So, what’s your take on the new 3G iPhone?

When I blogged about the new 3G iPhone, I didn’t look into the data plans and other stuff related to it. I blogged about its features, its cool apps, and of course, its discounted price. Apparently, not everyone is happy about that.

Both the New York Times and CNN have stories regarding the 3G iPhone and while the former says that it’s a step backward for the consumers, the latter says that it’s not so cheap after all. The bottom line of both stories - though the new iPhone looks cheaper, it’s actually more expensive than the old one as it has more hidden costs. Let me explain.

Though the prices for the 8GB and 16GB 3G iPhones have been slashed, AT&T will actually pay way more than what it will charge its customers. It means, it has to recover its costs in some other way. So, the rate of the data plans will be increased. Also, you have to sign an exclusive contract with AT&T for the new iPhone for two years and should you try to terminate the contract before that period, you’ll have to pay a hefty termination fee.

Let’s do a little math.

You pay $199 for the new 8 GB iPhone and pay $69.99 per month whereas you paid $399 for the old iPhone and paid $59.99 per month. So, for a period of two years, the new iPhone will cost you $40 more than the old iPhone.

Considering this huge amount of $40 for a period of two years, both the New York Times and CNN have decided that the new iPhone is costlier. I have nothing against their point of view, but then I’d have to say that it’s utterly myopic to come to such a conclusion.

The $40 increase they talk about is not something you pay at the time of purchase. You pay an extra $10 per month, which I think is completely reasonable considering the features I get to use in this phone.

Now, to the people who point at the iPhone and cry it’s costlier. I ask you - is it necessary to split hairs over an increase of $40 for two years? Is it that big a deal? Wow; it amounts to a whopping 5.6 cents per day. Is it that big an amount to stop you from buying a better, faster, improved phone? Anyone has answers?

Categories: Apple iPhone, All things mobile phones.

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