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Saturday, September 27, 2008

What is the cost for a iPhone 3G buyer? (minimal $1855 for two years)

Today, according to AP, Appled will offer unlocked iPhone 3G in HongKong market. iPhone 3G with 8 Gigabytes costs $695 and iPhone 3G with 16 Gigabytes costs $798.

In US, iPhone 3G with 8G is worth $199 and iPhone 3G is worth $299. But two-year contract is required. With cheapest voice plan ($39 for 450 minutes) and $30 data plan, it will cost a buyer $1855 in 2 years for an iPhone 3G with 8G. If you want SMS ( $5 for 200), additional $120. The early termination fee is $150~$175.

It is reported that AT&T pays $200 subsidy to Apple for each iPhone. Thus iPhone 3G with 8G should be sold by Apple for $399 for unlocked phone? But in Hongkong it is sold for $695, $296 difference! Actually you may make money as follows. 1) buy an iPhone from at&t and sign a two-year contract in US, 2) early terminate it and sold it to HongKong (unlocked iPhone is also available at black market with a cheaper price.)

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