Unlocked devices and contracts

[pcman2000]

I've always wondered - why do I see so many people (especially in the US) buy phones on contract?

I've always bought my phones unlocked here in New Zealand either from local shop or parallel import from Hong Kong, and just used monthly plan (no contract).

 

Don't you end up spending more money on a phone on contract?

I can also upgrade my device whenever I wish, and I have full control to switch carriers whenever I want to.

 

Additionally, with a carrier phone you;

• Get a locked bootloader in some cases (see Verizon GS4, HTC One etc.)
• Shitty carrier branding (Verizon put their logo on the HOME BUTTON of the note 2)
• Carrier bloatware (I don't want some unremovable AT&T address book or some NFL app to come with my phone, tyvm.)
• Slower (or no) updates (My International Galaxy S2 has official android 4.1.2 since February. Some US carrier Galaxy S2s are just getting the update now)
• Don't get a included headset (I know this is very minor, however my Note 2 came with a decent headset, while all US versions don't)

I'm honestly wondering why people go on contract. If you use / don't use a contract, let me know why.

[Str_Mape]

I've often wondered the same thing I think its just that in some other countries it's a better deal to get it on a contract while here it definitely isn't.

I'm on a 2degrees 19 dollar plan.

It was a better deal than getting a nexus 4 on a plan that wouldn't get used properly.

[ttam]

I've always wondered - why do I see so many people (especially in the US) buy phones on contract?

I've always bought my phones unlocked here in New Zealand either from local shop or parallel import from Hong Kong, and just used monthly plan (no contract).

 

Don't you end up spending more money on a phone on contract?

I can also upgrade my device whenever I wish, and I have full control to switch carriers whenever I want to.

 

Additionally, with a carrier phone you;

• Get a locked bootloader in some cases (see Verizon GS4, HTC One etc.)
• Shitty carrier branding (Verizon put their logo on the HOME BUTTON of the note 2)
• Carrier bloatware (I don't want some unremovable AT&T address book or some NFL app to come with my phone, tyvm.)
• Slower (or no) updates (My International Galaxy S2 has official android 4.1.2 since February. Some US carrier Galaxy S2s are just getting the update now)
• Don't get a included headset (I know this is very minor, however my Note 2 came with a decent headset, while all US versions don't)

I'm honestly wondering why people go on contract. If you use / don't use a contract, let me know why.

 

But how much did you have to pay for your month to month phone?

Most of our carriers here offer contracts (new trend is month to month) If you choose to pick up a contract you get a huge discount on the phone. Month to month you pay price in full for the phone. We can purchase unlocked phones and use them at our free wills but you're still paying for the phone at full price. Why not save some money and get a contract since you're going to be using it for a while anyways?

 

Carrier branding really isn't an issue for me atleast. My S3 only has a logo on the back plate.

Headset? Every phone I have purchased (G1, G2X, S2, S3, Note 3) has included the basic white ear buds, car charger, a case and screen protectors. Sometimes other things like bluetooth headset, etc.

 

Here is what I mean in photos.