And at the end of those 24 months, do you own the phone? That's what's not clear to me about the AT&T Next plan. I know that if you trade up before the 24 months are up, you trade in the phone, which AT&T will then sell to another customer as a reduced-cost refurb. The resale value of the phone is a variable built into the deal.
When I got the 5s last year, I could have sold my 4s on Craig's list, but it was worth it to me to keep it as an iPod/camera/backup. The 6 is attractive enough that I've been eyeing the Next plan, but will probably keep my 5s until next year, sticking with my habit of upgrading the phone in odd years and the iPad in even years. As long as Apple sticks with their pattern of keeping the same basic design for two years at a time, there's an advantage to the "s" models -- Apple has had time to hash out bugs in the design and the cases are a lot less expensive.
On a more general note, the "here's how I buy my phone, and if you do it another way you're an idiot and don't know what you're really paying" posts are annoying. Yes, I get that there are, broadly speaking, three ways to go: Pay the full freight up front, pay monthly, or pay a down payment and sign a contract. I have looked at all three and chosen the one that makes sense for me. Your mileage may vary.
I’m pretty sure you own the phone after the contract is up, yes. It’s like an installment plan in other words. Like financing a car.
I agree the “S” model is always the perfect version of which ever iPhone model you have. It was certainly true with the iPhone 3, 4 and 5. Nevertheless, the iPhone 5 has been a terrific phone. I have zero complaints. My bet is the iPhone 6, for the most part, is a terrific phone too. I just don't have the patience to wait another year for the perfect model.
Oh and I agree with you 100% about,
“here's how I buy my phone, and if you do it another way you're an idiot and don't know what you're really paying” posts ARE EXTREMELY annoying.
Perhaps they mean well..., but you never win friends or influence people by calling them idiots. LOL! Although I DO NOT believe that is the case. They fail to understand there is not a one size fits all approach that addresses everyone.
I'm sure their way works well for some of our fellow freepers. However, it does not work well for me. For instance, when you purchase unlocked phones, then it presents it's own hosts of issues. Which some people do not mind. I get that, but I do.
I just want the dam hone to work period. I don't want to have to jump through 1000 hoops just to save a penny. To me that's a waste of time and money.
Anyway I think we are both on the same page. Thanks for the good reply. It was refreshing compared to some of the other posts. LOL!