We did an article last week on the features of the new iPhone3GS so now we’ll have a look at the costs of the new device and see how they stack up between the US and UK. Before we do we’ll have a quick re-cap on the features of the iPhone3GS which was released on 19 June in the US, Canada and most of Europe. the new handset brings improvements over its predecessor in terms of increased processor speed and increased battery life. the unit also features voice control, video recording and a built in compass.
New customers will pay varying amounts for the handsets depending on whether they commit to an 18 month or 24 month contract. the cost for a 16GB iPhone3GS will start at around 182.00 or $300US with an 18 month contract or about 86.00 or $141US should you go for a 24 month deal.
The 32GB iPhone3GS should start at around 97.00 or $158US on the 18 month contract, or should you choose a 24 month contract you can get yourself a free iPhone3GS so long as you go for a higher priced monthly plan.
The monthly line rental costs will generally vary between 29.00 or $48US and 74.00 or $121US on an 18 month contract. For the 24 month contracts the costs are a little lower ranging from 34.00 ($55US) to 73.00 ($120US) depending on the number of inclusive minutes, text messages, etc. the handset costs given above are all the lowest prices available so this would generally mean going for the highest monthly line rental costs.
UK pay as you go customers will have to pay around 440.00 (or approx $710US) for the 16GB iPhone3GS and 536.00 (approx $872US) for the 32GB iPhone3GS. in my opinion these are pretty high prices for a PAYG handset, especially considering that it doesn’t look any different from the previous iPhone 3G. If you’re in the UK and want to just buy the handset then I’d say it really isn’t worth it at the moment. It looks to me as though Apple are trying to force potential new users down the route of committing to a contract.