Help with getting a new phone

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  ezz88 on 11/06/2014 - 05:12

  If you go with telstra and order online they give you a pair of noise cancelling earphones when you get the z2. I have the z2 and it's amazing. The earphones are worth about $70 and in my opinion better than shoes.

  • 

    pyro love bird on 11/06/2014 - 20:57

    I've looked at Telstra, the lowest they have on offer for the plans is $55 plan + $15 monthly handset replacement = $70/month. </3

    But I do agree that it's better than shoes and Telstra has fantastic coverage, but I don't think it'll make a difference since I live in Perth

• 

  [Deactivated] on 11/06/2014 - 09:35

  +4

  The logic that "I don't have the money now so I will go on a plan" infuriates me.
  Buy it outright, much cheaper in the long run. If you don't have the cash now - you will have even less in 24months.

  Optus 1GB Plan ($68/month) with Z2 Xperia handset is $1,632 over 24 months

  vs.

  Vaya 1.5GB ($18 * 24months) + $672 Z2 Xperia handset = $1104 over 24months.

  Should be able to get an even better deal if you look around, that was just from a 30second Google.

  • 

    akd on 11/06/2014 - 12:07

    I agree with Richardwise except particular example of Vaya. The pain of Vaya Customer service is much more that difference of $528.

  • 

    pyro love bird on 11/06/2014 - 20:59

    I'm sorry… I can't afford to pay $900 now for the phone, that's all, it's easier for me to make smaller payments monthly then pay for it in one go, I know it's cheaper to buy it outright then go on a plan though..

    EDIT: Didn't see the price, it's only $672 from telstra!? I swear I just looked at their catalog and it was $899

• 

  Rorschach on 11/06/2014 - 14:14

  I agree with @RichardWise.

  If you can't afford it outright now, you should consider a cheaper phone. I just bought a LG G2 as per a deal posted earlier: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/146984
  It has amazing battery life, which IMHO, is the MOST important feature required in a smartphone!

  You can also consider a Nexus 5, which guarantees software updates for a lot longer.

  Combined with a plan as mentioned, this works out to be wayyy cheaper in the end.

  As an added bonus, if your finances do get better later, you can sell this phone off and get something better without too much of a guilty feeling :)

  • 

    ozhunter on 11/06/2014 - 14:29

    The Z2 got pretty awesome reviews about its battery life.

    • 

      Rorschach on 11/06/2014 - 15:37

      Ah, true! Should have done my research :)
      http://www.phonearena.com/news/Sony-Xperia-Z2-battery-life-t…

      It costs around half the price, though!

  • 

    pyro love bird on 11/06/2014 - 21:02

    The thing is though, I've practically got my heart set on this phone.. I'm a current uni student working odd jobs so paying for it outright is kinda painful to consider. It's such a nice phone!

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 12/06/2014 - 08:38

      +3

      Stop giving Gen-Y a bad name with the wants Vs needs argument!!

    • 

      Rorschach on 12/06/2014 - 13:36

      Buddy, I am a student as well. You're lucky enough to find a job, I've yet to find one.

      I had to dip into my savings to get the G2, but I needn't worry about a constant monthly drain for the next 2 years.

      Get your priorities right. Taking better pics and the "oomph" factor of a flagship ain't worth it in the current situation we are in.

      • 

        pyro love bird on 13/06/2014 - 02:31

        The jobs are hard to come by, they tend to be casual jobs, like campaigns and stuff uni runs, other than that I can't really find anything. Atm I've got nothing.

        I can actually probably pay for it as a monthly, a one off would eat into other things,and chances are that I'll probably have this phone for ages too, I've had my current phone for about 5 years.

    • 

      Feepitee on 12/06/2014 - 14:13

      Might I suggest the Z1 then? It is immensely cheaper, has the same metallic build quality, the Snapdragon 800 is not far away in performance from the Snapdragon 801, same 20.7 megapixel camera, but you do lose the 5.2 inch screen for a 5 inch screen (both 1080p) and the dual speakers.

      • 

        pyro love bird on 13/06/2014 - 02:32

        I've considered this, but have heard that there were problems with the Z1? A friend had it and said that lots of things went wrong and had to send it back a couple of times before switching to another phone. I mean the specs aren't really all that different from the Z2, but I worry about its performance.

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 13/06/2014 - 03:51

        +2

        I'm another killjoy in the thread, I'm afraid.

        I really do understand that you aren't as keen on hearing this as you are keen to own a Z2, but you really should be more concerned about your financial future.
        Keenly anticipate the possibility that you'll look back at your now plan - to get on a plan - to buy a flagship phone while still at uni, as having been stepping-stone 'one' to a compromised financial future.

        For well less than half the price, you can now buy phones that hardly constitute 'settling'.
        Please be smart.

      • 

        Feepitee on 13/06/2014 - 08:38

        If you are set into the idea of going on a plan, know that telcos usually NEVER give discounts on plans, and you'll only ever see a price drop once the next flagship has arrived. In saying that, the current best value plan would be with Virgin Mobile, who offers the Z2 with $450 of calls and 1.5gbs of data for $40 + 15 ($55) a month through their $40 plan. That equals out to $1320 in the year, which means you are paying a $202 premium for Virgin Mobile. There are other benefits with being a well known telco, such as easier warranty for devices, but you'll have to determine if not paying upfront is worth that $202.
        If you go with the Xperia Z1 though, even on a plan you'll be saving considerably money. The Z1 is $40 per month on their $40 plan (aka no excess handset fees) with 1.5gbs and $450. That saves you $360 in comparison to getting the Z2. I don't think you'd like to downgrade as far as the original Xperia Z, with its lower quality camera and technical specs and glass sides rather than metal, but if you are willing, that one is $30 a month at Vodafone, though the data is at 300mbs and $300 of credit.

      • 

        pyro love bird on 14/06/2014 - 02:09

        It's okay, I get it, it's just that I still currently have this crummy xperia mini pro it's been a while and I'd like a new phone, one that I actually want that's all. But paying in installments is easier for me, I'm sort of paying everything in installments atm. Thankyou for being really considerate, I appreciate it

      • 

        pyro love bird on 14/06/2014 - 02:10

        Do you know if Virgin is any good? Their plans are attractive, my only concern is the coverage/drop outs/ repeatedly sending texts and excessive charges. I've heard some nightmare-ish stories about other peoples experiences but I honestly don't know if they're just exaggerating.

        Thankyou for your advice :)

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 14/06/2014 - 06:20

        Beyond the excess data-use thing, I can't help you as regards the current state of Virgin.
        I was briefly with them a few years ago, and certainly then, by way of their dedicated APN, they were terrible. Others on OzB now talk them up, so maybe things have changed.

        Virgin did recently cut their excess data-usage rate by ¾ to 5.2c/MB. That's still $52/GB, so you can still get into trouble if you go way over.

        Also keep in mind that all the 'double-data' promos that have been variously around, and may come around again, are - as much as anything - designed to catch people out in subsequent bills. That, of course, is at the point when they've become accustomed to using that 'extra' data. Big trap for the unwary.

        Final notes. I get your rationalisation, I really do, but if your paying everything in instalments, and you really/seriously don't need to add to that situation with a way over $1000 total cherry on top, just don't. Biggest trap of all.

        Compared to your tinsy Xperia mini pro, either of these phones from www.ozbargain.com.au/node/145802 would represent a huge step-up for you.
        Even if the sale has actually finished, maybe you could go instore now and sneekily reference the word 'raincheck', without the need for any actually lying, of course.

      • 

        Feepitee on 14/06/2014 - 08:55

        My sister is on Virgin Mobile and she doesn't complain about it much, and I believe the 1.5gb of data is for the life of the plan.