Crazy AT&T gets $150 refurb'd iPhone 3G in stock, will club a baby seal if you don't buy one

If Walmart's $197 iPhone 3G had you salivating, wait until you get ahold of this deal: AT&T has refurbished iPhone 3Gs in stock for a mere $150, effectively doubling your rice and ramen budget for the month should you take the plunge. AT&T claims the refurbs were returned within the 30 day trial period, are quality tested, and might be just a little scuffed up. If you're really feeling wild, there's also a 16GB refurb available for $250. Apple and AT&T are being a little shady on the warranty, stating "90 days or more," as opposed to the standard one year, but that's a risk you and your growling stomach are just going to have to take.

[Via Cnet]

[suprxtragrav @ Dec 16th 2008 12:01PM]

stupid question, but is this with or without the service plan?

[Le Big Mac @ Dec 16th 2008 12:03PM]

Actually, that's a good question. But I have to imagine it's with plan.

[Dee @ Dec 16th 2008 12:18PM]

I hate it when they advertise phones as being only $$$ much, negating to mention the price stated comes with a 2yr service plan e.g $197 for the iPhone at walmart. Why do phones by themselves cost so much, but you sign your life away for 2 yrs and you get them at a discount or for free?

Something is seriously flawed with the system.

[sepirioth @ Dec 16th 2008 12:25PM]

With a 2 year plan. so you get $50 off is it? to have a used phone instead of a new one with a full waranty? What a ripoff!

[neodorian @ Dec 16th 2008 12:37PM]

It's with a plan. That's what always pisses me off. I don't mind paying $250-350 for a smartphone I will use daily but I'll be damned if I pay $30-50 per month for a data plan when my current carrier only charges me $15/month for the same service. It seems like some people are willing to pay any amount of money as long as it is over a longer period of time. I really don't feel like doubling or tripling my monthly charge for unlimited data just to save $50 on a phone.

[CraigJ @ Dec 16th 2008 12:46PM]

Well, the cost to manufacture the phone is right at, or just over over $200. That is just the materials cost, not including R&D, marketing, and overhead. With all that it probably costs Apple well over $300 to build the phone, and AT&T subsidies the cost, paying Apple a reported $200 per phone over the purchase price. So it you want to fork our $600+ up front (so everyone can make their profit) knock yourself out, but most people find that a data plan is kind of a necessity, and personally, I can't imagine being with out my phone ever, so I'm going to be on some sort of unlimited data + calling plan regardless, therefore, it makes sense to sign up for 2 years to save $400 (+/- $100).

I'm getting really sick of listening to people who have no clue whine about how fucked up the system is. I have no love for the carriers, but realize that your average cell site costs about $200,000 when you include the cost of the tower, the labor and the land lease. The US is a huge area, and we (rightly) expect to be able to make a call on, say, the i-10 in the middle of the desert. That means infrastructure. The last time I checked AT&T was making a before tax profit of about 10%.

The bottom line is, if you think it's too expensive, don't buy it. Personally, $65 a month for unlimited data and nationwide calling seems like a bargain to me, but then again in 1997 I was paying over $100 a month for 500 shitty Sprint California only voice minutes...

[CraigJ @ Dec 16th 2008 12:48PM]

The data plan for the iPhone is not $30 to $50. It is $20. I had AT&T prior, and when I got the iPhone my bill went up $20 (plus taxes).

[CraigJ @ Dec 16th 2008 12:55PM]

correction, the original iPhone plan is $20, the new one is $30. Still, $30 is not "30 to 50", it's 30.

[cmetom @ Dec 16th 2008 1:02PM]

@craigj

I'm sick and tired of having brainwashed minds like yours tell me how wonderful it is to have subsidised phones tied directly into the monthly service cost. Phone cost and service cost should be separate, even if you DO get a discount/subsidy for signing to a 1 or 2 year contract.

Take Australia for instance. Phones on plans are advertised as costing 0 or 5 or 10 or 15 (etc) dollars per month, depending on how long you agree to pay for service or how large a monthly service fee you choose to pay.

I hate the North American system (particularly Canada, with the total and utter lack of competition) where phones cost 0 or 50 or 100 or 150 (etc) dollars upfront. Immediately you realise that if you bring your own phone you ONLY save on the upfront cost of a phone - you still have to pay the phone subsidy for a phone you won't get in your monthly fees.

[wako @ Dec 16th 2008 1:22PM]

The phones are obviously with a TWO YEAR PLAN. HOWEVER, a question does come up with these phones. If you look at their price they are NOT subsidized. They are simply the price they are listed. I am wondering if you buy the phone and then cancel before the trial period is up, they cant charge you anymore than they have since the phone is already paid at full price!

[neodorian @ Dec 16th 2008 2:02PM]

@CraigJ: I was comparing my plan to the data plans on other smartphones, not just the iPhone. My point still stands. I did not claim to not want a data plan. Far from it, I require and unlimited data plan. Hence my desire to comparison shop for the least expensive one. When I pay $15 for a month of unlimited 3g, why would I switch over to a phone only on ATT or VZW when they charge between $30 and $50 for unlimited data on iPhones and smartphones? I have no problem paying for the device but Why would I buy a device for $200 and a $30/month plan when I can buy another for $300 and a $15/month plan? the way I see it, I pay $360 more for the ATT plan over my current one over two years.

[Tonicboy @ Dec 16th 2008 2:18PM]

@neodorian

Where the hell are you getting $15 for an unlimited 3G data plan? No, I'd really like to know!

[Rollins @ Dec 16th 2008 4:32PM]

@Tonicboy

"Where the hell are you getting $15 for an unlimited 3G data plan? No, I'd really like to know!"

Possibly AT&T. Their MediaNet plan is $15/month for unlimited 3G, you just aren't supposed to use it with smartphones. They don't consider Nokia N-series phones to be smartphones, interestingly enough. That said, little will stop you from activating the plan on a dumbphone and then swapping the SIM to the smartphone of your choice.

[Shea @ Dec 16th 2008 10:00PM]

Does the warranty really matter?
I mean, its not like iPods have a reputation for batteries failing much too quickly, or the iPhone's inability to get through an entire day of heavy use on a single charge...
That battery will last more than a year, right?

...oh wait

[kash007 @ Dec 16th 2008 12:03PM]

WITH the plan. AND the required $30/month data plan.
Who wants to save $50 on a used phone when they will be paying many times that amount over the 2 year period?

[joe23521 @ Dec 16th 2008 12:21PM]

Do they have refurb'd plans?

[KarlW @ Dec 16th 2008 2:00PM]

It's the same plan as a new iPhone. If you want to save some money to put towards your bill, it's a reasonable move.

AT&T need to start a Pay-as-you-go service for the iPhone, as O2 has already done in the UK. Higher initial price, but you are paying up front for a year of unlimited data as well, so it works out pretty reasonable.

[Cassini @ Dec 17th 2008 6:22PM]

Yeah, tell me about it. Ooooo, whoop-dee-doo! $250 for a refurbished (i.e.: scratched, scuffed) 16gigger... how is that supposed to entice anyone? Anybody prepared to spend $250 with a two-year contract would simply spring for the extra fifty bucks and buy brand spanking new.

Now if they offered the 16GB model for $200 or less, that would be a whole different thing.

[loocas @ Dec 16th 2008 12:04PM]

Well, if Apple nor AT&T won't stand up for the iPhone's warranty, why should you?!

[AMiSH PiRATE @ Dec 16th 2008 12:08PM]

Damn right, loocas! This reminds me of when I was in game crazy the other week. They wouldn't sell me a used DS game when I tried to use a credit card because I wasn't signed up as a member. When I offered to pay with cash, they told me I can't return it if it's broken unless I sign up as a member, effectively telling me, "yeah, we don't stand behind our used products for even a day." I'm not buying something a company won't stand behind up front.

[Boarderwoot @ Dec 16th 2008 12:05PM]

I'm wondering if I could get the insurance on this phone. Then I could "accidentally" drop it out my office window 10 stories up and take it in to get a new one?? maybe?

[jron @ Dec 16th 2008 12:09PM]

You'd just get another refurbed one.

[kal326 @ Dec 16th 2008 12:13PM]

Most every warranty replacement plan I have ever heard of gives you a refurbed phone as a replacement. I have had PDA phones for years, which up until just recently didn't even offer insurance so the replacement as a new item may have changed.

[Boarderwoot @ Dec 16th 2008 12:13PM]

That sucks. I busted my RAZR twice and my Centro once, (not intentially mind you and I wouldn't reccomend the Centro to ANYONE) and Sprint gave me a new phone each time.

[Shugg @ Dec 16th 2008 12:47PM]

Iphone's are uninsurable,.

[ILoveApple @ Dec 16th 2008 12:07PM]

Silly North Americans. They think it's a good deal even though they're STILL paying for a phone on a lengthy contract.

[Adderz @ Dec 16th 2008 12:09PM]

Agreed. Taking it one step further, America has the shoddiest phone operators, we have better here in Australia!

[Jakob @ Dec 16th 2008 12:44PM]

Whup I'm more eager to know why Engadget is so stupid to actually post this.
Whoa 50 bucks is a big deal, when you consider this:

-AT&T claims the refurbs were returned within the 30 day trial period, are quality tested, and might be just a little scuffed up.
-shady on the warranty, stating "90 days or more"

Seriously please educate me, why is this a big deal? I know it's iPhone news, blahblah, but why?

[broli @ Dec 16th 2008 1:08PM]

It's called brainwashing.

[ducky @ Dec 16th 2008 5:35PM]

Stop. Freaking. Complaining.

Nobody forces you to read Engadget. You chose to visit this site, you chose to read this article, you even chose to make a meaningless comment about it. If you don't like the article, use your browser's exit button. Clear your cache if you like. You are reading a blog; you have no control over what it posts. Come to terms with that.

[Bergamot @ Dec 16th 2008 12:08PM]

Obscure UHF reference?

[Paul Miller @ Dec 16th 2008 2:04PM]

+1!

[bearxor @ Dec 16th 2008 3:50PM]

Haha, I saw it in my GMail RSS feed and clicked on it just to see if there would use a still frame for the picture or maybe dig up that clip on youtube. I was a little disappointed.

[Gavin @ Dec 16th 2008 12:08PM]

Not sure I would go for this. 90 day warranty, nah pay the extra $50 and get a years worth of service on your phone. I've taken my phone back at least 5 times and mines is up in feb

[Zelatio @ Dec 16th 2008 12:18PM]

Yea the iPhones are really POS. My brothers died twice. First time, they replaced it, and the second time they wouldn't because they said he plugged it into the wall the wrong way. Honestly? How pathetic of an excuse is that?

[tom @ Dec 16th 2008 12:32PM]

@zelatio

Looks like the rep is feeding you with crap. Apple already issue recall note for the adapter, it shouldn't be your fault
http://www.macnewsworld.com/story/64575.html

[McLovin @ Dec 16th 2008 12:09PM]

I'm thoroughly convinced now that Engadget fully endoreses the Apple brand.

"New MAC update! get it while it's hot!"
"OMG! iPhone subsidized price drops $50, get them NOW!"

Seriously, enough is enough.

Show that sort of enthusiasm for the G1 Dev edition, or do the full review of the revolutionary Touch HD, why don't you.

[000000 @ Dec 16th 2008 12:13PM]

I agree. But we all know this. And hasn't engadget admitted to accepting kickbacks from Apple? That's capitalism I guess.

[Paul Miller @ Dec 16th 2008 12:28PM]

Please tell me you're joking. Both of you.

[nerdtalker @ Dec 16th 2008 12:43PM]

Good point, where is the Touch HD review? I've read countless stories about the latest nokia and blackberry candybar phones and their respective full-screen touch offerings, but where the heck is the Touch HD review?

Honestly, I'm surprised there isn't a Engadget-run Steve Jobs twitter that updates every time the man takes a crap.

[Paul Miller @ Dec 16th 2008 1:52PM]

The Touch HD is not available in the States. We hit a review roundup (http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/htc-touch-hd-review-roundup/) and have covered the phone heavily. Also, how on earth does our coverage of Blackberry and Nokia imply any sort of supposed premeditated attempt to plug Apple? That doesn't make any sense AT ALL.

Here's the story: Apple products exist, we will cover them, we will have a fun time doing it. We're not sure why you have a problem with that.

[McLovin @ Dec 16th 2008 3:28PM]

@Paul Miller
We're not basing Engadget, how can I, FREAKING LOVE THIS SITE, I honestly spend atleast 2 hours of my work day on this site alone, and when I'm at home I'm reading every new post on my G1, Touch HD, or iPhone if I'm not studying, or watching the Colbert Report.

But here's the thing:
You obviously cover Apple realted news with so much fanfare an enthusiasm somtimes it's simply disgusting. I mean C'mon:

"If Walmart's $197 iPhone 3G had you salivating, wait until you get ahold of this"! -Engadget

Salavating, seriously? It almost sounded as if you were being sarcastic, but as I realized that you acutually meant it.

When have you ever said anything remotely enthusiastic about a WM device namely the revolutionary ones like Touch HD, and Omnia.

And the MAC updates!!! Point out an artice where you were that enthused about a Widows update and I'll happily shut my pie-hole.

You know, de-nile ain't just a river in Africa

[McLovin @ Dec 16th 2008 3:36PM]

@Paul Miller
Thanks for your review round up of the Touch HD, thanks for the ENTIRE ONE PRAGRAPH. That you (Engadget) so pasionately wrote about the device.

And OK, the touch HD wasn't released in the States, I give you that, but WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE Omnia, Verizon just picked it up. (And I'm not talking about that one article you had about it being a overshadowed by the BB Storm either).

[barfy @ Dec 16th 2008 3:52PM]

Take off the tinfoil hat, McLovin.

[ducky @ Dec 16th 2008 6:12PM]

@McLovin:

http://www.engadget.com/search/?q=touch+HD

Enjoy yourself.

By the way, since the Touch HD isn't available in the US, and this is a US-geared site, they have no reason to post about the Touch HD at all. Yet they do. (see search)

As for WM devices, it's well-known that Windows Mobile in general is a lackluster platform. Even with HTC's interface, it's WM. It doesn't bring very much new material to the table.

And for Mac/Windows updates, that's completely unrelated. I can't stand Mac OS, but I still have to disagree with you on this. Updates for Windows consist mostly of "KB9023548: Update to prevent remote arbitrary code execution on your Windows PC." Now take that update, change the KB number eight hundred times, and you've got the gist of Windows updates. Which is not to say they're unnecessary, it's just that given the choice between a billion little updates and a full OS update as Apple releases for Mac OS, it's obvious which you would pick to write about for a tech blog.

Stop with the "Engadget loves Apple" crap.

[ran @ Dec 16th 2008 12:10PM]

Well if I can get a refurb at full price without a subsidy and get the $150 discount, I'm fine with a few scuffs—nothing a trip to Apple and a few complaints won't cure. :D

Of course get something like an invisibleSHIELD and you won't be able to tell if you don't want to make the trip.

[Big GIANT Balls @ Dec 16th 2008 12:11PM]

This is stupid. You get a used iPhone for $50 less, and loose 9 months on the warenty. Just pony up the extra $50, it wont seem like a lot of money when the battery, or something else starts acting funny after 4 months.

[Galley @ Dec 16th 2008 1:23PM]

I bought one of the original iPhone refurbs from AT&T last April. They were offering a one year warranty. Apple also extended the original warranty to one year from purchase of the refurb.

[kjb434 @ Dec 16th 2008 12:14PM]

OMG, people returned iPhones?

Anyway,

It does have a service plan. Just because they are re-furbished, doesn't mean they were messed up. I could simply be the user didn't want the phone and returned it withing the "no questions asked" period of 30 days. ATT actually won't take them if you messed them up anyway. The defect has to be a manufacturing defect.

ATT also does not offer any insurance on its higher end phones unless they are part of a corporate account. The insurance would be too high of a monthly fee to offer it it.

[D.S = digtal shit @ Dec 16th 2008 12:18PM]

It comes with a messed up data plan that makes you pay that $50 you saved 24 times (in a 2 year period)