Tag Archives: Mobile devices

AT&T, AT&T Business, Cell Phone Tips and Tricks, Smart Phones, Verizon Wireless, Wireless Plans

Why Choosing a 2-Year Contract Might Be More Economical Than Installment Plans

What Are 2-Year Contracts and Installment Plans?

Choosing the right payment plan for your mobile devices can be tricky. While many opt for installment plans for their flexibility, 2-year contracts can sometimes offer significant cost savings. Let’s dive into some real-world examples to see when a 2-year contract might be the better deal.

Cost Comparisons for Tablets and Hotspots

Image displaying a modern tablet and a portable mobile hotspot side by side on a white background. The tablet shows a large, clear screen with minimal bezels, and the hotspot is compact with visible status lights, indicating active connectivity. This setup exemplifies essential mobile technology tools for on-the-go internet access
  • Tablet: Cost $249.99 or available on a 2-year for $0.99.
  • Mobile Hotspot: Cost $199.99 or available on a 2-year for $0.99.

For these devices, the total plan cost remains the same whether you opt for a 2-year contract or choose monthly installments, providing a straightforward choice without hidden fees.

For devices like tablets, iPads, or hotspots, a 2-year contract at $0.99 often provides far greater savings compared to paying $249.99 or $199.99 in monthly installments.

Cost Comparison for iPhone 16: 2-Year Contract vs Installments

  • Device: iPhone 16 128GB
  • Price: $199.99
  • Location: Tampa, Florida (Assuming no trade-in credits)
An array of iPhone 16 models in various colors lined up side by side. From left to right, the colors are black, white, pink, green, and blue. Each phone features a prominent camera setup and a sleek design, highlighted against a light background.

2-Year Contract Costs for iPhone 16 128GB:

Device Cost: $199.99

The iPhone 16 128GB is on promo for $99.99 currently contact me.

  • Sales Tax (7%): $213.99 upfront
  • Monthly Plan Surcharge: Additional $25 per month on the “Unlimited Your Way” plan over 24 months.
  • Total Cost Over 24 Months: $600 (plan surcharge) + $213.99 = $813.99

Installment Plan Costs for iPhone 16 128GB:

Upfront Tax on Retail Price ($829.99): 7% tax equals $58.10.

  • Monthly Payments: $34.58 for 24 months under the installment plan.
  • Total Cost Including Tax: $829.99 + $58.10 = $888.09

Early Termination and Cancellation Fees Explained

Early Termination and Cancellation Fees: When it comes to cancelling your service, the financial implications differ significantly between the two options:

  • On Monthly Installments: If service is cancelled, the remaining balance must be paid. For example, cancelling a 24-month plan at month 12 would result in owing $415.
  • Early Termination Fee (ETF) for 2-Year Contracts:
    • Smartphones: $325 minus $10 for each month completed. For a one-year completion, ETF would be $120.
    • Other Devices (Tablets, Basic Phones, etc.): $150 minus $4 for each completed month.

Which Payment Option Is Best for You?

Choosing between a 2-year contract and an installment plan depends on your priorities. If you’re looking to minimize upfront costs or save on low-cost devices, a 2-year contract may be the better option. For those who value flexibility or are taking advantage of promotions, installment plans might be the way to go. As your mobile wiseguy, I’m here to help you analyze your business needs and recommend the best payment plan to save money and stay connected. Contact me today for personalized advice!

Cell Phone Tips and Tricks, Mobile Devices, Mobile Wiseguy, Smart Phones

Ways to back up your phone

Here are some ways to back up your Android phone: 

Android You can back up your Android phone to Google Drive using the built-in backup feature: 

Open your phone’s Settings app  Tap Google  Tap Backup  If this is your first time, follow the on-screen instructions to turn on backup  Tap Back up now  Select the data you want to back up, such as photos, videos, device data, or both 

Backup an Apple iPhone

Here are some ways to back up your iPhone:
iCloud: Back up your iPhone to iCloud automatically or manually:
Connect to Wi-Fi
Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
Turn on Backup This iPhone
To back up manually, tap Back Up Now
To enable automatic backups, make sure the switch is toggled on

iCloud backups include most of your device’s information and settings, but not everything. For example, iCloud backups don’t include data already synced to iCloud, photos if you use iCloud Photos, or messages if you sync messages with iCloud.

Under iCloud settings view all to make sure all content you want backed up is selected. I see some people forget to backup message and they lose their texts if not on.

Computer: Use Finder or iTunes to back up your iPhone to your computer:
Open Finder and look for your iPhone in the left-hand menu
Select the General tab and look for the Backups category
Select Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac
Encrypt your backup for increased security
Click Back Up Now to start the backup
To restore your backup, go to the same page and click on Restore Backup

AT&T, Wireless Plans

AT&T Next Up Anytime vs. 24-Month Installment

Advantages of a 24-Month Installment

No Additional Fee: You don’t pay the extra $10 per month for the Next Up Anytime feature.

Potential for Early Upgrade: Some carriers offer early upgrade options without additional fees, such as after half of the installment plan is paid off.

No Contractual Obligation: You’re not tied to a specific contract for the entire 24 months. You can pay off the balance early and upgrade whenever you want and take advantage of any current promotions.

Advantages of Next Up Anytime

Flexibility: You can upgrade up to three times per year, offering more flexibility for those who want the latest devices frequently.

Waived Remaining Balance: AT&T covers the remaining balance on your installment plan when you upgrade.

Potential for Promotional Offers: You may be eligible for promotional offers that can offset the cost of your new device.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Ultimately, the best option depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you frequently upgrade your phone and value the flexibility and convenience of Next Up Anytime, it might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re comfortable upgrading every few years and prefer paying off your full installment, the traditional 24-month plan may suit you better.