S9 / S9+ or Pixel 2 XL?

haji on 18/03/2018 - 11:07
Last edited 18/03/2018 - 11:36 by 1 other user

Really confused whether to go for the current Optus offer or the Pixel xl2 from jb. Still using my Samsung note 3 which is 4 years old. Other than having dropped it a few times and damaging the case, I've never cracked the screen so it's been very reliable.

Currently on Optus sim only plan with 15gb for $30. Got it at 25% off as my wife, son and home internet is with Optus, then another $10 off so only paying $20 which is great value. We can also pool our data. If I stick with Optus, shouldn't need to pay contract break fee which is only $80.

Positive of Pixel 2, stock Android with instant updates, $59 compared to $69 or $74, Telstra network but would need to break contract, and can't pool data obviously unless I tether.

Or should I just keep my plan and go for mi mix 2 or something? Camera is disappointing on that though.

Poll Options

  • 14
    S9/S9+
  • 36
    Pixel 2 XL
  • 3
    Mi Mix 2
Mobile Google Mobile Phone Samsung Android

Comments

  • pennypincher98 on 18/03/2018 - 11:42
    -1

    If you can find the Pixel 2 XL in stock right away, go for it. I got it from a Telstra store and have not looked back. But then again, there was no competition with Optus anyway.
    The S9 to me doesn't look like that much of an improvement (besides the camera) from the S8 but each to their own. I think the S8 camera is good enough as is, and wouldn't stop me from buying.

    Personally Optus doesn't give me the speed I want due to everyone streaming Netflix on it data-free it can be unusable. Also, doesn't seem like coverage is an issue but you get better service with Telstra.
    If pooling is a must-have, ask Telstra what they can do. On their business plans, you can get a data share SIM for $5 a month (maximum of 4 or 5) - might also be eligible for a discount and you should get more data also (5GB bonus for port in + 5.1GB for the second SIM)

    Maybe also look at their perks?

    Bottom line; go the Pixel. Don't forget to counter in the GH Mini when making your decision :)

    • ozhunter on 18/03/2018 - 14:39
      -1

      But he has a Note 3, so the S9 would be a big improvement for him

  • Kangal on 18/03/2018 - 11:49

    Your plan sounds like good value, I wouldn't change it (unless you need more data).
    Remember in a contract the most expensive portion is the Data, and then it's the device.

    So if you're happy with your plan, its most likely cheaper to buy the phone outright and stick to it.

    What I did… I bought the LG G6 for like $460 back in June 2017 (my Nexus 5X not working).
    Was happy with the device, and later signed up to Telstra's 20GB, $49 Galaxy S8 offer in November.
    I sold the S8 brand new for $850, and have been happy with the G6 on the current plan.

    • haji on 18/03/2018 - 20:21

      I checked in store today, I'm actually only paying $15 a month for 15gb + unlimited calls, so it's pretty damn good value. Wife and son can also use that as I only use about 3gb a month.

      Even if I were to get the Pixel 2 XL, difference is $49 a month x 24 = $1176 so I'll pretty much be paying the retail price of the handset over 24 months which doesn't sound enticing.

      May not get anything at all and wait for a killer outright deal.

  • CyberMurning on 18/03/2018 - 12:12
    -1

    im serious. smart people shouldnt get 2 things in this live:
    newly release gadgets, and go into mobile contract.

    get good condition second hand s8+, then wait for kogan special sim card deal.

    • Xiaomi on 18/03/2018 - 12:44

      You are correct about mobile phone contracts, but that wasn't exactly possible three - four years ago. Competition has allowed us to sit back on prepaid with unlimited calls, texts and 15gb of data for $30.00/month.

      It's evolution.

    • pennypincher98 on 18/03/2018 - 14:43
      +2

      Normally I would agree.
      The Pixel 2XL deal is kind of hard to refuse however - I did the maths and the cheapest Telstra MVNO I could find (with capped speeds and coverage) + the device ended up actually more expensive.
      You could argue I should've got something cheaper, but the cheapest Telstra deal (with Telstra) I could find was $30 a month. That does leave $720 for the phone, but I wasn't exactly in the best position to drop down $720 all at once.

      • dbui8743 on 18/03/2018 - 18:10

        Nothing beats the telstra plan.

  • nahi11 on 18/03/2018 - 19:13
    -1

    What do you do that requires a $1000+ phone?

    • pennypincher98 on 18/03/2018 - 19:47
      +1

      The Mi Mix 2 mentioned above is only $519.
      Not sure if you are aware, but generally the more you spend on an Android phone the more you get.

      If you are going to contract, you'll want a new phone to make it worthwhile.

      A $29 phone with a $10 monthly sim doesn't exactly fit everyone.

      • nahi11 on 18/03/2018 - 20:06

        I understand that, but personally I find it hard to justify in terms of functionality between a $400 and $1000+ phone.

        • pennypincher98 on 18/03/2018 - 20:13

          Yeah I understand that but what phone ticks all the boxes for $400? Generally curious.
          I need Telstra for service, sadly Optus and Vodafone can't compete so needed a good sim only plan and a new phone.
          Was going to get the HTC One X10 and a cheaper plan ($25-$30 a month) but worked out $720 (30 X 24) over 24 months + $350 for phone = $1070. I admit still an alright deal but the Pixel 2 XL really sold me. Don't know why, but was suddenly signing up to a 2 year contract rather than a sim only plan..
          Haven't looked back though :)

        • nahi11 on 18/03/2018 - 20:15

          @pennypincher98:

          For the the Xioami Redmi variants seem pretty good. I guess if you need a plan on telstra then it makes sense.

        • pennypincher98 on 18/03/2018 - 20:18

          @nahi11: Nothing against Xiaomi but would prefer something else. Strange I know, especially the way I use (or used to use, not needing it much anymore) my Mi Powerbank.
          To say I'm not a fan of Chinese phones would kind of be hilarious coming from a Taiwanese HTC but I don't know, I just don't really even factor in brands like Xiaomi.

    • haji on 18/03/2018 - 20:24

      Nothing. I'm a sign writer so the stylus comes in handy when I need to jot down measurements which is why I've kept this phone for so long. I can always squiggle on another phone but it's a bonus to have the stylus. No hope of getting a note 8 though at the current rates.

  • Jackkkkkk on 19/03/2018 - 11:06

    in the same boat currently, what did you end up doing?

    I am also on the $36/m sim only plan with Optus and that S9plus for $74 is a pretty good deal. Data pooling with my 100gb iPad pro.

    I actually went through with the Pixel 2 but the porting took FOREVER whilst waiting at JB Hifi. Got frustrated and cancelled after 1.5hrs wait.

    So now I still don't know whether to wait for a better Optus deal or re-do the Google Pixel 2 XL (and lose data pooling)

    • haji on 19/03/2018 - 11:15
      +1

      Well I just spent over an hour with Optus Customer Service trying to bring over some of my discounts below on the $40 sim only plan to the S9 range:

      Less $10 Offer 12 months $9.09CR
      Less $5 Offer 12 months $4.54CR
      Less 25% Access Disc $9.09CR
      SUB-TOTAL $22.72CR (Exc GST)

      So the $40 SIM Only plan is costing me $15.

      They wouldn't budge on the 25%, or $10 off or even $5 off. Note that I have 3 other services with Optus on the same account. So at the moment I wouldn't go for the deal and as it stands the Pixel 2 XL would be my pick. Yes I would lose pooling but can still hotspot if required. However I will try one more time with Customer Service as people here https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/367131?page=1#comment have been able to get 25% off.

      But I still may not go for the Pixel 2 either. Maths:
      Paying $15 for 15gb now
      Pixel 2 XL $59
      Difference $44 x 24 months = $1056 which is what you can get it for anyway.

      I think I will stick to my sim only plan on the Note 3 for now unless Optus can offer 25% off. Otherwise I am not saving anything over 24 months.

      • Jackkkkkk on 19/03/2018 - 11:21

        Yes I saw that post also, I was trying for that also but unable to get it! I think it's due to the fact it's still a new phone?

        I have 2 services with optus and was trying to get the $59 offer on the Huawei Mate 10 pro back in December. Unsuccessful on this also. Quite frustrating!

        Maybe consider the Note 5? pretty good price on them at the moment

  • Olin on 19/03/2018 - 21:19

    I recommend the google phone after my experience with Samsung trying to repair the S8 this week. Very disappointing!!!!!!

  • haji on 03/04/2018 - 11:20

    An update to my case.

    After deliberating for so long, I signed up with Pixel 2 on the $59 plan, and today successfully got applied the $10 credit per month, so $49pm.

    I didn't end up leaving my $15 plan with Optus. I had my daughter's Telstra number port out to Optus for $2, then went to JB and ported in again. She had a sim but we never got her credit. So she will have the calls and we can tether the data if needed and I ended up with the phone. Best of both worlds.

    I managed to get the $10 discount but no luck with the 5gb extra data, guy said you can choose one of the 2. Have 45gb amongst 4 of us now so that's plenty.

    Oh and they chucked in one of the $59RRP(!) cloth cases for free. And then I saw the Zagg Invisible Shield Glass Contour protector https://accessories.telstra.com.au/zagg-pixel-2-invisableshi… for $39.95 and I asked if I can actually grab that instead, and the guy said I already put it thru but I can check what it cost, and he said $13.99 so I jumped on it. Very happy with the outcome and now feel like it's a great deal.

    • pyramid on 03/04/2018 - 13:13

      Did you buy from JB or Telstra store?

      • haji on 03/04/2018 - 13:19

        JB.

        Got the headphones and Google Home Mini as well, they come as a bundle because it's all wrapped together.

        Will sell the Mini.

        • pyramid on 03/04/2018 - 14:28

          can i ask which store?

        • haji on 03/04/2018 - 14:29

          @pyramid: Broadmeadows, VIC.

  • presentv on 03/04/2018 - 12:34

    Surprised much more people love pixel2. I think S9 has a better cpu and it looks so beautiful.

    • haji on 03/04/2018 - 13:26

      Agree with looks and power, although Pixel should be up there. Display on the S series is fantastic. My son has the S8 and I love the screen. Pixels colours look a little dull.

      In the end, I didn't want to pay $69pm for the S9 (offer ended anyway), preferred stock android with first in line for updates and at $49pm + bonus case, Mini and cheap glass protector it's a steal.

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