If you’re looking to buy one of Apple’s latest iPhones, you’ve no doubt done a little research and discovered that their off-contract prices are pretty high. It’s also reasonable to say that, at the price these devices demand, you’ve probably thought about paying for one with your credit card. This is where Reliance GSM’s offer might pique your interest. The network is offering both the iPhone 5C and the iPhone 5S on 24-month EMI contracts, which includes “free” wireless service for the length of the loan. The question is, how good a deal is it and is it cost-effective?
The Cost
The iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S cost different prices from Reliance and so do their different storage options. The iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S, in their 16GB options, cost 2,599 RS and 2,999 RS a month, respectively. Both phones need no down payment. The 32GB options of each phone cost exactly the same a month but with 11,600 RS and 10,662 RS down payments for the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S, respectively. If 32GB of storage isn’t enough for you, then you can pay 2,999 RS a month and a down payment of 19,992 RS for the iPhone 5S 64GB model.
With this EMI offering, whichever iPhone you choose will cost you 62,000 RS and up. This means you’ll need that amount of credit on your card, and it’ll be frozen until you pay it off. This is very much something you need to consider, especially as there are better deals out there on the phone outright. The cost of the wireless service is actually worked out into how much money Reliance will earn from the scheme so you definitely think about that as well.
As for the Reliance network, it’s not available throughout all of India and the “unlimited” amount of text messages you get is capped at just 3,000. 3G coverage isn’t great, either. On the other hand, if Reliance works for you in your area and you’re unlikely to travel much, their network shouldn’t be an issue.
The Phones
Both the iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S are similar, but the iPhone 5C allows you to buy the iPhone in a variety of different colors. Based on last year’s iPhone 5, it features a 4-inch 1136 x 640, an 8-megapixel camera, the A6 processor from Apple and, of course, iOS7. Meanwhile, the iPhone 5S shares many features with the iPhone 5C but has the same sort of high-grade aluminum build we’re used to and has a much faster processor. The Apple A7 CPU is the first 64-bit ARM chip to hit the market and in reviews, it really shows. There’s also the fingerprint sensor on the home button that adds extra security and a new way to unlock your phone.
Whichever iPhone you get, whether you’re a works’ comp attorney using it for business or simply a recreational phone user for games and other apps, it’s sure to deliver a great experience. With iOS 7 running on both of them, you’ll be able to enjoy the very best of Apple.
