Ok lets say you get the phone free or for $130 (which is how much it comes out to with tax and fees)
You still don't have any insurance on the phone. So if it gets broken you have to buy a whole new phone. Otherwise you gotta buy the insurance which is gonna cost you an extra $12/month.
With Tmobile's Lease program you don't have to pay for the phone up front. They lease you the phone for $15/mo and insurance on the phone is already included. With that deal you are able to trade in your for 3 times a year to upgrade to the newest iPhone.
Is insurance still included with the lease program?
The reason why I keep my previous device is because insurance isn't worth it so I go without.
As long as I've got a backup device I'm good to go.
Paying an extra $15/mo with no contracts and you can upgrade your phone up to 3 times that same year.
Originally, T-Mobile used to "get" you by making you have to pay for your own phone, and most just did the monthly installments which usually was paid off over a 2-year time period. Now they switched the game up with the lease program and all the other companies are following it.
Each time you upgrade you restart your lease (contract).
T-Mobile introduced customers customers to paying retail for a device which is good for the carriers.