Cheapest Way to Buy an iPhone 13 by Instalment?

Ideally, just pay the RRP / 12 or 24 monthly without other fees, thanks.

Comments

  • +8

    The cheapest way would be to wait a few months or until the next model comes out.

    • +2

      That would be approximately 11 months from now - are people really that patient?

      • +1

        Apparently. YouTube video comments every year without fail have people saying they own an a certain iPhone and this year isn't much of any upgrade so will hang on for another year. Guaranteed comments without fail.

  • +2

    Assuming you aren't looking to join a plan/monthly contract over a few years.

    Ideally? Save up, look out for deals, so you don't pay RRP.

    Don't get a "loan" for a phone, just like buy a car.

    If you can salary sacrifice - that's your "cheapest" option.

  • -2

    What's wrong with your iPhone12?

    • +3

      Where did they say they had an iPhone 12?

      • +1

        I was just making an assumption in the off chance it might give me the opportunity to virtue-signal.

        (Or low-ball him on an iPhone 12)

  • Does the 0% latitude thing have monthly fees? They advertise no-interest on Apple purchases quite a bit but never looked into it.

    • $5 per month while you have a remaining balance, so not too bad. I've used it a few times for Apple products. Once you have the card you can make interest free purchases very easily through Apple, Good Guys and others.

      • +3

        So $120 over 2 years. That's basically 6% interest on a $2,000 purchase (e.g. iPhone)…

        • +1

          If you take the full 2 years to pay it off, then yes. Last one I bought I paid off in 6 months so cost me $30. Are you saying 6% is a high interest rate for unsecured borrowing for retail items? I would disagree. Apart from home loans secured against property, where would you find cheaper credit?

          Far cheaper than any other type of borrowing (e.g. personal loan, credit card) for this sort of item, even with your example. Equivalent of a cup of coffee a month. If a fiver a month is a deal breaker then iphones probably shouldn't be on your radar.

          Its convenient, low cost, flexible (can pay off as fast as you like with no penalty) and you aren't locked into lengthy phone contracts.

          • @Brianqpr:

            If a fiver a month is a deal breaker then iphones probably shouldn't be on your radar.

            If you have to use Lattitude pay, and can't just buy it, an iPhone probably shouldn't be on your radar.

            • @brendanm: Lame attempts at wit probably shouldn't be on your radar.

              I paid it off over a few months rather than just cop the full amount up front. Just a convenient way to do it (was an Xmas present for a family member, so a fair few other expenses around the same time) without paying it in one go, with only a small cost involved (as I said $30). Far, far better option than being stuck on a 3 year phone plan.

  • +12

    maybe i am weird but i have idea that if someone cant afford to buy iphone upfront, maybe that is a sign that he/she should not get such an expensive phone. save hard, people - this covid is a wake up call.
    no one should think oh its okay government will give us free money anyway….

    • +1

      But but but… I need my new iphone.

    • +1

      Houses would certainly be a lot cheaper if this was followed for all purchases.

      • +2

        Houses are appreciating assets, the more you have the better for your future. Phones and cars are not. Having loans for them is bad for your future.

        • Some houses are. I've seen plenty owned by SMSFs in my job that have made nothing in a decade or so and left the trustees in a financial hole they would have avoided by staying in their old super fund and keeping things simple. Amazing how average property investment looks when you see every last expense itemised. as they are in SMSF financial statements, rather than just a start and end sale price.

          But yes, phones depreciate, just like cars. Also just like cars, some people want the nice ones and are prepared to borrow to get them. I wouldn't, but who am I to tell others what they should and shouldn't buy?

          • -1

            @Brianqpr:

            who am I to tell others what they should and shouldn't buy?

            If something is a bad financial decision and someone is asking you for advice you'd be doing them a disservice by keeping this information to yourself.

    • you are weird. people that can afford an iphone upfront probably wouldn't buy an iphone because they actually save their money

    • +3

      Paying $2,000 upfront is a lost opportunity cost.

      People could pay $100 p/m and use the capital to invest. The growth and/or income from the investment could pay off the phone at the end of the 2Y contract.

  • +2

    Why would someone let you delay payment on it without other fees?

    Have you considered buying a phone you can afford upfront?

    • maybe they want to charge me more if I couldn’t pay on time.

  • +1

    Put your budget on Rosehill races this afternoon. Thank me later.

    • +1

      The house always win.

  • +1

    Of all the things in life to get into debt for an iPhone 13 should definitely be top of the list

    • Nah, that's silly. Going into debt for an iPhone 13? Come on.

      However, the iPhone 13 Pro would be a different story…

  • +1

    You cannot afford an iphone, so now you're looking to go into debt in order to appear that you can.

    Because Australia is a country where your possessions determine your worth to other people.

  • +1

    Telstra will let you pay it off over 12 or 24 months with no fees, but like others have said, why not purchase outright? Can potentially buy discount JB giftcards or similar to offset cost or perhaps your work lets you salary sacrifice?

    • but I have to buy with a 12 or 24 months plan?

      • I think there’s a workaround for that but you’d have to look into it.

  • +3

    Put some money away each month and in 12 months the price will have come down and there will be sales and bingo bango, you'll have enough money to get one.

    • +3

      but i want it now!!

  • Buy it in cash. If you can't afford to do that, an iPhone 13 is not a priority for you, contrary to what marketing may have you believe.

  • +2

    Seriously, just look for 11 or 12 series. Why going for the latest when you can’t afford now?

  • Amazing how all these telcos survive given its so abundantly clear from this thread how obvious it is not to go on a plan

  • Is it possible to order online at the moment?

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