Apple iPhone 4S prices announced in Singapore
Apple has revealed the non-contract prices of the new iPhone 4S in Singapore. Here's the breakdown:
- Apple iPhone 4S (16GB)--S$948
- Apple iPhone 4S (32GB)--S$1,088
- Apple iPhone 4S (64GB)--S$1,238
These prices appear to be an increase over the iPhone 4 launched last year. Then, the iPhone 4 (16GB) went for S$888 and the 32GB for S$1,048. This is somewhat unusual since Apple tends to keep the price constant when replacing devices with newer models.
However, we don't think it'll keep buyers away, especially those who are not eligible for upgrade discounts with their mobile operators. Head on over to Apple's Singapore online store if you want to pre-order one now.
Updated (Oct 22 1409 GMT+8): Singapore telco M1 has released price plans.
Updated (Oct 25 1300 GMT+8): Singapore telco SingTel has also released price plans.
Updated (Oct 25 1445 GMT+8): Added the total cost of owning the iPhone 4S over a two year period.
Updated (Oct 26 1200 GMT+8): Singapore telco StarHub has finally made available its price plans. Based on the price plans so far, M1 currently has the cheapest offerings over a two year period.
You might want to also check out our coverage of last year's price plans from all three telcos.
| iPhone 4S (16GB) | iPhone 4S (32GB) | iPhone 4S (64GB) |
M1 |
||
| S$505 (iPhone Value) | S$630 (iPhone Value) | S$770 (iPhone Value) |
| S$235 (iPhone Lite) | S$370 (iPhone Lite) | S$510 (iPhone Lite) |
| S$0 (iPhone Extreme) | S$70 (iPhone Extreme) | S$210 (iPhone Extreme) |
| S$0 (iPhone Max) | S$0 (iPhone Max) | S$115 (iPhone Max) |
SingTel |
||
| S$498 (iFlexi Lite) | S$668 (iFlexi Lite) | S$798 (iFlexi Lite) |
| S$248 (iFlexi Value) | S$368 (iFlexi Value) | S$538 (iFlexi Value) |
| S$0 (iFlexi Plus) | S$98 (iFlexi Plus) | S$208 (iFlexi Plus) |
| S$0 (iFlexi Premium) | S$0 (iFlexi Premium) | S$108 (iFlexi Premium) | StarHub |
| S$498 (SmartSurf iPhone 100) | S$678 (SmartSurf iPhone 100) | S$818 (SmartSurf iPhone 100) |
| S$248 (SmartSurf iPhone 300) | S$378 (SmartSurf iPhone 300) | S$558 (SmartSurf iPhone 300) |
| S$0 (SmartSurf iPhone 700) | S$108 (SmartSurf iPhone 700) | S$228 (SmartSurf iPhone 700) |
| S$0 (SmartSurf iPhone Unlimited) | S$0 (SmartSurf iPhone Unlimited) | S$128 (SmartSurf iPhone Unlimited) |
Notes for M1: M1's iPhone Value and Lite plans have a 12GB data cap (with excess usage at capped at $30), while Extreme and Max have unlimited data.
M1 has also stated that the new 14.4Mbps speed is only applicable for new sign ups and re-contracts. Visit the operator's site for details on plans.
Notes for SingTel:
SingTel has raised prices for its subscription plans.
Notes for StarHub:
The telco will not be having a big launch event like its other two competitors. Instead, the midnight launch will only be for invited customers, while those who have not been invited will have to wait till 10am (when the retail shops are open) to purchase the iPhone 4S. Subscription packages remained the same, as the telco (like M1) chose to retain the current pricing, despite the 14.4Mbps speed bump.
Our thoughts:
We note that the prices have gone up across the board despite the weaker US dollar. Apple had previously reduced the prices of the Apple iPad 2 to reflect the lower dollar when it was launched in Singapore, so many were perhaps expecting to see something similar.
This is not the case even as Apple has continued sticking to the same price plans in the US and UK. Perhaps this is a sign of the Cupertino-based company knowing that it can milk the market here. Based on what we've seen so far, you're expected to pay a premium of around S$10 to S$25 more per iPhone depending on your plan.
All three carriers are offering a fixed 12GB of bundled data with their basic plans. M1 and StarHub's higher-end subscriptions offer users an unlimited data plan, while SingTel maxes out at 30GB. All telcos are also offering a S$30 price cap if you use more than the allotted amount of data. With the iPhone 4S supporting speeds of up to 14.4Mbps, carriers have also added a note stating that these speeds will only be made available on a new contract.
Even with a top tier plan, the 64GB version of the iPhone 4S will still require you to fork out some cash, so keep that in mind if you're looking to purchase that model.
This time around, we've also added in a new table featuring the cost of the monthly plan and showing you what your iPhone 4S will cost over the two-year period to help you make the right decision. M1 seems to be currently offering the best money-saving plans as compared with SingTel and StarHub.
If you've signed up for a contract recently, note that you will have to wait for at least 11 months before you are eligible upgrade to the latest smartphone.Even then, there will also be a penalty upgrade fee involved as your contract obligations are not yet fulfilled. Fees range from S$200 to S$300 depending on your contract type. Those who have signed up for the white iPhone 4 recently are most likely ineligible to upgrade.
| iPhone 4S (16GB) | iPhone 4S (32GB) | iPhone 4S (64GB) |
M1 |
||
| iPhone Value (S$36/month) | ||
| S$1369 (over two years) | S$1494 (over two years) | S$1634 (over two years) |
| iPhone Lite (S$56/month) | ||
| S$1579 (over two years) | S$1714 (over two years) | S$1854 (over two years) |
| iPhone Extreme(S$98/month) | ||
| S$2352 (over two years)) | S$2422 (over two years) | S$2562 (over two years) |
| iPhone Max (S$198/month) | ||
| S$4752 (over two years) | S$4752 (over two years) | S$4867 (over two years) |
|
||
| iFlexi Lite (S$39.90/month) | ||
| S$1455.60 (over two years) | S$1625.60 (over two years) | S$1755.60 (over two years) |
| iFlexi Value (S$59.90/month) | ||
| S$1685.60 (over two years) | S$1805.60 (over two years) | S$1975.60 (over two years) |
| iFlexi Plus (S$99.90/month) | ||
| S$2397.60 (over two years)) | S$2495.60 (over two years) | S$2605.60 (over two years) |
| iFlexi Premium (S$205/month) | ||
| S$4920 (over two years) | S$4920 (over two years) | S$5028 (over two years) |
StarHub |
||
| SmartSurf iPhone 100 (S$38/month) | ||
| S$1410 (over two years) | S$1590 (over two years) | S$1730 (over two years) |
| SmartSurf iPhone 300 (S$58/month) | ||
| S$1640 (over two years) | S$1770 (over two years) | S$1950 (over two years) |
| SmartSurf iPhone 700 (S$98/month) | ||
| S$2352 (over two years)) | S$2460 (over two years) | S$2580 (over two years) |
| SmartSurf iPhone Unlimited (S$205/month) | ||
| S$4920 (over two years) | S$4920 (over two years) | S$5048 (over two years) |
About the author
Editor John Chan's love for gadgets can be traced back to the days when he disassembled his toys and couldn't put them back together again. He practices great restraint in not opening up every review product that comes through the CNET Asia Labs, and before that, in his previous job at HardwareZone. He has reviewed items big and small, from mobile phones to projectors and feels everyone should carry a multitool at all times in case of MacGyver situations.
About the author
Aloysius Low is a Senior Writer at CNET Asia and covers all things mobile. A former World of Warcraft addict, he now dabbles in social media to stave off the withdrawal symptoms. As a lover of all things furry, he's also the unfortunate slave/minion of two adorable cats.
Latest comments
I liked the newest Apple I phone but I also liked the newest Samsung Galaxy model. My partner prefers the HTC Sensation XE. Still making up my mind.
RIP OFF !
Android is a very powerful OS that needs a very powerful hardware to unleash the beast. Once you get that (e.g. Galaxy S2), you'll truly appreciate the power and benefits of Android Enjoy!
Windows Phone 7 FTW!! Go Mango Go!!...
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Not Worth It... Go for Android, which is expecting to Over-Take IOS in a few years time.
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