Best Place to Buy iPhone

Spencer_Li

Hi guys,

I'm guessing this has been asked numerous times before, but can't find anything in the search.

I'm looking at getting an iPhone 4S handset.

Will be out of contract soon with O2 and thinking of getting the iPhone and signing up with Giff Gaff.

Where is the best place to get the iPhone?

I think I've read that the best place is direct from Apple for ~£500.

Is it worth looking for a "buy it now" deal on eBay? We did this for one of our BlackBerries and never had any problems.

Thanks for your help.

grumbler

Spencer_Li wrote: »

...Where is the best place to get the iPhone?

I think I've read that the best place is direct from Apple for ~£500.

For a sim-free phone it's the best place. Check tcb/quidco for some cashback.

If you use a big amount of airtime a contract may be a cheaper option.

Is it worth looking for a "buy it now" deal on eBay? We did this for one of our BlackBerries and never had any problems.

There is no a definite answer to this question. Opinions and experiences vary: Buying a mobile phone off ebay - What do I need to know ?

Spencer_Li

grumbler wrote: »

For a sim-free phone it's the best place. Check tcb/quidco for some cashback.

If you use a big amount of airtime a contract may be a cheaper option.

There is no a definite answer to this question. Opinions and experiences vary: Buying a mobile phone off ebay - What do I need to know ?

Thanks Grumbler.

It's actually going to be present to my fianc!e for putting up with me over my stressfull exam period, so think I'll get it from Apple. If anything were to wrong with it, it will be easier to sort it out with them.

NFH

Spencer_Li wrote: »

If anything were to wrong with it, it will be easier to sort it out with them.

True, as the supplier and manufacturer are the same. Therefore any repairs under the warranty will not impact your statutory rights against the supplier, as they would be carried out by the supplier.

alisont

Sounds like you want it sim free and non contract and the iPhone 4s but I've just got the iPhone 4 via phones 4u on a 12 month contract no up front handset fee and unlimited texts, 500mb data, 300 mins. £36 a month but £50 cash back via quidco - I went in store and they honoured it. So If you take that off its £382 over 12 months that's about £31 a month.
Ignore this If it's the 4s you want but I was happy with the 4 and mainly the 12 month contract.
I've just checked and it's still available online.

neil40

You can save on ebay but just be careful who you buy from.I got my iphone 4 from ebay & have had no problems.

MattLFC

Have you tried CEX? Usually I wouldn't say buy a phone second-hand, but they include a 12 month warranty, and of course if you have phone insurance with you bank account for example, the age doesn't matter. Be very careful buying one from ebay or an independent seller (a little phoneshop for example), they often get barred within a few weeks of buying them.

Also consider giving your network a ring and telling them you've broken your existing phone; they may be in a position to offer you a refurbed handset for a discounted price, without even having to take a new contract.

baby_frogmella

I'd seriously consider ebay provided:

a) The seller has 100% positive feedback - ANYTHING LESS, STAY AWAY!
b) the phone is still sealed and comes in original box, therefore the apple warranty begins the moment the phone is activated via itunes
c) you try to go for a LOCKED version - they are cheaper. Then ask a friend or relative who is on that partcular network to get it unlocked (sometimes free) eg free for those on Vodafone contracts

Here's one for £395, a saving of over 25%:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Apple-iPhone-4S-Latest-Model-16GB-Black-Vodafone-Smartphone-/170852020381?pt=UK_Mobile_Phones&hash=item27c792f09d#ht_500wt_1156

Of course even following the above advice could mean being defrauded but chances are very slim. For example 6 months ago, i bought a brand new iphone 4 for only £310 on ebay for a relative - sealed and locked to Vodafone who unlocked it a few days later for free.

Spencer_Li

Thank you everyone for your replies.

I actually went with what was originally suggested and went with Apple and Quidco. Mainly because it's for a present, so if there are any queries she can sort it out herself.

Will probably look at getting a new phone for myself soon, so might go down the eBay route.

darude

alisont wrote: »

Sounds like you want it sim free and non contract and the iPhone 4s but I've just got the iPhone 4 via phones 4u on a 12 month contract no up front handset fee and unlimited texts, 500mb data, 300 mins. £36 a month but £50 cash back via quidco - I went in store and they honoured it. So If you take that off its £382 over 12 months that's about £31 a month.
Ignore this If it's the 4s you want but I was happy with the 4 and mainly the 12 month contract.
I've just checked and it's still available online.

Fantastic, followed your advice but went through topcashback instead. :money::money:

alisont

darude wrote: »

Fantastic, followed your advice but went through topcashback instead. :money::money:

I'm glad I could help with advice - it was such a good deal for me as I didn't want a 24 month contract - 12 month is just right then I'll move to a cheaper sim only deal. I was going to buy a phone from Apple but saw this and decided it was a fab.

Glad you got the deal - this is the best phone I've ever had!