All your iPhone 3G questions answered

By CNET Asia staff
Aug 21, 2008

The second wave of iPhone 3G rollout in Asia will see Macau, Singapore and the Philippines getting the coveted phone on August 22. For those in Singapore toying with the idea of getting the iPhone 3G, there are a few things you'll need to know. For readers in other countries, please refer to our iPhone 3G in Asia feature detailing price plans from the various operators in the different countries.

Buying the iPhone 3G in Singapore | Design and hardware | Using the iPhone 3G

Buying the iPhone 3G in Singapore

How much is the iPhone 3G in Singapore?
The iPhone 3G is currently available only with SingTel, though MobileOne and StarHub have said that they will also offer the handset by the end of this year.

If you are an existing SingTel customer, the price of the iPhone 3G (8GB) starts from S$698 with the iOne Plus plan. The handset is free if you subscribe to the most expensive iThree Plus plan with a monthly fee of S$192.60.

For new customers or existing customers who re-contract, three iFlexi plans are available. These start from S$56 for the iFlexi Value up to a maximum of S$205 for the iFlexi Premium.

For more details of the price plans, click here.
For pricing in other countries in Asia, click here.

Can I buy the iPhone 3G without signing up for a contract?
No. You'll have to either sign up for a new iFlexi plan or re-contract with your current plan.

What happens if I wish to terminate the 24-month contract prematurely?
SingTel was unwilling to disclose details of the termination fee (or any terms and conditions) with regard to the iPhone 3G. What we do know is it will be subjected to the value of the plan and the remaining contractual period.

As a guide, for SingTel's post-paid mobile customers, the cost of terminating a price plan between the first and 12th month with one-year equipment contract is S$160.50. The cost of terminating a price plan between the first and 24th month with a two-year equipment contract is S$374.50.

SingTel also added that the mechanics of premature contract termination with the iPhone 3G is different and customers will have to enquire in-person at the store.

What is the penalty if I downgrade or teminate my service plan before the 24-month contractual period is up?
A cool S$800.

Is there a trade-in plan available?
Yes, but you'll have to find out details at the store as SingTel was unwilling to share more information.

Must the iPhone 3G be activated at the shop? Or do I have the option to activate it online from home?
The activation of the handset has to be done in-store at the point of purchase. Users will also have to register the handset, but this can be done via iTunes at home.

Can I use M1's or StarHub's SIM cards with the iPhone 3G?
Yes, but you'll still need to activate the handset in-store.

You can choose to skip the registration process after you insert a M1 or StarHub SIM card if you are not signed in to iTunes. Once that's done, the next thing you should do is to key in the data settings. Depending on which operator you are with, the settings may vary. Our review set worked without a hitch with an M1 SIM card.

What kind of warranty comes with the iPhone 3G? Is the optional AppleCare Protection Plan available for the iPhone 3G?
The iPhone 3G comes with 90 days of complimentary technical support. The handset, rechargeable battery and all included accessories are also covered against defects for one year from the date of purchase by a limited hardware warranty.

At this point in time, the optional AppleCare Protection Plan is not applicable for the iPhone 3G in Singapore.

What should I look out for when buying the iPhone 3G?
You should make sure the phone comes with a complete set of accessories (refer to the Design and hardware section) and proper documentation. Check that the serial number and IMEI on the phone tallies with that on the documentation.

Do take note of the build quality especially around the edges of the screen and the connecting parts of the handset.

Also remember to check for dead pixels on the display. A quick way is to take a picture of a black card (or any black surface). Look out for isolated white or colored pixels when viewing the snapshot in full screen.

If you have time, run through all the programs and make sure they are working properly.

Can I buy the iPhone from the Apple authorized retail stores in Singapore?
The initial batch will be available from 12.01am on August 22 at SingTel Comcentre along Exeter Road and the sale will go on until 9pm on August 24. From August 25, the phone will be available at all SingTel hello! stores. Selected channel partners will carry stocks at a later point in time.

Is there a limited number of units available at the initial launch?
SingTel wasn't able to disclose the number of iPhone 3G units they have. According to the telco, tens of thousands of people have indicated their interest in the handset and have made reservations online. Those who have done so will have priority access and they will receive updates on when they can schedule an appointment to purchase the handset via email.

Will there be any operator services which cannot be accessed/used with iPhone 3G due to software or hardware (screen size, network availability) limitations?
No, according the SingTel, all its services work fine on the iPhone 3G.

Can I use the iPhone 3G with a 2.5G SIM card?
Yes.

Should I wait for M1 and StarHub's iPhone 3G offer at the end of the year, or go with SingTel's?
Well, M1 and StarHub did say they that will sell the iPhone 3G by the end of this year, but wasn't specific when that will happen. So if you are with either of these telcos and in no rush to get the iPhone 3G, you can choose to wait out and see which operator has the best data/price plan for the handset.

If you can't wait, at least the number portability system ensures that you'll still have your current number with you when you sign up with SingTel. Alternatively, the iPod touch offers almost similar features as the iPhone 3G sans GSM/GPS connectivity and onboard speakers.

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