Operators are well aware that today it is not enough to add free text messages or unlimited calls to attract customers. They entice them with phone plans that include handsets or flexible MIX packages, which are intended to meet customers’ needs. Not everyone can afford to spend even PLN 4,000 at once, which is why packages with a handset remain very popular.
Some people still recommend buying a phone individually from a shop and then choosing an attractive plan for it, but this solution is available to those who have cash on hand. If, however, we are considering buying a device in installments, choosing a phone plan with a handset from an operator that uses a similar installment system may prove more advantageous. We commit to paying a small amount as part of the monthly fee and can use a latest-generation device. Before making a decision, however, it is worth comparing plan prices from different telecom operators and checking the contract term.
What to consider when choosing a phone plan with a handset
It might seem more profitable to remain a loyal customer and simply choose a different package as part of a phone plan. However, this is contradicted by the results of a survey conducted by the research company ARC Rynek i Opinia, in which the prevailing view was that new customers are treated better and can expect a more attractive offer. At the same time, respondents indicated that when extending a contract, operators often do not offer them the terms of the latest promotions. They therefore advised against accepting the first offer and recommended negotiating instead. Market research and awareness of what other operators offer are helpful here. The market is changing, so it seems logical that a contract from two years ago may no longer match the latest market offers.
However, an analysis of the offers from Poland’s most popular operators shows that new customers who want to sign a phone-plan contract with a handset must expect higher fees—after all, they receive the latest phone, which explains the cost. We know exactly what we are paying for because the invoice includes both the equipment installment and the plan fee. For example, if we choose a Samsung Galaxy S8+, we must expect a monthly plan cost starting at PLN 181.99, with a 24-month contract and an initial payment of PLN 779. This is one of the most expensive examples because it concerns the latest generation of Samsung Galaxy phones. For older models, such as the Huawei P10 Lite, the plan will cost from PLN 116 per month, with an initial payment of PLN 59. Orange also offers phones with no initial payment, and even for a symbolic one zloty.
The situation changes when we are already customers and extend our contract. In that case, the price list is more attractive: among other things, there are no initial payments, and the monthly fee may be around PLN 30 lower on average. However, the difference may concern the contract term, which can last as long as 30 months, so it is worth carefully checking and calculating every option. Offers of phone plans with handsets for existing or new customers can be compared on the Orange website: https://www.orange.pl/klienci_ind/telefony.
Phone plan with a handset – discover the benefits
A phone plan with a handset is a good option for mid-range phones. In this case, a calculation may show that it is more advantageous than buying a smartphone from a shop and purchasing a plan separately. Its main advantage, however, is convenience: after just one visit, we get a phone that we can freely check, touch and choose in the store. We do not have to visit a store, though—we can place an order online, and a courier will deliver the contract with the phone and SIM card to the specified address. Moreover, if we do not have cash available, this is a better option than taking out a bank loan; it is always preferable to sign a contract with an operator we already trust.
Many guides comparing prepaid and subscription plans have already been published, but it is worth mentioning that a phone plan with a handset primarily means peace of mind. We only need to make one payment a month to enjoy free minutes, text messages and a data package. With a prepaid phone, we often forget to top up the account, and a call may end at the least expected moment. Not to mention that the internet package in this option is unprofitable and quickly depletes the balance.
The advantages of a subscription offer also include a clear and predictable payment system. Every month, we know exactly how much we have to pay and what is included in that amount. This significantly improves financial liquidity and makes it possible to plan the household budget. There is one more issue: when, for example, we go abroad for a longer period and know that we will not use our Polish number, we can suspend the contract for three months. Although this is a paid service, in the case of a more expensive plan it may prove more economical than paying for something we do not use at all.
When choosing a phone plan with a handset, remember that we sign a contract for at least 24 months—the average length of a smartphone manufacturer’s warranty. If the equipment is damaged, the operator assumes responsibility for delivering the smartphone to a service center and has two weeks to do so from the moment the damaged phone is handed over.
Every decision concerning our finances should be carefully considered. When choosing a phone plan with a handset, we should not rely solely on an advertisement we have seen online or on television. There are many offers from different telecom operators on the market, so it is worth remembering to check the terms carefully. A contract with an operator is signed for a longer period, so we should be certain that we have made the best decision.