• long running

Phone Upgrade Program $129 / $249 / $299 Annual Fee, Trade-Up to Next-Gen Phone for $179 / $249 / $299 @ Harvey Norman & Asurion

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Phone Upgrade Program $129 / $249 / $299 Annual Fee, Trade-Up to Next-Gen Phone for $179 / $249 / $299 @ Harvey Norman & Asurion
Go to Deal
Edyolo on 07/10/2023 - 22:34 harveynorman.com.au (1405 clicks)
Last edited 09/10/2023 - 13:21 by 2 other users

Say Hello to mobile freedom at Harvey Norman (Powered by Asurion). Not available online, apply in-store only.

Eligible deivce RRP Annual enrolment fee Refresh service fee Swap fee Upgrade fee
$250-$799 $129 $49 $79 $179
$800-$1499 $249 $49 $149 $249
$1500+ $299 $99 $199 $299

Refresh service: Includes main screen replacement, accessory update, detailed clean and diagnostic check & reset
Like-for-like device swap: Includes main screen replacement, accessory update, detailed clean and diagnostic check & reset
Upgrade to next generation model: Available after the first 30 days of the subscription termSubject to market availability. Your rights to mobile freedom services will terminate when you upgrade.

A swap or upgrade request involves a sale by you of your eligible device to Asurion.

Seems like $598 to upgrade to the latest iPhone every year. Don’t know if it’s worth for Android tho. The 1 year upgrade deadline seems very tight tho.

I’m curious what happens if the next iPhone cost more than the current. iPhone 14 Pro Max starts at $1899, and 15 Pro Max starts at $2199. Does this means you will get upgraded to the 15 Pro Max with no extra cost except for $598 annually?

So 2199-1899=300. The upgrade cost = 598 - 300 = 298 (this year 2023).

Since Apple no longer display AppleCare cost for 24 months upfront online. I’ll use my iPhone 12 Pro Max $269 for the 2 year plan as an example. The price probably gone up by now due to currency exchange rate🙃.

If you take this into account. Assuming 269/2 = 134.5 worth of benefits a year. Then your upgrade cost is 298 -134.5=163.5

Lets say you do this for 4 years and then stop with no intention to continue it will look like this

Year 1: ($2000 for iPhone), $299 Membership
Year 2: $299 for Upgrade, $299 For New Phone's Membership
Year 3: $299 for Upgrade, $299 For New Phone's Membership
Year 4: $299 for Upgrade, $0 For New Phone's Membership since you are no longer continuing.

Total excluding initial Phone cost is $1794, In no single year do you ever pay $900 or even close to it.

Using this 4 year example. Suppose in the first year you have an iPhone 12 Pro Max. Then cost $1794 to upgrade to 15 Pro Max worth $2199. The trade in value for 12 Pro Max is around $700 (depending on your condition, I’m estimating close to the upper bound). So you would spend $2494 to get the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Costing $295 more to upgrade every year
Comparing to buy a single IPhone for 4 years before upgrading.

If you factoring the 3 year AppleCare, you are actually earning 269*1.5 - 295 = $108.5.

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Comments

  • mandelbrot on 07/10/2023 - 22:38
    +9

    Asurion 🤮

    • ballistykx on 07/10/2023 - 23:10
      +2

      I have had a horrible experience with them too.

      • [Deactivated] on 08/10/2023 - 16:52
        -1

        Many apple fanboys would take this as an insult and say, "We are not so cheap HN, increase the upgrade price". I know many of them put their phones on the table and fought over the conversation of 'mine is more expensive than yours.'

    • Neology on 08/10/2023 - 02:00
      +3

      Two dodge giants hand by hand…

    • bargainbuyer11 on 08/10/2023 - 08:35
      +1

      I signed up with Austin for my mobile device insurance. I was covered for 1 month and then out of no where they canceled my device insurance and only refunded me $10. I kept contacting them and didn’t get a reply. Escalated this to AFCA, got a full refund + a $100 compensation for the inconvenience. I asked for a higher compensation and they refused. Try and avoid them. May seem cheap but a nightmare to deal with.

      • Soldier on 08/10/2023 - 08:50

        And the. You’re probably unable to insure with products like AppleCare that’s have a cut off time limit when you can add

    • Telios on 08/10/2023 - 16:26

      Sounds like a cheesy knockoff MMORPG lol

    • takloohaivan on 09/11/2023 - 10:42

      Has anyone complained to NSW Fair Trading against Asurion?

    • woyoyondie on 03/03/2024 - 12:18

      Asurion = total scammers. Just been burnt with Samsung trade in deals.

      Wish I'd read this review first

      https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/asurion

  • Edyolo on 07/10/2023 - 22:40
    +4

    After reading through the terms and conditions, it seems like you are giving the phone back to Harvey Norman.

  • StackableSnacks on 07/10/2023 - 22:42
    +2

    My brain can't wrap itself around this. Can someone explain? I have a google pixel, and am happy in this ecosystem. If I wanted to upgrade to the fold or whatever, I pay the $299 to have access, and then another $299 for the new phone?

    • bhakharvadi on 07/10/2023 - 22:52
      +1

      I think the way it works is that for first year you pay 299, unless you want to change your phone within a year. Then you keep on paying 299 annually which stays but at anytime you want to upgrade to a new model you pay an additional 299.

      So, at the time of new phone/upgrade you pay 299 extra otherwise just 299 annually. This is for the top most tier.

      • StackableSnacks on 07/10/2023 - 22:57
        +1

        I just spoke to Harvey Norman chat. That sounds about right.

        If I wanted to buy the pixel fold, for example, I can opt in to add this to my purchase, and essentially upgrade the phone for another $299 when the next one comes out.

  • BrewerHaHa on 07/10/2023 - 22:48
    +7

    Is this like renting a phone pretty much?

  • Leho on 07/10/2023 - 22:52
    +3

    so you pay $600 for the init purchase and to swap the phone, and have to give your old phone back? not sure that's a super good deal

    • bhakharvadi on 07/10/2023 - 22:55

      I thought it's 299 for the first purchase and annual fee combined for first year then again 299 annual unless you upgrade in which case you pay additional 299.

      So if you don't change your phone you just pay 299 every year I think and seems good if it works that way. You get a top notch phone for say $900 and get to keep it for 3 years. Then just forget it and get another one. If you buy it outright then you pay $2000 on average and after 3 years may not get $1100 by selling it.

  • Jetkuma on 07/10/2023 - 22:56

    Isn't Telstra Upgrade & Protect cheaper than this? Of course, caveat = you need to get Telstra plan but it is $0 in the final 6 months of your plan to upgrade.

  • localhost on 07/10/2023 - 23:07
    +6

    Don't get confused, here is my understanding:

    Year 1 - pay $2000 for a new iPhone for example + $299 for entry in this program
    Year 2 - return your phone, pay $299 yearly membership + $299 for new phone

    It's more like trade old phone for new one and pay $900 :)

    And just to add: if you return iPhone 15 next year you will get iPhone 16, not 16 Pro Max Turbo 1TB model.

    • tarxan on 07/10/2023 - 23:27

      So assuming you bought the iPhone 15 Pro Max at 2200, it would need to be less than 1300 resell after a year for this deal to be worth it right?

    • Axelstrife on 07/10/2023 - 23:29
      +1

      $598 not $900.

      • localhost on 07/10/2023 - 23:34

        Forgot second year membership :)
        You are eligible for one replacement per year.

        I think better to go with jbhifi trade in + usual $300 bonus if you want a new phone every year.

        • Axelstrife on 07/10/2023 - 23:46

          That's only if you continue to upgrade on a yearly basis.

          Lets say you do this for 4 years and then stop with no intention to continue it will look like this

          Year 1: ($2000 for iPhone), $299 Membership
          Year 2: $299 for Upgrade, $299 For New Phone's Membership
          Year 3: $299 for Upgrade, $299 For New Phone's Membership
          Year 4: $299 for Upgrade, $0 For New Phone's Membership since you are no longer continuing.

          Total excluding initial Phone cost is $1794, In no single year do you ever pay $900 or even close to it.

        • Edyolo on 08/10/2023 - 08:11

          When do you ever get $300 bonus for trade in for IPhone? Do you mean Pixel?

          • localhost on 08/10/2023 - 14:25

            @Edyolo: Yep, pixels slowly jumped into that 'premium' segment $1500+

            • Edyolo on 08/10/2023 - 21:41

              @localhost: Yeah wtf is this $400 hike. Was $1299 for the 7 Pro. It’s almost like that EA CEO who proposed charging players $1 per bullet in battlefield.

              I think they deliberately price the RRP high, so they can give so many discount vouchers like bonus $300 trade in, and a further $300 JB gift card. Feel like it’s going to drop in price soon.

              Just preordered the Pixel 8 Pro for $0 using the Harvey Norman Optus plan deal.

  • BatmanAU on 07/10/2023 - 23:07
    +11

    I’m not the dumbest idiot in class, but I think I need Stephen Hawking to explain this dribble for me

    • Turbo727 on 08/10/2023 - 10:04

      Stephen Hawking? All you need is Scotty from marketing.

      • BatmanAU on 08/10/2023 - 12:43
        +1

        Doesn’t he beam people up??

  • Bruceflix on 07/10/2023 - 23:20
    +6

    Not a deal

    • Mechz on 08/10/2023 - 00:13
      +1

      Agree.

  • Manny Calavera on 07/10/2023 - 23:21
    +5

    Protip: If the lowest common denominator thinks it’s a good idea, it probably isn’t.

  • OfTheOverflow on 07/10/2023 - 23:21

    ENNNDDLLLESS CONNSUMMPTIIONNNN

  • wholesaleonly on 07/10/2023 - 23:35
    +5

    Complexity beyond a certain point is fraud. I have 2 masters degrees in business and I can't understand this.

    • Axelstrife on 07/10/2023 - 23:55
      +4

      I have none yet understand this quite easily.

  • yummypinacolada on 07/10/2023 - 23:47
    +4

    Better off selling your phone through marketplace and get a new one every year. This is just a scam with extra steps

    • Axelstrife on 08/10/2023 - 00:18
      +2

      Looking at the current used prices of the iPhone 14 pro max 256gb you would be incorrect in that statement, You would have to sell a used iPhone 14 Pro Max 256gb for $1599 to match NOT beat this deal since the iPhone 15 pro max 256gb is $2199.

      eBay for example has multiple listings for $1549 for a used iPhone14 Pro Max 256gb and those sellers all have to pay for eBay fees which would bring the total price for the iPhone sold to be $1341.13 after eBay fees, $1599 - $1341.13 = $257.87.

      You would be $257 worse off doing it your way than this deal.

  • Bertus on 07/10/2023 - 23:53

    My brain hurts

  • fozzie on 08/10/2023 - 00:04
    +1

    You are much better off buying a new phone every two years and also do tax return….
    With some jobs you can salary sacrifice every year. So you can sell old handset and basically upgrade nearly for free.
    This is expensive and not great as you need to return your old device.

  • CDG on 08/10/2023 - 00:14

    anyone use product care?

    • badonde on 08/10/2023 - 01:20

      I've got it but haven't used it. Screen glass is damaged so I'm assuming they'll invalidate it. So maybe get it repaired and then do product care when the battery dies … love to hear anyone's experiences although looking online it seems to be not worth it

  • metalhead on 08/10/2023 - 06:32

    Is this Harveys new pet project scam Flexirent 2023 scheme ? stay away!

  • doobey1231 on 08/10/2023 - 08:44

    Not a deal.

    The resale market for iPhones specifically is much better than what this deal is offering. Better off selling the phone you bought and buying the new one outright.

    Aside from that, you’re also dealing with Harvey Norman and another dodgy finance company lol.

  • vorsprung on 08/10/2023 - 08:49

    One upgrade to the next generation model.
    Subject to market availability.

    This makes me wonder if the upgrade / next generation model is actually a refurb. Nowhere does it state that it will be brand new.

    • Zeee on 08/10/2023 - 09:30

      Used or refurbished. True nowhere it says brand new

      • callum9999 on 08/10/2023 - 10:07

        It doesn't say brand new, but given you're allowed to upgrade from launch day it's implied. There won't be any used/refurbished available from Day 1.

        • Zeee on 08/10/2023 - 10:30

          Make sense, but that depends on the market availability 😂

          • vorsprung on 08/10/2023 - 11:21
            +1

            @Zeee: OK I read the T&C. It seems like you get a coupon to get the new device in store. I don't think HN sell refurbs, so it has to be a brand new device…

  • Soldier on 08/10/2023 - 08:51

    Probably the biggest drawback here is the low stock levels on launch day/month at Harvey Norman

    • Edyolo on 08/10/2023 - 09:17

      You can buy during December to change your upgrade cycle.

  • DPW on 08/10/2023 - 09:45

    For reference, AppleCare+ with theft and loss is $409 for an iPhone 15 Pro Max for 2 years

    • rpb on 08/10/2023 - 11:25

      Yeah that was a shock to me. It was only $359 on my 13 Pro

  • XedeX on 08/10/2023 - 11:29

    Can we upgrade within first year ? Before year 2 begins, that would mean $600 in year one.

    • Edyolo on 08/10/2023 - 12:35

      Yes you can. Upgrade anytime after the initial 30 days

  • Robin2012 on 08/10/2023 - 12:18
    -2

    rent a phone?

  • BusMan247 on 08/10/2023 - 18:21

    More about flexibility than a deal. But options are cool.

  • Lyltc521 on 10/10/2023 - 12:54

    If you are pixel owner, it better change every 2 years, and these always trade in deal. You may just get a new one under $300-$400.

  • AssociatedHardlyNormal @ Harvey Norman on 16/07/2024 - 19:58

    not sure anyone who’s reading this post, but if you opt for upgrade, that is directly dealt through with harvey norman, you perform the swap on the spot in store and the store will send off the previous device, in case anyone is skeptical about dealing with asurion.

    • Exec-Matrix on 20/08/2024 - 22:19

      With the upgrade, is it the next model only and same gb? Like if I buy a 9 Pro Fold 256gb it will be a 10 Pro Fold 256gb in 12 months? Not a 9 Pro XL 256gb?

      • AssociatedHardlyNormal @ Harvey Norman on 21/08/2024 - 10:41

        it’s ‘INTENDED’ for upgrade to next gen model aka iphone 15 128gb > iphone 16 128gb, in the event the 16 starts at 256 then you will receive 256gb. in the event you buy pixel fold and next pixel launch there is no fold, you will most likely receive a credit for the amount the phone was when you bought it.
        the way we process an upgrade is essentially a credit for the upgraded models RRP so you could ‘TECHNICALLY’ go for a different model but thats up to the salesperson/proprietor.

  • Exec-Matrix on 19/08/2024 - 17:26

    Curious what happens though if the next generation phone is released on a cycle longer than 12 months and the 30 days extension that is mentioned? Like Pixel 9 was released alot earlier that the 8. If the 10 is released when 8 was or later, does that mean the "One upgrade to the next generation model" is void?

    • AssociatedHardlyNormal @ Harvey Norman on 21/08/2024 - 10:36

      12 months is only for screen and swap. asurion will honour upgrades if its after 12 months.

      • Exec-Matrix on 21/08/2024 - 17:24

        Love the name… anyway I asked becuase of this in the mobile freedom T&C regarding upgrades:

        Release delays – If:
    the release of Your Upgrade Device in the Australian market has been delayed by the OEM by up to 30 days from its Expected Release Date; and
    You are within the final month of Your Subscription Term; and
    You wish to make an Upgrade Request,

        then Your Subscription Term will be extended by a period of 30 days (the Extension Period).

        For the avoidance of doubt:
    the Extension Period is solely to enable You to exercise your Upgrade entitlement during the Extension Period;
    You will not be able to exercise any unused Mobile Refresh or Swap entitlements during the Extension Period.
If an Upgrade is not available during the Extension Period You will not be able to receive an Upgrade after the end of the Extension Period.
  • Alias2000 on 06/10/2024 - 09:51

    For anyone considering Mobile Freedom plan, DON'T DO IT.

    I took this out 12 months ago for my Google Pixel 8 pro and went into the HN store to upgrade to the Pixel 9 pro XL. I went through the process instore of putting through the Upgrade request, paid the $299 upgrade fee, performed a factory reset to hand over the device and was then told that I had to pay an additional $200 to upgrade to the Pixel 9 pro XL as the Pixel 9 pro is the 'like for like' model for the 8 pro….wait, what?! I was told by the same HN rep over a month ago that I could upgrade to the 8 pro to the Pixel 9 pro XL and this model was a like for like upgrade. Now HN/Asurion are taking advantage of Google's new naming convention to squeeze and extra $200 for a phone that is not even out yet! In what sense (outside the name) would anyone consider the Pixel 9 pro the successor to the Pixel 8 pro?

    To her credit the rep agreed and was only doing her job, however HN management who she escalated it to does not and would not honour the upgrade to the Pixel 9 Pro. They gave me two options, get the $299 upgrade fee refunded or pay the additional $199 and they would throw in a free case if I upgrade to the 9 pro. How insulting. If I accept this offer, I would have paid $750 to upgrade to the Pixel 9 Pro XL and have to hand back my Pixel 8 pro (initial Asurion policy + upgrade fee + upgrade model).
    This is a very greasy move on all fronts, especially only advising the additional upgrade free after the upgrade payment was made and I had factory reset my phone. I will be lodging a complaint with the ACCC (Harvey Norman) and ASIC (Asurion). Junk insurance, junk companies.

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