Device Total MSRP
$1,200.24
$33.34/mo × 36 mos
Total Bill Credits Earned
$1,200.24
-$33.34/mo credit offset
Plan Premium (vs $40 MVNO)
$1,620.00
+$45.00/mo over 36 mos
Early Port-out Penalty
$0.00
Completed full 36 mo term
True Net Cost of Deal
$1,620.00
Net device: $0.00
Deal Scenarios
Presets
Financing Parameters
$33.34
Installment charge appearing on your monthly bill
$33.34
Carrier credit offset as long as the line is kept active
$85.00
Top-tier unlimited plan required for top-tier trade-in credit
$40.00
Cost of comparable prepaid or MVNO plan (e.g. Visible, Mint, US Mobile)
Month 36 (Full Term)
Switching carriers early triggers immediate device balance payoff
Gizmodo math rule: Carrier provides credits over 36 consecutive bill cycles. Cancel the line, and all remaining credits are forfeited, leaving you liable for the unpaid device balance.
Month-by-Month Cash Flow
Financed
Credit
Plan Premium
Balance Due
Cumulative Out-of-Pocket Trajectory (Months 1 to 36)
Full 36-Month Term
Monthly Audit Table
Showing months 1 to 36
| Mo | Device Charge | Bill Credit | Net Phone | Plan Premium | Rem. Balance | Total Out-of-Pocket |
|---|
Audited Contract Verification Evidence
Net Device Cost
$0.00
Total Device Cost
$1,200.24
Total Bill Credits
$1,200.24
Plan Premium (36 Mos)
$1,620.00
True Cost with Lock-in
$1,620.00
Verdict Summary
Technically free device, but carries a $1,620 premium service plan lock-in over 36 months.