← Back to the blog

Part of the Tech Decoded guide series by Singtel, helping Singaporeans make smarter tech decisions.

Found the premium phone you want, but not so keen on the price?

With premium smartphones now costing $2,000, $2,500 or even more than $3,000, how you buy your phone can make a real difference to what you pay.

There isn’t one way to get a premium phone that’s always the cheapest. If you only need the device, it’s worth comparing standalone prices from both retailers and telcos. If you need mobile service too, compare the total cost of getting your phone with a phone plan against buying the phone and mobile service separately.

If you already know which phone you want, start by comparing these options before you buy.

There are three main ways to compare:

If you only need the phone, compare standalone prices from both retailers and telcos.

If you need a phone and mobile service, a phone plan is worth considering. Depending on the offer, you may get a reduced device price together with additional savings.

That’s why the lowest standalone phone price doesn’t necessarily mean the best overall value.

Buying your phone outright can make sense if you only need the device and value flexibility. A Phone Plan is worth comparing if you need a new phone and mobile service together, especially if it gives you access to reduced device pricing or additional savings.

Instead of looking only at what the phone costs on its own, you can compare the device price after applicable savings like port-in offers and trade-in bonuses. 

This matters even more when the phone you want costs thousands. A lower upfront device price can make an expensive phone easier to get, while additional promotions may improve the overall value of getting your phone and mobile service together.

To identify the cheaper option, compare the phone and mobile service over the same period instead of looking only at the monthly plan fee or upfront phone price.

A Phone Plan can reduce the total cost when device savings and eligible promotions outweigh the difference in monthly plan fees.

Singtel is currently the only telco in Singapore still offering Phone Plans. 

As premium phones become more expensive, that means Singtel continues to give customers a way to get the devices they want without necessarily paying the full standalone price upfront. 

A Singtel Phone Plan brings together reduced pricing on eligible devices, applicable savings and mobile benefits, giving you more ways to get the phone you want at a price that makes sense for you.

With a Singtel Phone Plan, upfront phone discounts and port‑in savings can offset the difference, resulting in a lower total spend over 24 months.

For example: a SIM Only plan may have a lower monthly subscription, but that does not always mean it costs less overall.

Here’s a simplified comparison using a premium smartphone:

24-month total cost = (monthly plan fee x 24) + upfront phone price - eligible port-in and cashback savings. In this example, the Phone Plan saves $168 over 24 months.

Savings calculations for the iPhone 18 Pro Max phone are accurate as of 11 September 2026. Terms and conditions apply. Prices and promotions may change; verify the latest plan and device details before publication.

In this example, the Phone Plan costs less overall despite its higher monthly fee because the device price and eligible port-in savings reduce the 24-month total.

This is where total cost of ownership, or TCO, is useful. It simply means looking at everything you’ll pay for your phone and mobile service over the same period and seeing which option provides the better value overall. 

Want to run the numbers yourself? Read our guide to total cost of ownership and how to compare SIM Only and Phone plans.

Start with the phone you want, then work backwards.

First, check its standalone price. If you need mobile service too, compare that with what you’d pay for the eligible phone with a Phone plan.

Then check the savings available to you. Are you switching telcos? Do you have an old phone to trade in? Are there device promotions you qualify for?

Finally, consider the mobile benefits you’ll actually use.

This gives you a clearer picture of what you’ll pay and what you’ll get for it, rather than letting one attractive price make the decision for you.

Singtel offers different ways to buy a premium phone, depending on whether you need the device on its own or together with mobile service.

Just need the phone?

Selected devices can be purchased from Singtel without a mobile plan, with applicable device offers depending on the phone and promotion available.

Want a new phone and mobile service together?

This is where a Singtel phone plan is worth considering.

Eligible phones can come at reduced upfront prices together with your mobile service, depending on the device, phone plan, promotion and your eligibility.

Depending on the offer, you may also qualify for port-in savings or trade-in bonuses, helping to bring down the cost of getting your new phone.

What’s the cheapest way to get a new phone in Singapore?

There isn’t one option that’s always the cheapest. Compare the phone’s standalone price with what it costs through a telco, then factor in any device discounts, port-in offers and trade-in savings available to you.

Can I buy a phone from a telco without signing up for a mobile plan?

Yes. Selected phones can be purchased from a telco without a mobile plan. This can be useful if you’re happy with your current mobile service but find a better device offer through a telco.

Is it cheaper to buy a phone on its own or with a Phone plan?

It depends on the phone, plan and promotions available. Buying upfront gives flexibility, but getting a phone with a plan can reduce total cost due to reduced device pricing and additional savings.

What is a Singtel Phone Plan?

A Singtel Phone Plan lets you get an eligible smartphone and mobile service together on a 24-month contract. Eligible phones may come at reduced upfront prices, with additional savings depending on the device, plan, promotion and your eligibility.

How can I save more on the phone I want?

Look beyond the advertised device price. Compare device discounts, port-in offers, PayLater cashback and your old phone’s trade-in value, then calculate the total cost over the same period.

How do I compare the total cost of a phone plan and SIM Only plan?

Use the same time period for both options. Add the monthly plan fees and upfront phone price, then subtract eligible port-in, trade-in and cashback savings. Compare the final total together with the mobile benefits you will actually use.

If you’ve found the phone you want, compare your options before you buy.

If you only need the device, compare standalone prices from retailers and telcos. If you need mobile service too, a phone plan is worth comparing with buying the two separately.

With a Singtel phone plan, eligible phones can come at reduced upfront prices, while applicable port-in and trade-in offers can provide additional savings. You’ll also get the mobile benefits included with your selected Phone plan.

The goal is to find the best-value way to get the phone you want based on the total cost, plan benefits and savings you are eligible for.

Ready for an upgrade? See what you could save with a Singtel phone plan.