Apple iPad Mini with Retina Display Telco Price Plans Comparison
Apple's iPad Mini with Retina display is being offered by the three telcos with a data plan. Should you wish to purchase the new iPad Mini with a two-year contract, here's a detailed comparison of the costs that'll be incurred over the two-year period.
Apple iPad Mini with Retina Display Telco Price Plans Comparison
The telcos have finally announced the contract pricing for the cellular versions of the iPad Mini with Retina display. 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 for the 4G edition (if you're interested in Wi-Fi only models, check here):
Apple iPad Mini with Retina Display
(Wi-Fi + 4G) | |
16GB | $728 |
32GB | $870 |
64GB | $1,008 |
128GB | $1,148 |
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) 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 Mini, 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 commitment involved to own this new gadget.
Apple iPad Mini with Retina Display Telco Contract Prices and Cost Comparison
M1 | SingTel | StarHub | |
Monthly Fee (w/GST) |
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Data Credit (GB) |
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Typical Download Speeds |
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SIM Card Fee |
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Registration Fee |
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Apple iPad Mini with Retina Display Contract Price | |||
16GB | $339 | $419 / $219 | $418 / $289 |
32GB | $469 | $569 / $369 | $568 / $420 |
64GB | Pricing Not Available | $709 / $509 | $706 / $531 |
128GB | Pricing Not Available | $819 / $619 | $837 / $662 |
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 | $1,299 | $1,136.60 / $1,416.60 | $1,138 / $1,369 |
32GB | $1,429 | $1,286.60 / $1,566.60 | $1,288 / $1,500 |
64GB | N.A | $1,426.60 / $1,706.60 | $1,426 / $1,611 |
128GB | N.A | $1,536.60 / $1,816.60 | $1,557 / $1,742 |
It would seem that StarHub has a slightly better offer across the board from the perspective of cost per gigabyte of data credit provided.
Do note that SingTel is the only telco to have stocks for all storage capacities for the iPad Mini with Retina Display. Both M1 and StarHub only offer the 16 and 32GB models for purchase.
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