Vodafone has just announced that the iPhone 4 is now available on their Pay As You Go contract (PAYG), where users just pay for the handset up front and are not tied into a lengthy contract.
Price wise the iPhone 4 is expensive on Vodafone’s PAYG, the 16GB iPhone 4 will set you back £480 whilst the 32GB will set you back £570, and your phone will be locked into Vodafone’s network for 12 months.
Apple sells the iPhone 4 unlocked, for you to use with whichever mobile provider for £499 for the 16GB model and £599 for the 32GB model, so you are really only saving yourself £20 to £30 buying a PAYG iPhone 4.
Benefits of Vodafone PAYG iPhone 4
With the Vodafone PAYG iPhone 4, you get 12 months of free data, which is of course limited to 250MB of data per month over 3G and 1GB of data per month over WiFi using the BT Openzone hotspot service. This can be particularly beneficial for users who are often on the go and need reliable internet access without worrying about exceeding their data limits. The inclusion of BT Openzone hotspots means that users can access WiFi in numerous locations across the UK, making it easier to stay connected without incurring additional costs.
Moreover, the PAYG option provides flexibility for users who do not want to be tied down by a long-term contract. This is ideal for those who may be in the UK temporarily or for users who prefer to have control over their mobile expenses. The upfront cost might be high, but the freedom from monthly bills and the ability to switch providers after 12 months can be a significant advantage.
Comparing PAYG with Contract Plans
When comparing the PAYG option with traditional contract plans, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership over the contract period. For instance, a typical 24-month contract might offer the iPhone 4 at a lower upfront cost, but the monthly fees can add up significantly over time. For example, a contract plan might cost £30 per month, which totals £720 over two years, in addition to any upfront cost for the handset. This makes the PAYG option potentially more economical for users who do not require a large amount of data or who can make use of WiFi hotspots frequently.
Additionally, contract plans often come with additional perks such as unlimited texts or calls, which might not be as generous on PAYG plans. Users need to weigh these benefits against the flexibility and potential cost savings of the PAYG option.
Another aspect to consider is the resale value of the iPhone 4. Unlocked iPhones generally have a higher resale value compared to locked phones. After the 12-month lock-in period with Vodafone, users can unlock their iPhone 4 and potentially sell it at a higher price, recouping some of the initial investment.
You can find out more details about the iPhone 4 PAYG over at Vodafone.
via Pocket Lint
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
