Why "Buy Outright" Phone Advice Could Cost You More

Buying Your Phone Outright May Not Always Be The Best Way To Save Money In Toronto.

When Nick visited a store last month, he planned to pay cash for a new smartphone and find a low monthly plan. “That’s what Reddit told me to do,” he shared. Three weeks later, he found he could have kept more money in his pocket by choosing a device-included plan instead.

“I thought I was being smart,” Nick admits. “The numbers didn’t match what everyone online said they would.”

Nick’s story isn’t unusual. Many people think buying phones outright saves money.

Two Ways Phone Users Shop

Most phone buyers fall into one of two groups:

Group 1: “I’ll save by buying my phone outright”

• Pay full retail price upfront

• Choose a low-cost SIM-only plan

• Feel clever about avoiding “contracts”

Group 2: “I’ll bundle my phone with my plan”

• Pay little or nothing upfront

• Include device cost in monthly payments

• Get plan promotions and discounts

Many people have seen that Group 2 tends to spend less, even though the internet suggests differently.

Why Online Advice Often Misses The Mark

Many people don’t see how they might pay more long-term by skipping plan bundles.

“I was paying for a modest data plan after buying my phone outright,” shares local resident Jamie. “Then my colleague showed me his bill – he was paying less for more data with a better carrier and getting a new iPhone. I felt like I’d been tricked.”

Here’s why bundled plans often work out better:

1. Carriers may include device discounts beyond financing. When adding up what you pay over time, many bundled plans include real device discounts on top of simple financing.

2. Better plans include valuable extras. “I now have streaming services and international texting included,” says Michael, who changed to a plan with a device. “These would cost extra each month elsewhere.”

3. Best offers go to device upgraders. Carriers usually save their best deals for customers who buy new devices, not for those who bring their own.

The Toronto Cell Phone Market Today

The Greater Toronto Area phone market has changed in recent months.

A resident Cam highlighted what many feel: “I get my service in Mexico for much less,” while paying more at home. This has pushed many towards budget carriers.

Yet, smaller providers come with trade-offs. One Reddit user reported much better signal strength after leaving a budget carrier: “I got poor reception in my condo… After activating my new account, I saw much stronger signal on the same device.”

Finding The Real Value

When Jessyca checked her phone purchase, she saw something unexpected. “For my needs, the premium plan with a device included cost less each month than buying outright with a basic plan. Over two years, that’s hundreds saved while getting better service.”

Here’s how you can check your own numbers:

1. Add your device price to your monthly plan cost over 24 months. Look at the total, not just the monthly fee

2. Compare to the total bundled price over 24 months. See which option costs less overall

3. Consider the extras. Free streaming services, international features, and better coverage all add value

Which Phone User Are You?

Most phone users typically fit these profiles:

The Data-Hungry Professional

• Streams video often

• Uses phone as mobile hotspot

• Needs reliable coverage for work calls

The Budget-Conscious Student

• Mostly uses WiFi

• Needs some data for social media

• Very careful about price

The Family Manager

• Handles multiple lines

• Shares data across devices

• Wants simple billing for everyone

Your profile impacts if buying outright is a good choice. Students may find it cheaper to buy from a budget carrier. Professionals and families often find more value in premium bundled plans.

Finding Your Best Deal in 2025

Samantha, a phone specialist, explains: “The best offers come when you time your upgrade right. Black Friday and back-to-school seasons see carriers competing with better device offers.”

She suggests:

1. Compare total costs over 24 months. “Most people look at the monthly price without seeing the full picture,” she notes.

2. Watch for promotional periods. “The same plan might include a bigger device discount during promotions.”

3. Think about your coverage needs. “Saving a little monthly means nothing if you can’t make calls where you need to.”

Get Help Making The Smart Choice

At Excell Communications, as Authorized Resellers of Bell, we help you see all the options clearly. Our team at 18 locations across Ontario can show you:

• How various plans compare over 24 months

• Which promotions might work for your needs

• The value of included extras beyond just the price

• Real coverage differences between carriers

When weighing your options, consider:

1. Total cost over 24 months. Not just the device price or monthly fee alone

2. Value of included extras. International features, streaming services, and coverage quality

3. Support when you need it. In-store help versus online-only assistance

Visit any of our 18 Ontario locations, fill out our contact form with your current plan details, or chat live on our website Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Our team can help you find options that could save you money while giving you better service.

Do the math before you decide — smarter plans could mean serious savings.