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Cape Town - While most customers opt to buy the latest smartphones on contract because of their cost, a growing number of people are opting to pay cash and save on the latest technology.
Manufacturers like to spell out the bells and whistles of their latest gadgets, but these usually attract premium prices - for example, the Sony Z2 waterproof smartphone costs a whopping R469 per month on a Vodacom contract while the LG G3 goes for R399 for two years on MTN.
This translates roughly into R11 256 for the Z2 and R9 576 for the G3.
However, shopping online could see those wanting to buy smartphones make substantial savings. Online stores can usually offer the same device at a better cost, though they often demand an upfront cash payment.
Orange offers the HTC One (M8) for R7 600, the G3 for R7 540 and the Z2 for R7 835 which includes free delivery. The evidence suggests that sharp-eyed shoppers are already exploiting the platform to purchase smartphones.
Bank offers
Orange told Fin24 that its top-selling handsets in the premium category were the One (M8), followed by the G3 and the Z2.
Of course, individual users will have to decide whether buying a device online is worth the added value of data and minutes that operators usually offer. For example, with the Z2 offer, you could save over R3 000 by buying it online.
In addition to taking the online route, what if you don't have the cash? Most financial experts would suggest that if you don't have the money, walk away from a smartphone purchase.
But if you really want the latest gadgets, both First National Bank and Standard Bank offer mobile devices on no interest deals over 24 months.
The banks are able to differentiate themselves from Orange by offering Apple iPhones. The iPhone 5S costs R448 per month at Standard Bank and R455 at FNB.
Online shopping has the potential to disrupt the established smartphone distribution channels in SA and Orange has hinted that it is looking for ways upset the status quo in the country.
"In many countries, even with a high level of penetration, if you bring innovation, if you bring new offers, you can always take market share," Sèbastien Crozier, Orange Horizons CEO told Fin24.
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Manufacturers like to spell out the bells and whistles of their latest gadgets, but these usually attract premium prices - for example, the Sony Z2 waterproof smartphone costs a whopping R469 per month on a Vodacom contract while the LG G3 goes for R399 for two years on MTN.
This translates roughly into R11 256 for the Z2 and R9 576 for the G3.
However, shopping online could see those wanting to buy smartphones make substantial savings. Online stores can usually offer the same device at a better cost, though they often demand an upfront cash payment.
Orange offers the HTC One (M8) for R7 600, the G3 for R7 540 and the Z2 for R7 835 which includes free delivery. The evidence suggests that sharp-eyed shoppers are already exploiting the platform to purchase smartphones.
Bank offers
Orange told Fin24 that its top-selling handsets in the premium category were the One (M8), followed by the G3 and the Z2.
Of course, individual users will have to decide whether buying a device online is worth the added value of data and minutes that operators usually offer. For example, with the Z2 offer, you could save over R3 000 by buying it online.
In addition to taking the online route, what if you don't have the cash? Most financial experts would suggest that if you don't have the money, walk away from a smartphone purchase.
But if you really want the latest gadgets, both First National Bank and Standard Bank offer mobile devices on no interest deals over 24 months.
The banks are able to differentiate themselves from Orange by offering Apple iPhones. The iPhone 5S costs R448 per month at Standard Bank and R455 at FNB.
Online shopping has the potential to disrupt the established smartphone distribution channels in SA and Orange has hinted that it is looking for ways upset the status quo in the country.
"In many countries, even with a high level of penetration, if you bring innovation, if you bring new offers, you can always take market share," Sèbastien Crozier, Orange Horizons CEO told Fin24.
- Follow Duncan on Twitter
