Apple Store v Giff Gaff

steve7

Are there any differences between an iPhone 6 purchased in an Apple Store and an iPhone 6 purchased from Giff Gaff?

I.E. Does the Giff Gaff phone have branding, as it is unlocked does it have the same freedom to move networks as a phone from the Apple Store, etc?

Thanks
Steve

wiogs

No branding and phones from giffgaff are sold unlocked.

StuC75

The phone may well be sold unlocked, but phones that are not sold by apple may have a habit of locking to the first network that they are used on.

People have commented on this with Carphonewarehouse sourced phones and I also recall a thread on here not so long ago regarding Tesco mobile handsets...

Iphones don't suffer from os Branding that happens with other networks, it tends to be a 'stock' os, unless its been a business handset where functionality can be 'changed',..

steve7

Thanks - I would prefer to buy from Apple directly, but Giff Gaff give the option of paying monthly (with interest) rather than outright.

grumbler

steve7 wrote: »

Thanks - I would prefer to buy from Apple directly, but Giff Gaff give the option of paying monthly (with interest) rather than outright.

What about Apple Finance?

The main and a very important difference is the warranty:

• pathetic 'limited' 1 year from any retailer, including Giffgaff
• + extra 1 year (informal) if bought directly from Apple.

d123

StuC75 wrote: »

The phone may well be sold unlocked, but phones that are not sold by apple may have a habit of locking to the first network that they are used on.

People have commented on this with Carphonewarehouse sourced phones and I also recall a thread on here not so long ago regarding Tesco mobile handsets...

This only applies to CPW stock, an iPhone from Giffgaff (or any other network that will supply it unlocked, like direct from Three) are unlocked forever.

Collabora

GIFF GAFF iPhones will not lock to a single network. I have an iPhone 5c from GIFFGAFF and use it with a few networks

Handsome90

As someone mentioned, you can also use Apple Finance. My brother bought an iPhone 6 and used Apple finance. He got 0% interest free credit for 12 months.

joeluken

steve7 wrote: »

Are there any differences between an iPhone 6 purchased in an Apple Store and an iPhone 6 purchased from Giff Gaff?

I.E. Does the Giff Gaff phone have branding, as it is unlocked does it have the same freedom to move networks as a phone from the Apple Store, etc?

Thanks
Steve

A big difference is the early stage after sales support and I don't mean swapping for warratny units. There are horror stories about the level of support giffgaff offers and you can't speak to anyone. I would always buy direct from Apple online due to the level of customer service.