I'm finishing my work soon, and my work phone goes with it so years of having a free mobile are gone. I haven't bought a mobile phone ever and have started looking around and what to know if I'm better off getting a phone as part of a mobile plan or just buying one outright and getting the plan seperate.
If I buy a phone has anyone bought one of the unbranded $200 Android phones direct from China on ebay ? They seem high spec, but I imagine you just get plain android as it is.
Mobile Phone - Outright or Plan ?
nevbuster on 17/03/2014 - 16:08
Comments
I agree with buying a phone and then buying service. I'd also agree with the Nexus 5 as the best bet (personally I'd go with the $50 extra for 32GB). If the op wants cheaper, then the MotoG is a good bet ($2xx, but no 4G, etc).
I'd also say that Virgin is worth a look. A number of options depending on usage level, with no lock in, and the added advantage of 4G from Optus across most metro areas.
Not only is it generally cheaper, you can also switch out the SIM for a telstra one (and pay the premium) if you are going out into the country.
Always cheaper to buy outright.
I bought a S3 from Kogan. I've been using prepaid unlimited plans. I save $600 a year! Prepaid gives you the flexibility to change carriers
If you do decide on getting it on a plan, try go for ones with 12 month contracts as 24month contract for phones these days could be a mess to get into.
You may get bored of your phone, it doesn't suit you, your experience a horrific experience with the telco, or other unanticipated changes.. so much can happen in 2 years these days. As for the imported unbranded phones.. personally.. i would definitely steer away from due to the likely hood of problems that may arise in comparison to other brands.. you might even get a phone designed to be a clone instead of a fully functional phone ( i work in retail telco and i tend to notice that customers with these phones tend to have more problems in comparison to other phones). Oh and forget about the warranty in most cases.. i would suggest getting a phone with some lower specs but with warranty atleast. Goodluck :)
imo, The best set up is to buy a phone and then sign up with cheap plans.
get a Nexus 5 for $420 and 12-months Telechoice $20 plan.
It will only cost you $660 over 12 months period or $900 over 24 months period.
Compare this with a Vodafone/Virgin/Optus/Telstra, their minimum 24-months $30 contract will cost you $720 with some crap phones and low data/call allowance.