November 04, 2018, 11:03 AM 
It's increasingly common for phone makers to launch two or three models every year.
One shining example? Apple.
https://giphy.com/gifs/thumbs-up-apple-mac-xdHXIrM5Uz1UA
Pre-orders for the new iPhone XR started on Oct. 19.
And almost a month ago, the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max hit the shelves.
Apple is not alone in the struggle for mobile phone supremacy: Samsung launched the Galaxy S9 and S9+ in March this year, followed by the Galaxy Note 9 in August.
RIP wallet
Our reaction every time there’s a new phone launch. Source: Imgur.
If it isn’t the number of phone models that boggle the mind, the most daunting part of all this would without a doubt be their prices.
The iPhone XR retails from S$1,229, while the iPhone XS starts at $1,649. If you prefer a bigger screen, then there’s the iPhone XS Max 512GB, which retails at S$2,349.
Over at the Samsung corner, the Galaxy S9 retails at $1,198, the S9+ from S$1,348 and the Note 9’s 512GB model retails at S$1,728.
Given that flagship phones are getting increasingly higher priced, our wallets will not be able to keep up.
Enter Mobile Leasing
Unlocking possibilities in progress. Source: Giphy
Yes, this is a thing. Yes, this is available in Singapore. And yes, it is more affordable than buying a device.
Mobile leasing lets you get a brand new flagship phone at S$0 upfront, with low monthly payments, which means more savings.
Which means more holidays. We digress.
Here’s Exhibit A to prove our point.
Here’s Exhibit B to really bring home the point:
Save money → take a short trip every now and then → recharge yourself → work harder → earn more money
Why’s this a good thing?
As mentioned, we mortals of the not-so-high-SES variety simply cannot keep buying the latest models coming out every year — or indeed, multiple times a year.
But allow us to give you more reasons to believe.
- If you are a tech trendsetter, you get to use the latest flagship phones.
- And even if you’re not, and are just a regular Singaporean looking for the best deals, then mobile leasing is really more cost-efficient. Which means you spend on stuff that really matter -- such as sustenance and shelter -- and not on a thing that depreciates in value and goes out of fashion faster than you can say “50% more battery life and 100% faster”.
- It’s flexible: You can upgrade anytime after 12 months, you just need to return the phone in good working condition and pay the necessary leasing upgrade fee. If you really fancy the phone, it's yours to keep if you lease it for 30 months.
- And no more heart pain of shelling out the full price of a phone upfront.
The best part?
You can buy out the device at any point of time and it is still cheaper than the retail price of the phone.
What’s the catch?
That’s right. Source: Giphy.
If you count being a Singtel user a catch —more specifically, a Singtel SIM Only mobile user. Yes, this is only available for Singtel SIM Only users.
Also, if you decide to stop leasing the phone, you have to return it in good working condition. If you have butter fingers, there’s always MobileSwop Unlimited -- something to protect you from not just damage but also the loss of your beloved device.
What are the phone models available?
For now, only Apple and Samsung phones are available for leasing such as the iPhone XS Max (256GB) and Samsung Galaxy Note 9.
Prices don't include the cost of your SIM Only plans obvs.
Click here for more info.
Top photo via Apple.
This sponsored article allows this writer to use nice phones without selling his kidneys.
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