Buying an Apple Watch Cellular from Vodafone - A Good Choice?
Vodafone and Optus are both service providers that offer a range of different products from network service to mobile phones and Apple Watches. Optus was founded all the way back in 1981 and Vodafone was founded in 1982, they have been the oldest in the game but if you are looking for an Apple Smartwatch especially on a budget then buying it from them might not be a good idea and here's why?
Price
Most consumers these days are smart about spending money, they don't just throw money at the first option they get, they carefully analyze the market and then go for the best option available. The price you pay when you buy an Apple watch from Vodafone isn't the lowest one you can get if you're looking to buy one in Australia. These days price is one of the major factors which can influence a buyer's decision about a product. You can find refurbished Apple watches for half the price of the new one which offers more value for money.
A Separate Number - A Separate Problem
Vodafone only offers the Cellular variant of the Apple Watches for sale and you can use an eSim on the Watch but the problem you'd be facing when buying an Apple Watch from Vodafone is that you would need to get another number for the Watch as you would not be able to use the existing number you are using with your phone. This can be a problem especially if you have left your phone at home and somebody calls you, you would not be able to answer the call from your watch. Since the watch has a different number and different contact details than that of the phone.
You'll only be able to answer the calls on your Watch when someone calls you on your Watch's number. If you are more likely to take the phone with you wherever you go then you are better off buying a cheaper GPS or a refurbished Cellular variant. The only thing the 'Cellular' would be useful for is the data and the high price you'd pay by buying an Apple Watch from Vodafone doesn't justify the "features" you would be getting.
Fewer Options
Usually, Cellular variants are sold at a higher price than the GPS one. With Vodafone and Optus, you have no option other than to go for the cellular one as it is the only variant they offer. If you are someone like me who likes to keep his options open then buying an cheap Apple Smart Watch from Vodafone would not be right for you.
Buying it Outright
With Vodafone and Optus, you would probably have to pay for it monthly and this can seem to stretch forever. If you're looking for the cheapest option then buying a cheap Smart Watch from a reputable retailer will be your best bet.
Low Re-Sale Value
Most tech enthusiasts prefer to upgrade after a year or two of using the device and some even soon, if you plan on upgrading down the line then buying an Apple Watch from Vodafone wouldn't be your best bet as the resale value for carrier bought devices is usually lower. The Apple Watch price starts at $129 in Australia and if you're looking for value then a refurbished Apple Watch would be your best bet.
So, these are the things which you should consider before buying an Apple Smart Watch from Vodafone. You can find many cheap options from reputable retailers here in Australia so, why go for the most expensive and the one that has the lowest resale value?
If you'd like to read more, check out: