• @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    English
    15 days ago

    A Pixel 8 on contract was free for me if I commit three years with my provider. I think I will get seven years support from GOS which is a worthy enough lifespan for an everyday smartphone

    • @[email protected]
      link
      fedilink
      English
      15 days ago

      Is it an expensive contract? I doubt my $3/mo plan would ever have perks like this lol. Especially given that Pixels here are only sold unofficially.

      • @subtext
        link
        English
        45 days ago

        Yeah I’m in the US and those “free” phone contracts over 3 years are objectively terrible deals when you look at the total cost of $100–120/mo or more with the “free” phone on one of the big three vs buying it outright and paying $25/mo (ish) with an MVNO.

        Even if you assume a total cost of $100 at Verizon with the “free” phone—which I believe is a super low estimate—and you assume $45 at Visible (shameless referral plug)—which is their most expensive tier—you’re coming out at $1980 less in contracts over 3 years which could buy you (virtually) any phone you want and then some.

        • @[email protected]
          link
          fedilink
          English
          15 days ago

          $25 is already a crazy enough sum for a phone bill, what you’re talking about is outrageous. Also, I’ve heard that such devices are often carrier-locked, and that carrier-locked devices often also have locked bootloaders.

          • @subtext
            link
            English
            25 days ago

            I mean that’s just kinda the way it is in the US / Canada. Though I hear Canada has even higher prices for less service.