The two major wireless service providers in the Philippine have finally released their postpaid plans for the new Apple iPhone 8 and 8 Plus. Which provider offers the better deal? Let’s find out.

Globe and Smart are offering Apple’s latest smartphones to subscribers through regular postpaid plans for as cheap as Plan 500 or up to Plan 2499. Each plan has its inclusions and cash-out fees. In this comparison, we’re taking a look at the telcos’ recommended postpaid plans: ThePLAN 1799 for Globe and iPhone Plan 1999 for Smart.

iPhone 8 (64GB)

If we’re to avail ourselves of the Apple iPhone 8 (64GB), this is the breakdown:

With Globe, their regular package of unlimited voice calls within their network is included, plus unlimited texts to any network in the country. For mobile data, they offer 11GB of open data, which means this is what you’ll use for any internet activity on your phone (i.e., streaming, browsing, downloading, or tethering). The usual freebies of Netflix, Disney, and Spotify subscriptions are included, as well. The device has a PhP 19,200 cash-out, but the telco offers it through a monthly installment of PhP 800 (either charged to your bill or your own credit card). As always, a standard 24-month contract is required. The phone and the plan will cost PhP 2,599 per month or PhP 62,376 for the whole contract period.

Smart’s plan is quite different. It has unlimited texts and 70 minutes of voice calls to all networks. If already consumed, users can enjoy discounted call rate of PhP 4 per minute to Smart/TNT. The plan has 12GB of open data with free monthly access to an app, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Viber, or Waze. It’s got a PhP 16,800 cash-out or PhP 700 monthly installment, which can be charged to your postpaid bill or credit card, too. A 24-month contract will be in effect with a total monthly fee of PhP 2,699 or PhP 64,776 for two years.

iPhone 8 Plus (64GB)

If you’re after the iPhone 8 Plus, it’ll be a bit more expensive:

Since we’re still under the same postpaid plans on both telcos, nothing changed with the allocations. What’s different is the device fee, driving up the monthly and total cost of the plans.

Globe offers the bigger iPhone for PhP 25,200 or PhP 1,050 per month to make it lighter on the pocket. The total monthly fee is PhP 2,849 and will add up to PhP 68,376 over two years. Smart’s cash-out is slightly cheaper at PhP 24,000 or Php 1,000 per month, which means the total monthly fee is PhP 2,999. Doing the math, it’ll cost PhP 71,976 for the duration of the contract.

Which plan is better?

Availing yourself of a postpaid plan means getting into a two-year relationship, but you can always opt out for a fee. With Globe, you’ll get the best package if most of your contacts are also using the network, thanks to their unlimited calls and texts to Globe or TM. If you want a more business-like package, Smart’s calls and texts package to all networks is the better option. Call minutes are limited, but the discounted call rate to Smart and TNT is a nice offer. Data-wise, both are pretty much on par and they offer various data promos if you need more. You get better freebies with Globe, but if this is to be shared with your data allowance, you may want to get the streaming-only data promos.

The total cost of the plans on either phone doesn’t differ that much, which is good for subscribers. The choice between the two telcos will depend on your needs and also your circle of contacts. If re-contracting, you should ask about a loyalty offer.

You may check out the other postpaid plans of Globe and Smart on their respective websites. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are up for pre-order, and will be available starting November 17.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus Review

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