Now a good time to get an iphone 4?

Lilacblue

Hi everyone

I currently have a mobile with Orange pay-as-you-go, and would like to swap to an iphone on contract.

Now, I am not at all clued-up on mobile phones (in fact I am rather clueless), but I've played around with my friend's iphone and think it would be a really great phone for me. There seem to be good deals around at about £35 (although the technical specs etc don't mean much to me) and I have £30 in my existing 'orange phone fund' -which I hope I can add in to paying toward the cost.

Staying with orange would be convenient rather than swapping provider as I live in a village with dodgy coverage and I know orange is ok here.

My question is this - the iphone 5 is imminent, and although I am not bothered about holding out for one of them, what is this likely to do to iphone 4 prices? Will the iphone 4 still be available anyway?
Should I hang on?

Any advice would be much appreciated. I think I've worked out how many free texts/calls etc are relevant to me, it's just the question of timing really (if indeed there is one).

Thanks so much! x

swimsink

iPhone four prices will lower towards current iPhone 3GS prices, definitely worth the wait when rumoured release is next month!

chillsky

Hello,

Iphone4 (should) be availble after v5 is released. I think new iphone will be out end sept october time. The v3.5 iphone is still available so its this phone I would expect to be less featured by carriers.

If you time it right which is what im hoping to do you should be able to get an iphone4 free on a 18 month contract. Currently you can get free iphone4 on a 24 month contract. These are 35month rates.

Im looking at getting an iphone4 post iphone5 launch on a 12month contract at 35 a month with the intention of selling the phone after 11 months and upgrading for to v5.

Unlike alot of other phone the iphones seem to hold their resale value allot better, eg iphone2g which is the oldest sells for around £100 still.

VfM4meplse

I am told that Apple products are much cheaper in the US, and still compatible with UK systems - eg iPAD is supposed to be $200 cheaper. So if you have a friend travelling in that direction, and know what you want, that may be a better option.

chillsky

The iphone in the USA has two varients due to their two network mobile systems I think so I would be wary.
Plus postage and possible import tax would negate most saving.

Lilacblue

Hi folks

Thanks so much for your replies...it's really helpful.

My current phone is playing up and I think is on it's last legs, which is why I was soooo tempted to just get an iphone today. Also, if I am honest I can't wait to play with it. I am of the generation that thought black and white portable tellies and atari space-invaders were state of the art, so giving me an iphone is like having ten Christmases come all at once.

Not very 'money-saving' (sorry Martin :money: )..but I do want my shiny new toy!

Thanks again. x

BenJonno

The iPhone prices will drop when the iPhone 5 is released for definatly

AmongTheLiving

Lilacblue wrote: »

I am of the generation that thought black and white portable tellies and atari space-invaders were state of the art, so giving me an iphone is like having ten Christmases come all at once.

Hahaha, I can definitely relate to that! :laugh: I'm quite the anti-Apple guy, but when the first iPhone was announced I was like "OK, this is AMAZING. This is going to change everything!".

I still would go for a top-end Android phone over an iPhone any day, though

gjchester

BenJonno wrote: »

The iPhone prices will drop when the iPhone 5 is released for definatly

Yes and no.

Historically Apple don't drop pprices, they retire a product and replace it. When the 4 came out the 3G ceased to be available in 16 and 32 GB forms and only was available in 8GB. When the 3GS was released the 3G became a 8GB only model for sale, the 16/32 GB models were withdrawn.

I've no inside information but I suspect they'll do the same. The 16/32GB iPhone 4 will be removed from sale and a new one appear, possibly 8GB or if the iPhone 5 comes as 32/64GB then maybe 16gb.

The price may drop but so will the spec.

WestonDave

There are reports around of an Iphone 4S which is a 8GB cut down version which will launch alongside the version 5 - apparently already coming off the production lines.