Now that the iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max and iPhone XR are available to be pre-ordered in Malaysia, Malaysia telco plans are also out with their respective device bundle so here are some of the highlights and drawbacks of each telcos.
U Mobile
U Mobile released a device bundle plan with the new iPhones. The Unlimited HERO P99 plan costs RM 99/month which has unlimited calls to all network and also unlimited data. The iPhone XR will cost from RM 2,499, the iPhone Xs from RM 3,799 and the iPhone Xs Max from RM 4,199. You will also get 30GB data for hotspot and 3GB data for roaming by signing up for the plan, and if you’re an existing U Mobile user, you are exempted from the upfront payment of RM 792.
Celcom
Next, we have Celcom that offered the iPhone models with three different plans; the device bundle, the EasyPhone Own and the EasyPhone Rent. An iPhone XR can be rented with only RM 85/month and owned with RM 117/month when users subscribe to the cheapest First Plan, the First Gold Plus that offers 40GB data, unlimited calls and unlimited WhatsApp and WeChat. The First Gold Plus comes at the price of RM98/month, and you will be tied to a 24-months contract, though you can upgrade to a new phone anytime during contract. This would be a suitable plan for those who does not want to pay a huge amount of money immediately. Plus, Celcom is giving free black carbon casing with the new iPhones.
Maxis
Now unlike the iPhone X, the new iPhones are available with the Zerolution and Zerolution 360. You can own an iPhone Xs at the price of RM 3,623 with the MaxisONE Plan 128 that offers 40GB data all day, but if you sign up for the Zerolution and Zerolution360 you’ll be entitled to zero upfront payment, credit card and interest rates, and you can own the device for RM 177/month or lease it for RM 149/month. In addition, the Zerolution 360 allows 1-for-1 immediate replacement and if you add RM 10/month, you’ll get premium benefits such as free screen replacement, backup loan phone and priority repair service.
Digi
Last but not least, we have Digi with its Digi Postpaid 80 that costs RM 80/month. The plan offers a 10GB+10GB data with unlimited calls and free 300 SMS to all network.With this plan, the iPhone XR costs from RM 2,348 (similar to Maxis), the iPhone Xs costs from RM 3,177 and the iPhone Xs Max costs from RM 3,582. Digi also offer Digi Shield, a 1 year complimentary screen crack protection, something that many users will appreciate especially when it comes to the expensive iPhone screens. Users will also be charged with upfront payment and advanced payment depending on the plans they choose.
In conclusion, these are my thoughts on the telco plans :
- U Mobile – Great for those who are constantly on social media, game and video streaming and requires a lot of data.
- Celcom – A rather affordable option if you do not mind the 24 months contract commitment.
- Maxis – A little pricier but lets you own the device the credit card and interest rates, plus the Zerolution360 will be suitable for those are clumsier with their smartphones.
- Digi – It has the lowest device price but it also comes with a 24 months contract, suitable for those who are not heavy Internet users.
Would you buy the new iPhones? If you would, which telco plan will you pick?