All Fired Up for iPhone 5!

My very first Apple gadget came in the form of an iPhone 3Gs, which I got as the free phone from my Globe Plan 3799. It happened in 2010. Three iPhone models later, my plan has now expired and once again, I am on the hunt for the best iPhone 5 postpaid plan.

iPhone 5

Of course, a lot has changed since 2010. For starters, Globe is not the only one offering iPhone plans now; Smart made its debut last year. Given how competitive these two telcos are, consumers are now on the winning end as these two giants fight for their affection by reducing the price of their plans or beefing them up with goodies. Since I passed up the iPhone 4 and 4s eras, it is only now that I am starting to realize and appreciate that the costs have gone significantly lower since I had my iPhone 3Gs Plan 3799.

Imagine this. In 2010, I got an iPhone 3Gs at Plan 3799 with the following:

• Super Surf (unlimited mobile surfing)
• P3799 consumable amount

That’s basically it. At the time it was a great deal for me already. Now, it’s become more attractive. A 16GB iPhone 5 can be yours for free at Plan 2499. But since I am eyeing the 64GB unit, I’m gonna have to shell out an additional P10,080.

Globe’s iPhone plans as posted on their website

That looks like a big amount at first glance but on a 24-month installment basis via credit card, which I will certainly avail of, I don’t think I would feel that. If I divide the cashout by 24 months, I will be paying P420 per month on top of the P2499.

Total cost per month: P2,919. See? That’s definitely cheaper than my current 3799 plan.

But before I announce I’m officially renewing, let’s look at Smart’s offer.

Smart’s iPhone All-in Plans as posted on their website

Smart’s All-in 2500 raises the cashout for a 64GB iPhone 5 to P17,100. Divided by 24 months (P712.5) plus the base monthly fee P2500, I’ll end up paying P3212.5. A bit higher than Globe’s.

Smart also has an iPhone Plan 2499 but unfortunately, their website still indicates “with cashout” and not a specific figure so I can’t compare. Besides, it only has 300 minutes and 300 texts, which do not appeal to me at all. Even if I avail of Smart’s Data 2000 plan instead, I’ll get the iPhone with a P14,000 cashout. Total cost per month: P2583.3. Cheaper yes, but it will only give me 150 minutes of calls and 200 free texts. Smart All-In 2500 is the one that, to me, can give Globe’s offer a run for, well, my subscription.

Let’s summarize. Here are the most compelling offers by the two telcos if I choose to get a 64GB iPhone 5 with them and how much I will end up spending per month if I avail of their 24-month installment option:

Globe Plan 2499 vs Smart All-in 2500

I’m definitely sticking with Globe. Aside from the total monthly cost that I broke down above, here are some more reasons:

1. Freebies. I particularly like the idea of unlimited calls and texts to chosen numbers. Plan 2499 comes with 5 of them. Perfect I only have five people that I call and text frequently (my partner, boss, sister, mom, and a friend). If it’s not your thing, there are other add-ons to choose from.
2. Four-month gadget INSURANCE for FREE. According to Globe, it’s worth P1,596. That’s a major check for me.
3. Up to 50% discount on accessories at Power Mac Center and Globe stores until December 31, 2012.
4. Buy Now Pay Next Year. Both telcos offer 0% interest 24-month installment using credit cards but I think only Globe has the Buy Now Pay Next Year program for BDO cardholders. I actually use BDO Titanium credit card. But I don’t think I’ll take advantage of this one. Haha.
5. The 3G signal here in my area is actually very good. When tethering using my 3Gs, my download speed even surpasses that of my DSL’s. Seriously. Or maybe my DSL is just bad. But still.

Speak or the mumu behind you will speak for you.