[CyberFreak]

Do you typically buy your mobile/cell phone outright (high initial cost) or do you typically get it on a contract (low initial cost but higher cost per month)?

Personally I tend to buy my phones and just have a cheap Sim only deal so while it costs alot to buy the phone, every month I only have to pay £10 rather than £40+ monthly which I would have to pay if I got my iPhone on a contract.

[nela13]

I usually buy my phone because, just like you, I prefer lower month expenses. Fortunally my last phone, iPhone, my husband gave it to me

[WorkAtHomeGal]

Well up until 2012 I always bought a cheap phone that was a flip phone with just a calling plan no extras. 2012 I decided to get my first smart phone and I did the contract because well I didn't have the money to buy it outright. I don't mind the contracts as long as I know I can pay but having a lower bill is nice too.

[iamshane487]

I just buy a phone but it's been three years I have not bought a new phone. For me, it's not important. My phone now older. Maybe I will only buy if it is wrecked.

[oldbuddy]

I must admit that for many years I was under the spell cast by the big providers and paid every month for what I thought was the best deal, until another bit provider came along with a better one (so I thought), until I finally realized I was being exploited. Then I found a service where I only pay for what I use and my total monthly cost for talk, text and data for two phones (My wife and I both) average less than $25 a month. They showed me the Motorola Moto G (3rd gen) that is the Giant Killer of a smartphone and I bought one for less than $200. Then as if $15 a month each (over three years) was not enough, every time I find another exploited victim that I can educate enough to recognize what he has been paying and they make the switch, we each get a $25 bonus and the final cost is actually affordable. That's what I call a No-Brainer.

[morgoodie]

I have to say that I get my phones on contract. I like the company I am with and have never had any problem with their service. I have known other people that will get their phones without contract or through cheap wireless providers and they usually have all types of problems either with their phone or the service. They get dropped calls or they are limited on the areas that they receive a signal. I do not want to go through that so I will probably stick to what I have and am used to .

[oldbuddy]

I have to say that I get my phones on contract. I like the company I am with and have never had any problem with their service. I have known other people that will get their phones without contract or through cheap wireless providers and they usually have all types of problems either with their phone or the service. They get dropped calls or they are limited on the areas that they receive a signal. I do not want to go through that so I will probably stick to what I have and am used to .

That is your choice. Some people drive Mercedes and some drive Volkswagens to save the money. for other things. My cheap service uses the same towers T-Mobile does and I have never had a dropped call yet, but even Verizon has dead spots.

[Sam]

I've purchased all my phones outright. I have never owned an iPhone or $1000+ NZD phone though (gone with mid-range Android phone such as the Galaxy Mini, Huawei Ascend P6 and my latest phone the OnePlus X). I would definitely consider a plan to spread out payments and get access to more data. It would be ~$90NZD / month for the latest iPhone (24 month contract) and for an extra $10-$20 you can be upgraded to the latest phone every 12 months.

[kataomoi]

Back in America, I bought a phone and then just used a prepaid SIM card. In Japan though, you can't do that because their cards are locked and you need to buy a phone from a network provider to use the SIMs. So I have a contracted phone now. It's really expensive each month and I'm thinking of cancelling it because it's not worth the money.

[chikitta]

I can't remember the last time i bought myself a phone because my boyfriend has always surprised me with a new phone whenever i complain that my phone is not working well how fortunate.

[Angie10]

The rates here are ridiculously expensive, like everything else. So I do the same thing and just get myself a phone and top up every month. I find that I can manage my spending much better this way and do very well out of it.

[vathsala]

I do not like anything for contact especially phones. So my son gifted two phones to me . I am enjoying both my phones by sending videos, chats, calls and photos.

[suny]

I have bought more than 15 phones so far but yet to buy any one on contract or on installments. In fact, I have never bought anything for which I have to pay later apart from my house that I paid in 6 six monthly (3 years) installments.

[yairhaim]

I buying my phone.
I hate this contarts... You are always pay more.

[philo]

I never bought a phone on contract basis but now planning to buy one.I am not rich enough to pay full money in a single stretch better spend in installments.

[nakitakona]

I have several mobile phones for 2-year contract. I have not counted the money I have paid monthly. Usually I got phone on contract without a penny for cash out.

[oldbuddy]

I have several mobile phones for 2-year contract. I have not counted the money I have paid monthly. Usually I got phone on contract without a penny for cash out.

I bet the phone services love you!

[Fullmoon]

I have had a contract for several years with Three. They are a great comany, I have recently got an upgrade on my phone for a brand new phone (I am entitled to a new phone every 2 or 3 years) Currently I am paying £13 a month.