Know Your Options: iPhone 6 Pricing and Contract Choices

When the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus came out earlier this year, everyone was standing around either in line or at the computer in the hopes that they would be able to grab one. Many people missed out due to unavailability, and even more will now have to wait some time before the next order of Apple iPhones arrives at retailers. There is a silver lining in all of this, though, as it gives shoppers the time to carefully consider their options and make the best decision. Whenever you act impulsively, it almost always leads to a bad decision; you don’t want to be stuck in a contract for the next two years if it’s not the best option for you. While waiting to get your hands on the next and greatest Apple products, you might as well compare the various plans and options that are available when upgrading to the iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus.

Examples of Items to Consider

Do you know what your iPhone 6 will be used for? If not, you should take a step back from the shopping cart and first discern what you need in a contract (and in a phone). If you do a lot of talking, then you’ll obviously need a plan that comes with a lot of minutes or unlimited calling. Some people use more data than minutes, so a hefty data plan may be needed instead. Anyone with an existing phone service can check with their provider or their online account to find out usage details.

Almost anyone who is considering an iPhone 6 will be using some form of data; otherwise, the phone is rather redundant. You may only use a small amount of data to read emails or browse the web, or you may constantly be streaming data in the form of music and video. In the case of the former, a data plan that includes anywhere from 1 to 5 GB will be plenty; 90% of mobile users never exceed 3 GB of monthly data use. In the latter case, you may be one of the select few that needs 5 or 10 GBs of data on their service plans. Again, check with your existing carrier or your potential carrier for more details about your usage patterns. If you have an existing plan and would like to keep your old number, then be sure to ask them about this and any issues relating to your SIM card and transferring over old contacts. A selection of te best SIM only deals can be found on the here website.

Some plans have monthly maximums on talk and text, but it is more common today to find that these two features are available in unlimited quantities. A few plans offer a set number of minutes and they may be cheaper, but not if you go over your monthly minutes allotment. The amount that can be saved from picking a 500 or 1000 minute plan over an unlimited plan is relatively miniscule in most cases, though.

Plans With and Without Phones

Most people will decide to get the entry level version of the iPhone 6, which can be bought for £540 and includes 16 GB of space. You can also upgrade to the 128 GB model for £699. A larger screen comes with the iPhone 6 Plus, with the trade-off being that you’ll pay anywhere from £620 to £790 for the model, depending on the amount of storage selected.

SIM-only contracts are a great way to stay out of a full-fledged contract while completely owning the phone you select. One hot bargain we came across is through GiffGaff, which offers several different SIM-only contracts for users who live dynamically. The best plan in terms of cost and service will cost around £120 per year and gives users access to 1 GB of 4G data, unlimited calling potential and unlimited access to texts. You’ll need to sign a 12-month contract in order to get started, but otherwise, it’s a no-strings attached affair.

£18 per month will have you data ready to commit, thanks to Three’s awesome offerings. This particular plan will provide 4 GB of 3G data, unlimited calls and unlimited texts. Those who prefer access over speed will appreciate the generous bandwidth provided at such a low price. Much like with GiffGaff, this plan requires one year of service to be agreed upon, but you’ll have the freedom to move your iPhone 6 to a different carrier if need be.

Those who don’t want to pay full-price for the iPhone and are okay with two-year contracts can take advantage of EE’s services (you can see them all here), which have great data speeds and coverage. You’ll receive 2 GB of blazing-fast 4G data that is combined with unlimited calls and texts for £45 per month. The only consideration you’ll have to make is the £149 down payment in order to grab an iPhone 6 64 GB model, and of course, the two-year contract.

Choose Wisely

Before you purchase any iPhone 6 or agree to any contract, figure out what works best for you. There is no need to rush into a decision, as you will probably make the wrong one. Consider price, quality of service, reliability and amenities before you agree to switch or go to any carrier, and you’ll be sure to get the most value out of your decision.