iPad vs. iPhone: what does 3G cost you?
With the announcement that the iPad would continue Apple's often-rocky relationship with AT&T to serve up wide-area data, we wanted to know: exactly what does an iPad cost you over the course of a couple years? Granted, the iPad doesn't support voice calling — nor does it require a contract, unlike the iPhone — but for anyone who uses an iPhone primarily for browsing and gaming, this could make for a serviceable alternative that saves money over the long term. Follow the break for the full rundown.
iPad |
iPhone |
| Upfront cost | $629 / $729 / $829 | $99 / $199 / $299 |
| WiFi-only version available | Yes ($499 / $599 / $699) | Yes (iPod touch – $199 / $299 / $399) |
| Voice calling capability | No | Yes |
| Contract required | No | Yes |
| Device unlocked | Yes | No |
| SIM standard | microSIM | SIM |
| Monthly cost for unlimited data | $29.99 |
$29.99 |
| Minimum cash outlay per month | $14.99 | $69.99 |
| Minimum data cost over two years | $359.76 | $720 |
| Maximum data cost over two years | $719.76 | $720 |
| Minimum cash outlay over two years | $988.76 | $1,778.76 |
| Maximum cash outlay over two years | $1,548.76 | $3,178.76 |