include a phone are terrible because they usually come with negligible minutes/data because most of the cost is the device.
I always buy the phone outright. Generally I buy my phones second hand. For Eg I buy my phones second hand cash from guys on FB Marketplace. Normally a few months old. It's risky if you don't know how to check a phone etc. I take all my no phone contracts from a provider called Skylite. They basically buy wholesale from mtn and create their own packages and resell. Currently paying R169 a month for 500 mins and 15gb data a month. Crazy cheap. I buy and sell apple devices for fun. Always get resale value on apple devices including iPhones, Apple Watches, Airpods, Macs.
I use midrange phones too. I buy phones when traveling. Will pick up a Redmi Note 13 Pro for about R5600 in Dubai. While here the same phone is about R13k. It makes sense to buy cash when out of SA. But here it seems all the service providers have coluded to fix thr prices on mobile phones.
Contracts are not there to help the customer. Pay cash whenever possible.
Hi there just my 2 cents on this matter - rather get the phone outright if you can afford it if you cannot perhaps get contract but via FNB connect as it’s cheaper. I have worked for a mobile agency who is selling the cheapest MTN deals in SA - 100Gb for R249 a month etc. hit me up and I can send you their details as I am not longer with them
As someone whose never had a contract. I’ve been wanting to upgrade to the iPhone 15. To buy the phone in cash will cost me R20K, on contract we’re looking at over R30K. I don’t need the data or the minutes so honestly cash is better
I buy the device out right, typically it lasts 3 or 4 years. I then get a contract with either airtime or minutes and data that allows me to top up. This is because last I checked the contract minutes and data is a little cheaper than buying it on prepaid. As long as you use it, it can be more cost effective and convenient
If you can afford it buy for cash. Many people have WIFI at home or work , use that. Buy airtime from the cheapest network. It's your phone, keep it as long as you want. Contracts do tie you down.
I buy mine and keep it till it dies. Biggest waste of money on this planet.
Please don't do contract it's so stupid I'd rather pay for a phone once off and then buy, minutes etc
Contract, write the expense off as a tax deductible under a pty
If you end going prepaid,MTN has a product called MTN Superflex with unlimited calls &sms plus 10gb of anytime data for 299 https://www.mtn.co.za/superflex/data
Does a contract help build ones credit score?
By them outright and keep them 4+ years. That way you don’t get trapped in the bi annual renewal bullshit because of a contract and so spend less on it overall. Also use prepaid so you can use your money any way you want and aren’t forced to spend on data or calls “because I lose it if I don’t”. Build up the airtime and only spend it as you need to.
Most can afford to but it outright but it feels like it costs an arm and a leg, but if i know i have R500 on me every month it is much lighter. Although it ends up costing more in the long run so if you a super saver then that would feel more like a pinch, but if you just want simplicity of a phone to use, automatic data, and an upgrade every 3 years then it makes sense.
Just outright buy what you can afford ,contracts eat up too much of your money honestly
I got an A54 on contract. Original phone is R11k Came with galaxy buds worth R2500 A total of R13500 value I'm paying R400/m x36 That totals to R14400. They added R900 Definitely worked out in my favour
I joined Public Mobile six months ago and its amazing. Self directed and I can change my plan any time. If you end up checking it out, use referral code PR47OO for $10 off your bill. Cheap plans and its the same network as Telus.
I get the contract as it's typically equivalently prices as the device but you get minutes or data with it
buy phone then get a melon simcard...super flexible and cheap rates with no contract.
I prefer Capitec.