If you’re looking for the cheapest iPhone currently available, AT&T wireless has dropped the price of its refurbished iPhone 3GS to $9 when purchased with a 2-year contract. The refurbed 3GS has 8GB of memory and comes with free shipping and a 30-day return policy.
That means the cheapest way to own an iPhone through a carrier currently looks like this:
iPhone 3GS w/ two-year contract = $9 +
$15/month 200 MB data plan for 24 months = $360 +
$40/month Nation 450 voice plan for 24 months = $960
Total Cost: $1,329
That’s not bad compared to what the true cost of the iPhone used to be, although we do have a piece of advice for those interested in this deal: buy a refurbished iPhone 4 instead. It’s just $90 more, you get a 16 GB version, and, in our opinion, it’s a much better phone than the 3GS.
Here is AT&T’s official description of refurbished iPhones:
Refurbished phones are previously owned devices that have been unused or lightly used and returned during the 30-day trial period. Each refurbished phone is independently quality tested and loaded with the latest software to meet current factory standards. Some refurbished iPhone 3G devices will have minor scratches.
Refurbished iPhone devices carry a limited warranty based on the original purchase date of the iPhone. The remaining coverage will be at least 90 days and will vary by device. If you purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan for iPhone, your coverage duration will also be tied to the original purchase date of the iPhone and will vary by device. For specific coverage details, please enter your iPhone serial number at apple.com/support/oss
