Feature Articles

Apple iPad Air Telco Price Plans Comparison

By Sidney Wong - 31 Oct 2013

Apple iPad Air Telco Price Plans Comparison

Apple iPad Air Telco Price Plans Comparison

The telcos have finally announced the contract pricing for the cellular versions of the iPad Air. Before we dive into the lengthy calculations of the total costs of the iPads over a two-year contract, here are their standalone retail prices:

  Apple iPad Air
(Wi-Fi + 4G)
16GB $870
32GB $1008
64GB $1148
128GB $1288

 

Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + 4G?

Choosing between the Wi-Fi-only and cellular models can be a tough decision to make for some consumers. It all boils down to individual preferences.

For consumers who dislike the hassle of turning on the wireless hotspot on their mobile phones (and as a result, draining the phone's battery faster) in order to connect the iPad to the Internet, then getting a separate data SIM card (for a cellular data-capable iPad) may be better. However, one also need to take note of the extra costs incurred when signing up for a multi-SIM service or a separate data SIM card plan that's typically tied to a two-year contract. If you tend to use your tablet device at home mostly, perhaps the Wi-Fi edition would suffice.

For those who would like to recap all there is to know about the new iPad Air, we've a detailed feature article for your reading. Not sure if you should upgrade from an existing tablet? We've got you covered as well.

If you're reading this article, we reckon you've made up your mind to purchase a cellular model. We hope this article will give you a clearer understanding of the financial commitments you are putting yourself into.

 

Apple iPad Air Telco Contract Prices and Cost Comparison

 

  M1 SingTel StarHub
Monthly Fee (w/GST)
  •  $40
  • $29.90 / $49.90
  • $30 / $45
Data Credit (GB)
  • 8GB
  • Excess data charges at $5.35/GB
  • Data capped at $94.16/month
  • 5GB / 10GB
  • Excess data charges at $10.70/GB
  • Data capped at $188/month
  • 6GB / 11GB
  • Excess data charges at $6.42/GB
  • Data capped at $64.20/month
Typical Download Speeds
  • 3G:1.7Mbps to 8.0Mbps
    Up to 5.76Mbps
  • 4G: 10.4Mbps to 40.7Mbps Up to 37Mbps
  • 5Mbps to 40Mbps
    7.5Mbps to 50Mbps
  • 3G DC-HSPA+ : 1.4 to 9.9Mbps
  • 4G: 11Mbps to 40Mbps
SIM Card Fee
  • $37.45
  • $37.45
  • $37.45
Registration Fee
  • $10.70
  • $10.70
  • $10.70
Apple iPad Air Contract Price
iPad Air (16GB) $459 $539 / $339  $548 / $412
iPad Air (32GB) $569 $649 / $449  $654 / $518
iPad Air (64GB) $679 $759 / $559 $764 / $628
iPad Air (128GB) $808 $889 / $689  $892 / $756

 

Total Costs Incurred over a Two-year Contract

With a two-year contract tied to the data plan, we have compiled a table comparing the total amount you have to fork out (at minimum) over the two-year span.

For this calculation, we took into account the monthly subscriptions for two years and the contract pricing as listed above for the respective telcos. As such, this doesn't factor in the excess charges incurred for data usage above what's given by each telco's plan. 

  M1 SingTel StarHub
16GB $1,419 $1,256.60 / $1,536.60 $1,268 / $1,492
32GB $1,529 $1,366.60 / $1,646.60 $1,374 / $1,598
64GB $1,639 $1,476.60 / $1,756.60 $1,484 / $1,708
128GB $1,768 $1,606.60 / $1,886.60 $1,612 / $1,836

*Updated on 12/11/2013 10.42PM: Typical download speeds updated.

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