Prepaid vs Contract Phones

[Gavin]

Since all cellphone contracts have become 36 months terms basically, I see no ROI to have a contract anymore.

My last 3 contracts were 2 in 1 deals. I usually paid less and receive amazing value for money.

Currently a basic good enough phone cost R399pmx36 = R14374

Prepaid :
Data + minutes R129pm x36 = R4644
Phone R6999 (A35 or similar at +-R399pm)
Total R11643

Contract cost me R2731 excluding the unnecessary contract ad ons of clip amd death insurance that became a must.

 

[Valheru]

36 month phone contracts are like 90 month car finance deals.

It is a rip-off. It is pretty much predatory.

 

[Qui_Illustrati]

36 month phone contracts are like 90 month car finance deals.

It is a rip-off. It is pretty much predatory.

Literally only found out this morning that a 90 month car finance option exists. Explains absolutely everything. Now I understand why poor people are driving such fancy cars.

Stupid people must pay the piper. A tale as old as time it seems.

 

[AinsleyHarriott]

I buy 2nd hand cash on Carb and do SIM only.

I am curently with MTN, but Capitec is a good option - uses MTN’s network and the data/minutes don’t expire.

This works out much cheaper than going with a device contract.

 

[DrNoSkill]

I don't get bored with a phone after only 6 months but the whole 36 month contract thing is a bloody scam, its not just phone contracts that are getting this treatment, i used to like buying things off FNB connect over 2 years but now even the nice TVs and tablets over there are 36 months.

 

[Neo_Geo]

Bought a phone prepaid then got a sim card on contract. Make sure its a top up contract for it is working out cheaper. I could not find a contract that was worth it for phone and sim.

Purchased phone for R6500
Contract R140 - 6 GB day and night plus roll over for 1 month. It works out cheaper as Vodacom sells 1GB prepaid for R99. I tried mtn while connection was good once loadshedding hit MTN takes a big hit so I stuck to Vodacom. From previous experience I don't go near Telkom

 

[PsychoErtjie]

I buy 2nd hand and buy data through Afrihost, which cost me R150/10gb that will expire in 3 months. Works through the MTN network, just need to set your APN.

 

[goldfritter]

I've bought phones cash and used prepaid only for years now, works out cheaper and much more flexible.

 

[GoukoTenrou]

I got a contract years ago as the banks told me its the easiest way to build a good credit history

Ever since then, I run a contract for 2 years, upgrade and my "old" phone goes to a family member (usually my mom)

Scored a deal on that Nokia Sirocco Vodacom contract some years ago, and then 2022 managed to score Samsung phone + Watch for reasonable per month payment

Never go 36 months, always 24 months

 

[MR.C]

SIM only contract, when it's due, tell them you want to move to another network, they offer you a good deal.

Phones are bought and sold as the need for a phone or cash arises, I downgrade or upgrade when necessary.

Currently using an A54 from the FNB BF deal.