Well, I started the this speculating topic: Iphone 3g officially in Malaysia.... SOON? in July '08.

It is glad that Maxis has finally bring in the iphone 3G!! It is really a good news (though I have to apologize as it is NOT the SOON that I expected. )

However, the bad news is the packages are only favour those low data usage group, and it don't have the unlimited data usage packages.

Ok, lets see how much you should pay to Maxis for your iphone 3G :-
(kindly note that for comparison purpose, all contracts below is calculated based on a 24 months, and the cheapest plan.)



A. 6 months contract (only 500mb promotional data)

8gb - Value Plus 80 - RM4,460 = [RM2,540 + (RM80 x 24 months)]
16gb - Value Plus 80 - RM4,880 = [RM2,960 + (RM80 x 24 months)]



Comments: Paying RM2,540 and RM2,960 merely for the Iphone 8gb and 16gb respectively is really not cheap. Some more, you need to tight up with RM80 plan for 6 months with only limited 3G data usage.

B. 12 months contract

8gb - i Value 1 - RM4,300 = [RM1,900 + (RM100 x 24 months)]
8gb - i Value 2 - RM5,428 = [RM1,780 + (RM155 x 12 months) + (RM50 x 12 months) + (RM99 x 12 months)]
8gb - i Value 3 - RM6,278 = [RM1,490 + (RM250 x 12 months) + (RM50 x 12 months) + (RM99 x 12 months)]
8gb - i Value 4 - RM7,368 = [RM1,080 + (RM375 x 12 months) + (RM50 x 12 months) + (RM99 x 12 months)]

16gb - i Value 1 - RM4,690 = [RM2,290 + (RM100 x 24 months]
16gb - i Value 2 - RM5,808 = [RM2,160 + (RM155 x 12 months) + (RM50 x 12 months) + (RM99 x 12 months)]
16gb - i Value 3 - RM6,658 = [RM1,870 + (RM250 x 12 months) + (RM50 x 12 months) + (RM99 x 12 months)]
16gb - i Value 4 - RM7,758 = [RM1,470 + (RM375 x 12 months) + (RM50 x 12 months) + (RM99 x 12 months)]

Assumption: For iValue 2 to iValue 4, assume shifted to Value plus 50 plan plus unlimited data plan after 12 months.



Comments: Paying RM1,900 and RM2,290 merely for the Iphone 8gb and 16gb respectively looks reasonable and actually is cheaper than 6 months contracts stated above. However, 500mb is only suitable for those who don't really use 3G to surf net.

C. 24 months contract

8gb - i Value 1 - RM3,910 = [RM1,510 + (RM100 x 24 months)]
8gb - i Value 2 - RM4,980 = [RM1,260 + (RM155 x 24 months)]
8gb - i Value 3 - RM6,680 = [RM680 + (RM250 x 24 months)]
8gb - i Value 4 - RM9,000 = [RM0 + (RM375 x 24 months)]

16gb - i Value 1 - RM4,290 = [RM1,890 + (RM100 x 24 months)]
16gb - i Value 2 - RM5,360 = [RM1,640 + (RM155 x 24 months)]
16gb - i Value 3 - RM7,060 = [RM1,060 + (RM250 x 24 months)]
16gb - i Value 4 - RM9,260 = [RM260 + (RM375 x 24 months)]



Comments: If you really seldom surf net and really mind about the warranty issues, this i Value 1 - 24 months contract really looks attractive as the phone price is the lowest of the 3 packages. However, hold on, please read my following illustration too!!


Of course, the above is just an simple illustration of what you may need to pay in the next 24 months. In real world, it is normally more complicated. you may shift to other telco or prepaid line after the contract period. That is too far for this discussion.




For those of you who think the Maxis plan not attractive, my following illustration may help you a little bit:-

The price of an 16gb iphone 3G stated in Lowyat.net is ranging from RM2,250 to RM2,650, depends on your luck and bargaining power.

Thus, if you use Maxis Value plus 50 + unlimited data plan, it is equivalent to RM5,826 [RM2,250 + (RM50 x 24 months) + (99 x 24 months)] or RM6,226 [RM2,650 + (RM50 x 24 months) + (99 x 24 months)].

This post has been edited by raycol97: Mar 19 2009, 10:16 AM

yeah. if u really need the airtime, you should compare it that way. my illustration only opt for the cheapest way. sorry.

another rumours?

Thanks for the info. Syd.

I purchased my iphone 3G in Aug '08.

Personally, I think most of the free wifi services in kl sxxks. Most of the time, I would rather use the 3G service, as it is fast enough to surf net or other fuctions (I have tried both the 3G services of Maxis and Celcom)..

So, for me, unlimited data plan is CRUCIAL..

Theoritically, WIFI should be faster than 3G... However, the only place I found wifi most reliable is... my house..

Anyway, once u get used to 3G, u will be lazy to search around for the WIFI spot.. just my 2 cents.

ok, will do a test this week when i found some wifi spots this week, and will post the results here..

em... you don't need data plan? or 3G??

then, why are you buying iphone 3G?? better get a iphone original lah..

Hi zer,

There are a lots of people out there don't really bother about Airtime, as they won't really fully use the RM50 (calls + sms) everymonth.

For example, I was a Hotlink user, paying only RM30.00 to top up per month, and "wifing" during the original iphone era. (Cost per month: < RM30, as you can bought after the unuse balance)

Then, last year, I bought iphone 3g, sadly, I have to convert to Value Plus 50, pay RM50 + RM99 unlimited data plan + 5% tax + other billing charges somemore. (Cost per month: ~RM161)

Only after MNP, I shift to Celcom's Exec 20, so cost reduced to RM20 + monthly usage + RM99 + tax + others (Cost per month: ~RM140)

So, for me, what is MOST important is UNLIMITED DATA PLAN!!!

so... now you know.. why there are so many "blackmarkets" iphone 3G coming from US, Hong Kong and Singapore...

Some more, some credit cards got 1 month insurance coverage, right? Oops..

This post has been edited by raycol97: Mar 19 2009, 03:52 PM