Now that the iPhone 5 is available in South Africa we compared iPhone 5 contracts. Check it out and compare!
With the launch of the moneysmart mobile app for iOS and Android just around the corner, let’s take a look at the best contracts available for the iPhone 4s (16GB) from the three networks in South Africa that provide it.
For this comparison I looked at the promoted deals by each network that include call time (or airtime) as well as data. These contracts are basically those contracts that are suited for smartphones.
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| Contract | • iPhone 4S 16GB on Straight Up 50 | • iPhone 4S 16GB on AnyTime 200 | • iPhone 4S 16GB on Smart Standard 229 |
| Cost / Month | • R329 PM x 24 (Incl. VAT) |
• R469 x 24 (Incl. VAT) |
•R399 PM x 24 + R9.50 PM for Caller ID (optional) (Incl. VAT) |
| Airtime (Talk Time) / Month | • 50 anytime minutes | • R200 Airtime (86 Estimated Inclusive Minutes by MTN) |
• 75 anytime minutes • 20 weekend minutes • 20 Vodacom to Vodacom minutes |
| Data Bundle / Month | • 350 MB | • 250 MB | • 150 MB |
| SMS Bundle / Month | • 50 SMS | • 25 SMS | • 150 SMS |
| Activation Costs – Once Off | • R114 Connection Fee | • Free | • R105 for Sim Card • R97 Connection Fee |
| Rates | Out-of-Bundle: R0.99/min, billed per sec (Anytime) |
In-Bundle rate: R 2.30/min, billed per sec (Anytime) Out of Bundle rate: R2.85/min, billed per second (Anytime) |
Out-of-Bundle: Vodacom to Vodacom rate: R1.65/min, billed per sec (Anytime) Vodacom to Other rate: R1.99/min, billed per sec (Anytime) |
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My experience in store at all three service providers was great. They were fast to help me and they information I was looking for on hand.
Things to take note of before you apply for a contract:
- Make sure you are aware of the activation and sim fees as well as out-of-bundle rates*.
- For Vodacom you also need to add on R9.50 per month if you want caller ID.
- MTN charges no activation or sim fees. However, the first debit order that goes off will include the days you’ve had the phone until the first debit order as well as the next months fees. This means that if you had the phone for 10 days before the first debit order goes off you will pay R156.33 + R469 if you go for the AnyTime 200 contract.
- For Cell C you will have to pay R114 connection fee that will be debited from your account within 10 days of approval of the contract.
What do you need to apply for a contract?
- Three Month bank statement (Cell C recommends one that is stamped by your bank, because this will speed up approval)
- Most recent payslip
- Green bar coded ID book
- Proof of residence
Each contract has its unique benefits and drawbacks, but we recommend you visit a store and speak to a consultant to find the best package for your needs. For Cell C you can even build your own iPhone contract on their site.
The iPhone4s 16GB summary specs:
- Size: 115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm
- Weight: 140 g
- Screen: LED-backlit IPS TFT, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours
- Screen Resolution: 640 x 960 pixels, 3.5 Inches
- Processor: Dual-core 1 GHz Cortex-A9
- RAM: 512mb
- Storage: 16GB
- Battery: Stand-by – Up to 200 h (3G), Talk time – Up to 14 h (2G) or Up to 8 h (3G), Music play – Up to 40 h
- Camera: 8 MP, 3264×2448 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
- iCloud
- FaceTime video calling
The iPhone is an expensive phone, so it might be a good idea to have it insured.
So let’s look at how much each Network charges in premiums to insure this phone:
- Vodacom – R139 premium + R10 Admin fee = R149 monthly
- MTN – R103 per month (will give you a temporary phone if your phone is in for repairs)
- Cell C – R100.70 per month (C-Cover Option 3, which is for phones valued between R7 501 – R10 000)
All three cover the phone for loss, theft, damage and repairs. Before you accept any insurance policy however, we recommend you check the excess costs and exactly what you will be covered for.
moneysmart tip: most cellphone insurance policies only cover the phone if the registered SIM card (with the MSISDN number referred to in the policy) is installed in the phone at the time of the incident. If another SIM card is inside your phone the insurance won’t cover the phone for any loss, theft or damage.
PLEASE NOTE: this comparison is not intended to serve as a definitive or complete guide to getting an iPhone contract. Please consult with a representative from your chosen network to discuss the most suitable contract for you. The above figures were collected from the respective networks’ websites and from in-store pamphlets and brochures and were accurate at the time of publishing this article.
