Takealot smashes Amazon and Woolworths in tech price comparison

Takealot and Amazon.co.za are generally cheaper for tech products than Woolworths’s online tech store, but WConnect is most affordable for certain items, a MyBroadband analysis has revealed.

Woolworths recently launched an electronics section on its online store, WConnect, offering products like gaming consoles, phones, and wearables.

The company says it established the WConnect department in-store in the early 2000s, with the online store being a new addition to its platform.

“WConnect can be found in 140 physical Woolies stores and, as of November 2023, can now be shopped online too,” said Woolworths.

It lists several brands on the site, including Samsung, Huawei, Sony, Nokia, Hisense, Xiaomi, and Vivo.

“With over 100 Connect counters across the country, you can now shop Woolworths WConnect online,” it says.

“Whether you’re a multitasking mogul or capturing your moments in stunning detail, we’ve got the perfect device to match your lifestyle.”

Categories listed on the webpage include wearable technology, cellular accessories, gaming, and laptops and tablets. It also lists brand-specific smartphone deals on the main page.

The company has also opened Apple Kiosks at some of its stores, with the first sites being its Menlyn Park and Sandton City stores.

In an SMS to customers about its Apple Kiosks, Woolworths promises significant discounts for large purchases.

“Get R1,600 off when you purchase any Apple products for R10,000 or more and pay with your Woolies card in a single transaction before 30 June,” the SMS reads.

Tech price showdown

MyBroadband compared pricing for ten tech products available through WConnect, Takealot, and Amazon.co.za.

However, it should be noted that Amazon is out of stock for four of the products compared, and there is no indicative pricing.

WConnect is more affordable for three of the products compared — the PlayStation 5 Slim Digital Edition console, Apple iPhone 15 Plus 128GB, and Apple iPhone 15 Pro 128GB.

It charges R11,999 for the PlayStation 5, compared to R13,999 at Takealot. Amazon did not have an exact match in stock.

South Africans can get the iPhone 15 Plus 128GB and iPhone 15 Pro 128GB from WConnect for R21,999 and R24,999, respectively.

Amazon and Takealot charge R1,000 more for the iPhone 15 Plus, and Takealot charges R500 more for the iPhone 15 Pro.

Amazon didn’t have a 128GB iPhone 15 Pro in stock at the time of writing.

The international online retail giant was the cheapest for one product — the Xbox Series X Diablo IV Bundle — and matches Takealot’s pricing for two products.

Amazon South Africa charges R12,999 for the Xbox Series X bundle, compared to R14,099 at Takealot and R14,999 for WConnect.

It matches Takealot’s pricing for the Apple Watch Series 9 45mm with GPS and cellular, and the 3rd-generation Apple AirPods.

Takealot charges R12,899 for the Apple Watch and R3,699 for the AirPods, while WConnect charges R13,299 and R3,999, respectively.

Takealot is also the cheapest for the PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition, Xbox Series X, Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic 43mm.

The table below compares pricing for ten tech products available from WConnect, Takealot, and Amazon.