Whoa ! 48 month device plans are now a thing with O2

[smiley]

Just browsing around at network operator deals after the release of pixels yesterday. 

I am currently with cheap Sim Only using O2, and notice they are now defaulting to a 48 month plan to pay the device off. 4 years ! 

I know support has increased to 7 years software by manufacturers, but that is such a long time to be tied into contract terms. Especially with the yearly price rise increases. 

In my humble opinion it is still far better to be able to pay outright for a phone and attach a 30 day rolling or 12 month sim only contract at a cost of £10 a month or so. 

I guess not everyone is in a position to have the funds to buy an expensive handset in one go so I guess I am lucky in that respect. 

-smiley

[smiley]

4 years

[keith30]

My O2 contract deal with my S22ultra and tab S8ultra was for 36 months two years ago so I can quite imagine having 48 month deal is probably correct now.

[smiley]

I guess prices are going up...close or over £2k a phone in some cases... so I guess if wanting to pay off some £500 each year, it was going to happen.

It just seems like such a long time to tie in.

Assuming the device doesn't look crazy scratched / damaged or broken earlier than the contract completes.

I think generally hardware is pretty good now if it is well looked after, but we all know all it takes is one bad drop and that can change quickly.

I am on S23ultra and it still is pristine. It is case covered and screen protected and I have care+... but I still suffer from 'drop anxiety' 😂

[Glenntech]

Quite often you can get 0% interest on phone purchases from the manufacturer direct.
I know Samsung did do that, but that may have changed. I know it was through Klana when I last did that.

[Piper123]

Personally I am reluctant to sign into a contract with a device at all. 2 years is a push (I buy outright these days) but I wouldn't consider 4 years.

But I can see why it might work for some so good to see the choice being offered.

[smiley]

If I can then I just take 30 day rolling sim only deals.

So good are the deals these days that £8 can get 50GB of data with most networks.

Also if the service is sub par it is possible to change really easily.

I am running two sims at the moment. A 12 month sim only with O2, which has a few poor coverage areas that I use, including home...

and I am also evaluating ID mobile through the three network... to see what their coverage is like. That is a 30day rolling and cancel anytime.

Each of these are barely worth worrying as they are so cheap each month.

Three network is looking to be an improvement around my home and work than the O2 service currently is. Therefore a PAC code switch is imminent for my normal cellular phone number at some point soon. I just need to wait until October when 12 months is up.

[JAMES4578]

I used to have contracts but   laterally have bought Devices outright,  know paying over extended period suits some but would certainly not want to be tied in for such a period.

[Alibongo54]

I buy outright from Samsung and trade it in every 2 yrs, then do a sim only with o2

[Biker74]

I do the O2 switch contract. I get a new phone every 3 months, should I choose. I am on the 48 month contract. The contract price fluctuates depending on device. I think I can reduce the contract price after 3 months aswell. If I had the money, I would buy a phone outright.