Can Optus Upgrade Early and Protect Plan Save You Some Money if You Change Phone Every Year?

Lamaneight on 11/09/2022 - 22:34

Note: this discussion will benefit readers who upgrade their phone in every 1-2 year.

Check out this new plan from Optus: Optus Upgrade and Protect plan

According to this plan if you buy a phone on a plan from Optus, then you can switch to a new phone plan in last year of your term and you walk out with your new eligible device on a device payment plan, else pay extra $99 if you're not in your last term.
There is a $15/month additional charge for this service, but it's being offered for free with new iPhone 14 range of phones at Optus.

Let's take an example:
If you have to buy an iPhone14 Pro Max 128GB outright, then you'll pay $1899 at an outlet. Next year, when iPhone15 comes out, your current iPhone's trade in value will be approx. 50% of the purchase price $1000 or so. You'll lose around $900 in value.

If you buy the same phone from Optus on a 36 months payment term term, you'll pay $52.74 per month or $632.88 in 12 months. To switch to iPhone15 next year, you'll have to pay extra $99 (as per the t&c of the plan). In total, to use iPhone14 Pro Max 128GB for an year, you paid $731.88 through Optus vs $900 through trade in.

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Comments

  • CodeXD on 11/09/2022 - 22:41
    -1

    Next year, when iPhone15 comes out, your current iPhone's trade in value will be approx. 50% of the purchase price $1000 or so. You'll lose around $900 in value.

    This shows you know nothing about iPhone prices lol

    • amaneight on 11/09/2022 - 23:25

      What do you think the trade-in value will be for an year old iPhone ?

  • mbck on 11/09/2022 - 23:15

    Have to consider the plan price.

    Some people buy yearly pre paid which could amount to about 15 per month. While optus will charge you (i haven't seen their plans) around 45/49 for their base plan?

    • cbalcs on 18/02/2023 - 00:15

      The prepaid plans you are referencing don't have 5G. 5G access is around $50-$60 at least both pre and post-paid.

      • mbck on 18/02/2023 - 08:15

        It's 5g worth the 30 price difference?

        Personally, no.

  • moto on 12/09/2022 - 05:26

    I have a iPhone 12 Pro 512 and on my last year of 36 month plan. Is this worth considering vs. selling my phone instead by myself? The waiving off of the 15/month sounds good but then again the cheapest sim plans you need to bundle it with aren’t.

    Edit:Actually I double checked and the 15/month waiving off freebie is only if you choose the $69 Optus Plus Promo Plan which then becomes $89/month after a year.

  • CyberMurning on 12/09/2022 - 08:47
    +1

    Plan is never good.

    You dont take plan and save money that way, but:
    You save money now, then later buy phone outright.

    What if i want it now now now but no money? Then work harder or change your lifestyle.

    • netjock on 12/09/2022 - 09:14

      You save money now, then later buy phone outright.

      This is for people who can't stop spending all their money. People who lack self control always loses out. It is like credit card reward programs. Those who benefit aren't those who have a running balance.

  • freefall101 on 12/09/2022 - 11:21

    Seems like it would only work for one year, on a specific device (or at least an expensive iPhone 14, not base models) and if you're happy with the Optus plans you can get. Pretty specific circumstances, but if it works for you why not go for it?

  • PastaPaul on 08/10/2023 - 13:15

    Chiming in late on this, but for anyone who cares, DON'T DO IT

    I don't think it's a good idea. I typically get 3 or 4 years from a phone. My trusty iphone X had lasted well over many years and several drops. But a nasty drop (with a case on) took out WiFi and made Bluetooth intermittent - my phone was dying. Due for an upgrade, I'd hoped the 14 pro would have USB-C (and decent transfer rates) so I held out. But when I knew it wouldn't have USB-C, I couldn't wait any longer - I needed a new phone. My logic was get a 13 pro with Upgrade & Protect, then I can get the 15pro when it comes out.

    So, just over 12 months ago I did just that. Now I'm looking to make good on my "investment" but hindsight tells me it was a bad idea. As promised, Upgrade and Protect will let me return the 13 pro and get a new phone, but I found out that I ALSO have to recontract my number and the plans have changed. The plan I'm on combines with other phones on our account to give a monthly discount and the new plans mean I lose my monthly discount! So.. I've paid for 14months ($1089.90) to essentially rent the phone PLUS $195 (got one month free) for upgrade and protect and now, if I go ahead with the deal, it will cost me an additional $8.50/month for the plan (for ever). Obviously this discount situation wont impact everyone like me, but the situation is the same - you have no idea what the contracts will look like down the track. So if you try and take advantage of U&P you might end up paying more per month because the plan you're on doesn't exist anymore.

    Will write this off as a bad idea. I'll do more research next time, but if you want cover I think Apple Care is probably still the best bet.

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