Finding The Right Deals And Value - Whether To Buy A Phone Up Front Or Go Contract

Online, May 4, 2012 (Newswire.com) - In the modern era many smartphones can cost a small fortune, sometimes as much as a new laptop computer - which makes comparison of contracts and deals more important than ever. Many consumers find that signing up to a 2-year contract appears good value and right for them - but there can be better value to be had by purchasing a new phone outright.

Online comparison specialist Compare Mobile Plans can help consumers to research and review all the latest price plans and deals around to find themselves the very best value.

iPhone 4s
Apple's latest device released to market, the iPhone 4s, boasts all the latest apps and technology, up to and including voice recognition software. At a whopping $800 however its price can be enough to deter many consumers from investing in it up front.

With that in mind consumers need to consider whether spending so much money up front on a new iPhone 4s 16 gigabit or iPhone 4s 64gb version is worthwhile - or is it cheaper over all to sign up to a contract from a mobile service provider?

At present consumers can find an Amaysim mobile plan which offers a saving of $378.40 across a 2-year contract in comparison with the Virgin Mobile 'Topless' plan.

Consumers can enjoy great value deals using 'light user' plans - right now there are plans available from TPG which work out at $1039.76 across a 24-month period - cheaper than the comparable Virgin Mobile Fair Go $29 plan. Compare Mobile Plans believes that the best value light user plan around right now however is the Optus mobile $19 plan.

Mobile users can also enjoy enhanced levels of flexibility by purchasing a phone up front though as they are not tied in to a contract and can change providers should their circumstances require it.

24-month vs month-to-month
$1000 is a lot to spend on a phone all in one go - however many people find that the cost savings they make buying a phone can quickly be lost by paying off interest rates on a credit card purchase. In contrast however a monthly contract with a mobile provider also offers the benefits of dedicated customer support in the event of any problems.

Getting the best value for your smartphone
There are decent value SIM only deals around right now like those from Amaysim or TPG - but the smart thing to do is work out the right kind of plan for your needs. Using an online comparison service to compare all the deals around is a great way to find the right deal, with the right coverage, at the right price.

Researching plans before buying can shine a light on deals - for example the Virgin plan cited above appears to offer $190 worth of calls in comparison with $180 on the TPG plan 180. However when you include Virgin's higher call charges and flagfall, the TPG deal actually works out better.

Sarah McDonald, spokesperson for Compare Mobile Plans, commented: "Our site can offer people independent, impartial advice on finding the right phone deals for them. Whether it is a contract deal or buying the phone up front which delivers the best value, we're able to help people make informed choices."
---ENDS---