Comparison Are you better off buying a phone from your carrier or other shops unlocked?

[carl fish]

I'm thinking of buying the Samsung gs8, I am wondering if I should buy it from Telstra outright or would I be better off buying it from somewhere like the good guys or JBFI?

 

[Vasudev]

I'm thinking of buying the Samsung gs8, I am wondering if I should buy it from Telstra outright or would I be better off buying it from somewhere like the good guys or JBFI?

Better off buying an unlocked phone.

 

[Danielx64]

I would buy an unlocked phone, be aware that just because your buy it from JB it doesn't mean that it's unlocked.

 

[Viking]

I find Telstra overprice their phone/plans. The Good Guys are generaly much cheaper to buy outright. imho

 

[Danielx64]

I find Telstra overprice their phone/plans. The Good Guys are generaly much cheaper to buy outright. imho

Officeworks is good as well.

 

[ItsReallyMe]

UNLOCKED

 

[Flengo]

Avoid buying phones from carriers - a lot of carriers tend to put uninstallable spyware on the phones they sell.

 

[Transhumana]

Current phone I bought from my carrier because it was more affordable for me at the time. But if you can buy the unlocked one, I believe it's better to choose that option.

 

[37507]

Unlocked, especially if its an Android.

 

[Ink]

Flagship device - Almost 12 months since launch? Wait for a price drop as the new successor will take the premium price tag.
Pixel - Bloatware-free, faster OS updates, pay a premium
Other Android devices - Some bloatware from manufacturer or mobile operator, slower OS updates due to compatibility testing etc, sometimes exclusive deals

Mobile operators will try and sell bundles such as Security and Insurance protection plans for both all their sold devices. Check your tariff break-down.

If you are a Business-owner/customer, I would buy from the mobile operator's business site, as you can claim back VAT (Tax) - at least in this country.

Example: iPhone 7 32GB has an est. saving of £110 after tax claim.

 

[codswollip]

Well... whichever is the best deal...

I would also suggest considering "used" phone marketplaces.

 

[TrinitronMSDOS]

Well it all depends on what country you live in, which service provider you use, what phone model you chose and especially what is the current offer on that specific device. Sometimes smartphones are sold with a small discount that is simply not worth it, as other times it can be a real bargain.

But i think it's important to remember that a smartphone sold thru a mobile carrier is essentially the same thing as a loan. You have a discount on the phone, yes, but in return you are engaged for up to 2 years. While if taken without any phone, many carriers offers subscriptions that you can cancel any time you want.

Also, phones provided by carriers are often locked. Some even have customs apps installed that ca be annoying.

So unless you're on a budget or having an amazing deal, i would buy a smartphone unlocked. And a mobile carrier subscription that can be canceled at any time. You might have more money to spend upfront, but that way you have more freedom over which phone and carrier you use.