Phone options?

[ScottyB]

So my current phone I have had for almost 10 years is becoming a problem as  the android system cannot be upgraded and is very old now which stops me from downloading a lot of new apps and such.  Long story short, I need a new phone.  From what I gather, public mobile doesn't offer new phones.  So does this mean if I cant afford to buy a new phone outright that I have to change to a provider that does offer new phones and packages?  I mean I like how inexpensive PM is, but if I cant get a new phone through them, then I dont see an alternative to ending my time with them and having to go through someone else.

[ScottyB]

@RosieR 

Thnxs Rosie, take care 😄

[RosieR]

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@ScottyB wrote:

Actually, I was just at Best Buy today and I can get a Samsung A51 for $10 extra a month through Koodo and the same $35 plan I have now.  They also give me a $350 gift card so that right there pays for the phone.  So thnxs everyone for the great suggestions but I will be having to move on from PM as I get a new phone for nothing, actually its like they are paying me $10 to take a new phone and get the same plan.  So thanxs again PM, its been fun but I sadlt have to move on 😄

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Well @ScottyB it sounds like you did the right thing.  If you are happy with your choice, then we are happy for you.  

Best wishes

RosieR

[darlicious]

@ScottyB 

Well its not exactly free....but if you stay for the length of your contract and fully pay off your "tab" then its free.....financing essentially.  The koodo retail price for 64GB A51 phone is $540. Koodo gives you a $300 tab bonus. $540-$300=$240 ($10×24 months=$10 p/m+tax)+$31.20=$271.20 $271.20-$250 (best buy gift card) =$21.20 cost to you.

However if you do not fufill your obligations under the tab and are required to pay for your device outright you will be on the hook for the following:

$300+$240(or the remaining balance)=$540+tax(13%)$70.20=$610.20+$250 (gift card) =$860.20

The current amazon.ca price including taxes for the 64GB A51 $348÷24=$14 p/m -($3×12+$4×12) =$84 in rewards over 24 months means if you bought the phone outright and stayed with pm you would pay $0.50 extra per month to finance your own phone outright and you are not beholden to a provider for the next 24 months. 

I could not find a $35/2.5gb plan available under the tabs offered by koodo.

[ScottyB]

Sorry typo, that was a $250 gift card 😛

[ScottyB]

Actually, I was just at Best Buy today and I can get a Samsung A51 for $10 extra a month through Koodo and the same $35 plan I have now.  They also give me a $350 gift card so that right there pays for the phone.  So thnxs everyone for the great suggestions but I will be having to move on from PM as I get a new phone for nothing, actually its like they are paying me $10 to take a new phone and get the same plan.  So thanxs again PM, its been fun but I sadlt have to move on 😄

[Camera4617]

It all depends what kind of phone you want. Before moving to anywhere, I'd put all on paper (how much you are paying now, how much you'll be paying with new provider and for how long). There were already suggested some decent options and if you go anywhere, you'll probably be paying at least ~50$ per month for cheapest phone. Not sure what plan you are on right now, but I'm sure it will be significant increase. 

One way to buy a phone with Public Mobile, is to start 'saving' money that you would spend somewhere else, for phone. For example, on Fido I was paying 50$ per month (2 lines), and for last year I'm on 15$ plan here at Public Mobile. So, I'm saving 75$ per month for using PM and I'm putting that into 'new phone' account. So, in a year I have saved enough for pretty decent new phone (iPhone). 

[HALIMACS]

A50

[softech]

@HALIMACS   A51?

[HALIMACS]

Mid-grade Samsung.  64 GB.  It's been a fantastic, reliable device thus far.

[darlicious]

@HALIMACS 

That was a pretty good deal....mind if I as what phone model you have?

[HALIMACS]

@darlicious 

$25 + $10 device.   (the device charge was already more than covered with the original gift card at location I frequent)

Plus, did referral with other household member so additional savings there

[BKNS27]

@ScottyB 

As of July of 2021, any Android phones operating on Android 7.1 or older will not encrypted most websites.

https://www.androidpolice.com/2020/11/07/many-websites-will-stop-working-on-older-android-versions-i... 

It is a get time to get an unlocked phone.
I have a couple of suggestions:

Motorola Moto G Fast is on sale at Costco online for $159.99 (with $50 discount).

Motorola Moto Z3, Z and Z3 Play (all 32GB) is on sale at Visions Electronics for $198 (discounted $102, $302 and $142 respectively).

Samsung A11 are $209 (MSRP) at Staples and Visions Electronic.

[darlicious]

@HALIMACS 

Yes but how much do you pay for your plan and "free" phone every month?

@ScottyB 

I bought a new phone ( moto g7+) for $180 cdn on sale from B&H for less than half price. If it was spread out over 24 months of a contract it would add $7.50+ my $0 bill from pm. It may seem like a lot upfront but really it isnt. The money you save by sticking with pm will easily pay for a new phone in six months. If you don't have credit but a steady income source using a service like paybright in four payments ( don't do more thats where they get you!) helps spread out the cost.

[JK8]

@ScottyB 

Check you local Costco out. At my local Costco, the following are on sale until tomorrow. If you don’t like it you have 90 days to return for a full refund.

Moto G Power $239

Moto G Fast $139

[HALIMACS]

Good point, @Dunkman 

I'm still 'tied' to a 2nd tier plan until my 2-year 'repayment' is clear - about 8 months to go!!!

The device I received (a $425 'value' at the time) was completely FREE when device credits and a $250 gift card was added in.   No connection charges, no SIM charges, + 1000 minutes monthly to Australia to call all my Aussie buddies.   LOL  

I highly doubt many places offer similar such phone deals with plans now so you're correct in that one has to carefully weigh the mid-upper tier phone + plans deals  vs.   buying a phone outright and staying with PM.

[Dunkman]

@ScottyB 

You are correct.  Public mobile does not sell new phones, just used certified phones.

Other mobile companies do offer new phones with monthly payment plans. If you do the calculations, many times, you will be paying more for the plan and phone over the two year period.  

It is usually cheaper overall to buy a phone outright and pay for the lower priced plans with Public mobile.  You will need to do your own calculations to figure out which is the best plan/phone for you.  

[HALIMACS]

@ScottyB 

Check out the used phone selection from Public Mobile by selecting Shop on top of page, then scroll down to Phones.

If there's nothing at the price point you feel is appropriate, try Best Buy or other similar shops for good prices on fairly good phones.

( @esjliv , ya beat me to the "Post" button on that one...)

[esjliv]

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@ScottyB wrote:

So my current phone I have had for almost 10 years is becoming a problem as  the android system cannot be upgraded and is very old now which stops me from downloading a lot of new apps and such.  Long story short, I need a new phone.  From what I gather, public mobile doesn't offer new phones.  So does this mean if I cant afford to buy a new phone outright that I have to change to a provider that does offer new phones and packages?  I mean I like how inexpensive PM is, but if I cant get a new phone through them, then I dont see an alternative to ending my time with them and having to go through someone else.

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@ScottyB PM does offer used phones:

https://www.publicmobile.ca/en/sk/phone-section

Sales are happening on some phones.

Check out Bestbuy.

@www.walmart.ca

Samsung models:

A21S  $244 

A20S  $225

A10S  $184

[Anonymous]

 @ScottyB : Most phones can be bought outright at one place or another. Interestingly, my local London Drugs won't other than their "prepaid" ones. Another not far away will. Go figure. Shop around and ask. You'll pay a lot. But it's new.