Best cheapest iPhone?

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Also check out Carbonite and places. A lot of people get a new phone on contract and want to turn it into cash (a bad idea, i know) but you can sometimes still get one sealed for much less.

Last option is to import from the US, not as viable with "stock" Apple stuff like entry-level Macbooks but with the niche ones, or the higher-end devices you can save even with insurance+DHL.
 
neoprema said:
Also check out Carbonite and places. A lot of people get a new phone on contract and want to turn it into cash (a bad idea, i know) but you can sometimes still get one sealed for much less.

Last option is to import from the US, not as viable with "stock" Apple stuff like entry-level Macbooks but with the niche ones, or the higher-end devices you can save even with insurance+DHL.
Click to expand...
Sorry just to add..
I've heard, but never confirmed a rumour - that if a person defaults on their contract and doesn't give the device back (they can't cause they sold it), the network may blacklist its IMEI since the asset was actually owned by the network operator not the person.

I don't know if that's just urban legends though but yeah. Something to keep in mind for any make of device if you're buying it and its linked to an active contract.
 
neoprema said:
Also check out Carbonite and places. A lot of people get a new phone on contract and want to turn it into cash (a bad idea, i know) but you can sometimes still get one sealed for much less.

Last option is to import from the US, not as viable with "stock" Apple stuff like entry-level Macbooks but with the niche ones, or the higher-end devices you can save even with insurance+DHL.
Click to expand...
I wouldn't recommend importing if you need a battery replacement or repair as they need to ship the device to the origin country to do it (moronic I know) and I've heard horror stories of lost or damaged packages :/
 
Crumbl0x said:
I wouldn't recommend importing if you need a battery replacement or repair as they need to ship the device to the origin country to do it (moronic I know) and I've heard horror stories of lost or damaged packages :/
Click to expand...
If you need to warranty repair yes, it can be a problem. Although technically Core Group is supposed to honour Apple's international warranty here. But as we all know they're a bunch of crooks and will find every excuse to con you.

I've imported about 3 of my iPhones, and around 6 Macbook's over the years (also some Dell and HPs) and have never needed to send one back.

In fact ironically, the one iPhone I did have to get repaired was an MTN contract one from South Africa and I was in the US for work and it broke and i went to the Apple Store and that was the first time i realised the contract between here and there.

No red-tape and excuses and nonsense like iStore South Africa shops - they took the phone, i told them whats wrong. She said oh dear, this can't be repaired in time for your stay in the US, can we give you a not-for-resale swap-out device instead? i walked out with another working device in 30mins and someone in my family is still using it many years later.

At least 3 times i've walked into an Apple store in the US as a foreigner - told them i'm a foreigner and my device is not from the US (once above, the other 2 times I broke it myself, don't ask..) and every time they made me feel like i had purchased it from them and were super glad to assist.

I come back home and walk into an iStore and its such a disaster or incompetence and crooked dealings to try avoid fixing anything that I just have to stare in amazement.
 
neoprema said:
If you need to warranty repair yes, it can be a problem. Although technically Core Group is supposed to honour Apple's international warranty here. But as we all know they're a bunch of crooks and will find every excuse to con you.

I've imported about 3 of my iPhones, and around 6 Macbook's over the years (also some Dell and HPs) and have never needed to send one back.

In fact ironically, the one iPhone I did have to get repaired was an MTN contract one from South Africa and I was in the US for work and it broke and i went to the Apple Store and that was the first time i realised the contract between here and there.

No red-tape and excuses and nonsense like iStore South Africa shops - they took the phone, i told them whats wrong. She said oh dear, this can't be repaired in time for your stay in the US, can we give you a not-for-resale swap-out device instead? i walked out with another working device in 30mins and someone in my family is still using it many years later.

At least 3 times i've walked into an Apple store in the US as a foreigner - told them i'm a foreigner and my device is not from the US (once above, the other 2 times I broke it myself, don't ask..) and every time they made me feel like i had purchased it from them and were super glad to assist.

I come back home and walk into an iStore and its such a disaster or incompetence and crooked dealings to try avoid fixing anything that I just have to stare in amazement.
Click to expand...
Oh I see! That makes more sense now actually lol, thank you for telling me :)
 
neoprema said:
I've heard, but never confirmed a rumour - that if a person defaults on their contract and doesn't give the device back (they can't cause they sold it), the network may blacklist its IMEI since the asset was actually owned by the network operator not the person.
Click to expand...
It's true .

When I was 20 my father took out a contract in his name. He passed away a year later and Vodacom asked me to drop off the phone. I didn't and - well - they blacklisted the IMEI :(
 
neoprema said:
Sorry just to add..
I've heard, but never confirmed a rumour - that if a person defaults on their contract and doesn't give the device back (they can't cause they sold it), the network may blacklist its IMEI since the asset was actually owned by the network operator not the person.

I don't know if that's just urban legends though but yeah. Something to keep in mind for any make of device if you're buying it and its linked to an active contract.
Click to expand...
Definitely true.

You take a big risk if buying a phone that is linked to a contract.

People who sell it often do not realize it is against the terms and conditions of the contract.
 
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