The last 3 phones I purchased, it was a choice between
- plan + buying new phone + no contract
- plan + phone "free with plan" + increase in plan cost because of phone + 2 year contract
For one pone, the first was a clear winner. For another, it was slightly cheaper to get it with the plan (2nd option). For the last (iphone) it was the second option, but there was no increase in plan because of it.
So, the "cost" of the phone can vary a lot, and taking the time to figure it out is well worth it.
- plan + buying new phone + no contract
- plan + phone "free with plan" + increase in plan cost because of phone + 2 year contract
For one pone, the first was a clear winner. For another, it was slightly cheaper to get it with the plan (2nd option). For the last (iphone) it was the second option, but there was no increase in plan because of it.
So, the "cost" of the phone can vary a lot, and taking the time to figure it out is well worth it.