Many people assume that a contract is the cheapest and best option for getting their hands on a shiny new Samsung Galaxy. But they couldn't be more wrong. In fact, in today's market you can save up to $800 by choosing to buy your Galaxy outright with a SIM-only plan.
The reason is small mobile providers. New telcos like Belong and SpinTel are now offering SIM-only plans for hundreds of dollars less than what you can get from the big telcos (over 24 months).
So should you buy your Samsung Galaxy outright?
There are definitely savings to be made by buying outright in many cases. But the answer isn't a simple "yes", for several reasons:
- Buying outright means smacking down $1,200+ in one hit, which won't work for everyone.
- The amount of money you can save will be affected by how much data you want.
- Your savings will also be affected by which provider you want to go with.
The Results
We first looked at the cost over 24 months of buying the Galaxy S10e, Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ on contract. Then we compared this to the cost over 24 months of buying each handset outright and signing up for a postpaid SIM-only deal.
We looked at plans with at least 5GB of data for average users and at least 15GB of data for heavy users.
In this guide, we've only looked at models with 128GB of storage. But for the record, price comparisons for models with more storage are similar.
Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10+
Galaxy S10e
Prices in this story are accurate as of February 22,2019.
Looking for a SIM-only mobile plan? Here are just a few from our database that come with unlimited talk and text and at least 15GB of data.
|
#1
|
Pivotel
25GB Mobile Swift Plan
$11.45/mth
Min. cost $11.45
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
$23 Mobile Plan
$12.00/mth
Min. cost $12
|
|
#3
|
Swoop
30GB SIM Only 5G
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#4
|
Kogan Mobile
Small Monthly Plan
$23.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#5
|
Dodo
Small Mobile Plan
$25.00/mth
Min. cost $25
|
|
#6
|
Superloop
SuperSim Saver 4G Plan
$25.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#7
|
Tangerine Telecom
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#8
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$30.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#9
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#10
|
Boost Mobile
$39 Prepaid
$39.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
Galaxy S10
Galaxy S10 with at least 5GB of data
The Verdict: You can save up to $668 over 24 months by choosing to buy your Samsung Galaxy S10 outright with a SIM-only plan, rather than on a contract.
Cost over 24 months
| Carrier | Buying On Contract | Buying Outright |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | 2496 | 2525 |
| Optus | 2160 | 2189 |
| Vodafone | 2188.80 | 2189 |
| Woolworths Mobile | 1818.72 | 2069 |
| Belong | 0 | 1949 |
| SpinTel | 0 | 1827.80 |
Plans on contract
| Data Inclusion | Monthly Fee | Phone repayments | Outright Cost | Total Cost Over 24 months | |
| Telstra | 20GB | $79 | $25 | N/A | $2496 |
| Optus | 20GB | $65 | $25 | N/A | $2160 |
| Vodafone | 6GB | $35 | $56.20 | N/A | $2188.80 |
| Woolworths Mobile | 10GB | $30 | $45.78 | N/A | $1818.72 |
SIM-only plans
| Data Inclusion | Monthly Fee | Phone repayments | Outright Cost | Total Cost Over 24 months | |
| Telstra | 30GB | $49 | N/A | $1349 | $2525 |
| Optus | 30GB | $35 | N/A | $1349 | $2189 |
| Vodafone | 30GB | $35 | N/A | $1349 | $2189 |
| Woolworths | 10GB | $30 | N/A | $1349 | $2069 |
| Belong | 5GB | $25 | N/A | $1349 | $1949 |
| SpinTel | 5GB | $19.95 | N/A | $1349 | $1827.80 |
Looking for a SIM-only mobile plan? Here are just a few from our database that come with unlimited talk and text and at least 5GB of data.
|
#1
|
Pivotel
25GB Mobile Swift Plan
$11.45/mth
Min. cost $11.45
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
$23 Mobile Plan
$12.00/mth
Min. cost $12
|
|
#3
|
Swoop
30GB SIM Only 5G
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#4
|
Boost Mobile
$14 Prepaid
$14.00
Per 7 Day Renewal
|
|
#5
|
Kogan Mobile
Small Monthly Plan
$23.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#6
|
Dodo
Small Mobile Plan
$25.00/mth
Min. cost $25
|
|
#7
|
Superloop
SuperSim Saver 4G Plan
$25.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#8
|
Tangerine Telecom
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#9
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$30.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#10
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
Galaxy S10 with at least 15GB of data
The Verdict: You can save up to $428 over 24 months by choosing to buy your Samsung Galaxy S10 outright with a SIM-only plan, rather than on a contract.
Cost over 24 months
| Carrier | Buying On Contract | Buying Outright |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | 2496 | 2525 |
| Optus | 2160 | 2189 |
| Vodafone | 2428.80 | 2189 |
| Woolworths Mobile | 2058.72 | 2309 |
| Belong | 0 | 2309 |
| SpinTel | 0 | 2067.80 |
Plans on contract
| Data Inclusion | Monthly Fee | Phone repayments | Outright Cost | Total Cost Over 24 months | |
| Telstra | 20GB | $79 | $25 | N/A | $2496 |
| Optus | 20GB | $65 | $25 | N/A | $2160 |
| Vodafone | 50GB | $45 | $46.20 | N/A | $2428.80 |
| Woolworths Mobile | 22GB | $40 | $45.78 | N/A | $2058.72 |
SIM-only plans
| Data Inclusion | Monthly Fee | Phone repayments | Outright Cost | Total Cost Over 24 months | |
| Telstra | 30GB | $49 | N/A | $1349 | $2525 |
| Optus | 30GB | $35 | N/A | $1349 | $2189 |
| Vodafone | 30GB | $35 | N/A | $1349 | $2189 |
| Woolworths | 22GB | $40 | N/A | $1349 | $2309 |
| Belong | 15GB | $40 | N/A | $1349 | $2309 |
| SpinTel | 15GB | $29.95 | N/A | $1349 | $2067.80 |
Looking for a SIM-only mobile plan? Here are just a few from our database that come with unlimited talk and text and at least 15GB of data.
|
#1
|
Pivotel
25GB Mobile Swift Plan
$11.45/mth
Min. cost $11.45
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
$23 Mobile Plan
$12.00/mth
Min. cost $12
|
|
#3
|
Swoop
30GB SIM Only 5G
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#4
|
Kogan Mobile
Small Monthly Plan
$23.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#5
|
Dodo
Small Mobile Plan
$25.00/mth
Min. cost $25
|
|
#6
|
Superloop
SuperSim Saver 4G Plan
$25.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#7
|
Tangerine Telecom
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#8
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$30.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#9
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#10
|
Boost Mobile
$39 Prepaid
$39.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
Galaxy S10+
Galaxy S10+ with at least 5GB of data
The Verdict: You can save up to $697 over 24 months by choosing to buy your Samsung Galaxy S10+ outright with a SIM-only plan, rather than on a contract.
Cost over 24 months
| Carrier | Buying On Contract | Buying Outright |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | 2675 | 2856 |
| Optus | 2339 | 2400 |
| Vodafone | 2339 | 2338.80 |
| Woolworths Mobile | 1986.72 | 2219 |
| Belong | 0 | 2099 |
| SpinTel | 0 | 1977.80 |
Plans on contract
| Data Inclusion | Monthly Fee | Phone repayments | Outright Cost | Total Cost Over 24 months | |
| Telstra | 20GB | $79 | $40 | N/A | $2856 |
| Optus | 20GB | $65 | $35 | N/A | $2400 |
| Vodafone | 6GB | $35 | $62.45 | N/A | $2338.80 |
| Woolworths Mobile | 10GB | $30 | $52.03 | N/A | $1968.72 |
SIM-only plans
| Data Inclusion | Monthly Fee | Phone repayments | Outright Cost | Total Cost Over 24 months | |
| Telstra | 30GB | $49 | N/A | $1499 | $2675 |
| Optus | 30GB | $35 | N/A | $1499 | $2339 |
| Vodafone | 30GB | $35 | N/A | $1499 | $2339 |
| Woolworths | 10GB | $30 | N/A | $1499 | $2219 |
| Belong | 5GB | $25 | N/A | $1499 | $2099 |
| SpinTel | 5GB | $19.95 | N/A | $1499 | $1977.80 |
Looking for a SIM-only mobile plan? Here are just a few from our database that come with unlimited talk and text and at least 5GB of data.
|
#1
|
Pivotel
25GB Mobile Swift Plan
$11.45/mth
Min. cost $11.45
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
$23 Mobile Plan
$12.00/mth
Min. cost $12
|
|
#3
|
Swoop
30GB SIM Only 5G
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#4
|
Boost Mobile
$14 Prepaid
$14.00
Per 7 Day Renewal
|
|
#5
|
Kogan Mobile
Small Monthly Plan
$23.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#6
|
Dodo
Small Mobile Plan
$25.00/mth
Min. cost $25
|
|
#7
|
Superloop
SuperSim Saver 4G Plan
$25.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#8
|
Tangerine Telecom
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#9
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$30.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#10
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
Galaxy S10+ with at least 15GB of data
The Verdict: You can save up to $638 over 24 months by choosing to buy your Samsung Galaxy S10+ outright with a SIM-only plan, rather than on a contract.
Cost over 24 months
| Carrier | Buying On Contract | Buying Outright |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | 2856 | 2675 |
| Optus | 2400 | 2339 |
| Vodafone | 2578.80 | 2339 |
| Woolworths Mobile | 0 | 2208.72 |
| Belong | 0 | 2459 |
| SpinTel | 0 | 2217.80 |
Plans on contract
| Data Inclusion | Monthly Fee | Phone repayments | Outright Cost | Total Cost Over 24 months | |
| Telstra | 20GB | $79 | $40 | N/A | $2856 |
| Optus | 20GB | $65 | $35 | N/A | $2400 |
| Vodafone | 50GB | $45 | $62.45 | N/A | $2578.80 |
| Woolworths Mobile | 22GB | $40 | $52.03 | N/A | $2208.72 |
SIM-only plans
| Data Inclusion | Monthly Fee | Phone repayments | Outright Cost | Total Cost Over 24 months | |
| Telstra | 30GB | $49 | N/A | $1499 | $2675 |
| Optus | 30GB | $35 | N/A | $1499 | $2339 |
| Vodafone | 30GB | $35 | N/A | $1499 | $2339 |
| Woolworths | 22GB | $40 | N/A | $1499 | $2459 |
| Belong | 15GB | $40 | N/A | $1499 | $2459 |
| SpinTel | 15GB | $29.95 | N/A | $1499 | $2217.80 |
Looking for a SIM-only mobile plan? Here are just a few from our database that come with unlimited talk and text and at least 15GB of data.
|
#1
|
Pivotel
25GB Mobile Swift Plan
$11.45/mth
Min. cost $11.45
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
$23 Mobile Plan
$12.00/mth
Min. cost $12
|
|
#3
|
Swoop
30GB SIM Only 5G
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#4
|
Kogan Mobile
Small Monthly Plan
$23.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#5
|
Dodo
Small Mobile Plan
$25.00/mth
Min. cost $25
|
|
#6
|
Superloop
SuperSim Saver 4G Plan
$25.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#7
|
Tangerine Telecom
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#8
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$30.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#9
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
|
#10
|
Boost Mobile
$39 Prepaid
$39.00
Per 28 Day Renewal
|
Galaxy S10e
Galaxy S10e with at least 5GB of data
The Verdict: You can save up to $778 over 24 months by choosing to buy your Samsung Galaxy S10e outright with a SIM-only plan, rather than on a contract.
Cost over 24 months
| Carrier | Buying On Contract | Buying Outright |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | 2376 | 2295 |
| Optus | 2040 | 1959 |
| Vodafone | 2038.80 | 1959 |
| Woolworths Mobile | 1668.72 | 1839 |
| Belong | 0 | 1719 |
| SpinTel | 0 | 1597.80 |
Plans on contract
| Data Inclusion | Monthly Fee | Phone repayments | Outright Cost | Total Cost Over 24 months | |
| Telstra | 20GB | $79 | $20 | N/A | $2376 |
| Optus | 20GB | $65 | $20 | N/A | $2040 |
| Vodafone | 6GB | $35 | $49.95 | N/A | $2038.80 |
| Woolworths Mobile | 10GB | $30 | $39.53 | N/A | $1668.72 |
SIM-only plans
| Data Inclusion | Monthly Fee | Phone repayments | Outright Cost | Total Cost Over 24 months | |
| Telstra | 30GB | $49 | N/A | $1119 | $2295 |
| Optus | 30GB | $35 | N/A | $1119 | $1959 |
| Vodafone | 30GB | $35 | N/A | $1119 | $1959 |
| Woolworths | 10GB | $30 | N/A | $1119 | $1839 |
| Belong | 5GB | $25 | N/A | $1119 | $1719 |
| SpinTel | 5GB | $19.95 | N/A | $1119 | $1597.80 |
Looking for a SIM-only mobile plan? Here are just a few from our database that come with unlimited talk and text and at least 5GB of data.
|
#1
|
Pivotel
25GB Mobile Swift Plan
$11.45/mth
Min. cost $11.45
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
$23 Mobile Plan
$12.00/mth
Min. cost $12
|
|
#3
|
Swoop
30GB SIM Only 5G
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#4
|
Boost Mobile
$14 Prepaid
$14.00
Per 7 Day Renewal
|
|
#5
|
Kogan Mobile
Small Monthly Plan
$23.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#6
|
Dodo
Small Mobile Plan
$25.00/mth
Min. cost $25
|
|
#7
|
Superloop
SuperSim Saver 4G Plan
$25.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#8
|
Tangerine Telecom
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#9
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$30.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#10
|
Optus
$60 Optus Choice Plus Plan
$39.00/mth
Min. cost $39
|
Galaxy S10e with at least 15GB of data
The Verdict: You can save up to $458 over 24-months by choosing to buy your Samsung Galaxy S10e outright with a SIM-only plan, rather than on a contract.
Cost over 24 months
| Carrier | Buying On Contract | Buying Outright |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | 2376 | 2375 |
| Optus | 2040 | 2039 |
| Vodafone | 2278.80 | 2039 |
| Woolworths Mobile | 1908.72 | 2159 |
| Belong | 0 | 2159 |
| Jeenee Mobile | 0 | 1917.80 |
Plans on contract
| Data Inclusion | Monthly Fee | Phone repayments | Outright Cost | Total Cost Over 24 months | |
| Telstra | 20GB | $79 | $20 | N/A | $2376 |
| Optus | 20GB | $65 | $20 | N/A | $2040 |
| Vodafone | 50GB | $45 | $49.95 | N/A | $2278.80 |
| Woolworths | 22GB | $40 | $39.53 | N/A | $1908.72 |
SIM-only plans
| Data Inclusion | Monthly Fee | Phone repayments | Outright Cost | Total Cost Over 24 months | |
| Telstra | 30GB | $49 | N/A | $1199 | $2375 |
| Optus | 30GB | $35 | N/A | $1199 | $2039 |
| Vodafone | 30GB | $35 | N/A | $1199 | $2039 |
| Woolworths | 22GB | $40 | N/A | $1199 | $2159 |
| Belong | 15GB | $40 | N/A | $1199 | $2159 |
| SpinTel | 15GB | $29.95 | N/A | $1199 | $1917.80 |
Data makes the difference
Of course, when comparing Galaxy contracts to SIM-only plans, you'll notice that handset contracts offered by the big carriers often come with a lot more data. This is particularly true if you're shopping for a plan with 15GB or more. This is because, increasingly, we're seeing carriers use big data bonuses to make handset contracts more attractive.
If you really think you're going to use 20GB or 50GB of data per month, then these data bonus contracts could be worth it for you. But make sure you do understand how much data you need before getting lured in by bonuses. The SIM-only plans we used in our comparisons offer more than enough data for the average user and can save you a whole lot of cash.
It depends on the carrier
Unarguably, the biggest savings we found came when we compared phone contracts from the big carriers against buying outright and choosing a SIM-only deal from a small provider like Belong or SpinTel.
These smaller providers are what the industry calls Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). Despite the savings MVNOs offer, many Australians still prefer to trust the larger carriers. This is understandable. We know many Australians have questions about the reliability of the network coverage MVNOs can offer.
However, the secret is that no matter which mobile provider you choose for your service, you're always going to end up with coverage from one of three mobile networks: Telstra, Optus or Vodafone. MVNOs buy their coverage from these networks at wholesale prices. That means any MVNO should be able to provide you with the same quality of connection as a big provider.
And, of course, many MVNOs offer their SIM-only deals on a no-contract basis. So if you do run into problems with them, you're free to jump ship. Not having a contract also means you can step up or down in plan size on a monthly basis, according to your usage. And you can take advantage next time a better deal comes along. And they do come along. The local telco space is becoming more and more competitive, which means the amount of data you can get for your dollar is climbing all the time.
Major carriers compared
You may still prefer to choose a major carrier. They certainly do offer some nice customer perks. With an Optus contract, for example, you can get a free subscription to Optus Sport and data-free streaming of Spotify, Netflix, Stan, and more. On a Telstra contract, you'll get data-free access to Apple Music, free access to AFL and NRL apps and free WiFi through Telstra Air.
Not all of these inclusions will be attractive to everyone, and you are paying a premium for them, but they're certainly nice to have. Even if you do choose a major carrier for your service, you can usually still save a bit of cash by choosing a SIM-only deal from them, rather than a contract.
What about a Galaxy lease?
In the past couple of years Telstra and Optus have introduced phone leases as an alternative to paying full-price for a phone on a two-year contract. Optus calls these ‘My Plan Flex’ and Telstra calls them ‘Go Mobile Lease Plans’.
The concept in most cases is pretty similar. You choose a new phone on a lease plan, pay a lower monthly handset fee and get the option to trade in for a newer model after 12 months. The trade-in isn't free – both Optus and Telstra charge a flat fee of $99 for the upgrade.
Generally, the saving on a lease plan is about $10 per month when compared to a traditional handset contract from the same provider. You can still save more by buying outright and choosing an MVNO. You also don't get to keep your Galaxy at the end of your contract. And old smartphones can be useful: you could sell it, lend it to a friend, use it as a back-up phone or as a WiFi hotspot.
Jacqui Dent
Editorial Strategist
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