A range of premium smartphones, including Apple’s iPhone 17, iPhone Air, Galaxy Z, etc, are available at a relatively low price on BytePe, a unique phone-as-a-subscription service provider in India.
The platform, founded by former Flipkart executive Jayant Jha, offers premium smartphones on EMI and on subscription to users.
The platform lets people use expensive premium smartphones by paying a fixed monthly fee, depending on the model. The fixed monthly fee can be as low as Rs 3,500 or as high as Rs 9,000, based on the model. After paying the amount for nearly a year, people can either upgrade to a new phone next year, or choose to continue the monthly subscription and purchase the existing phone.
BytePe Subscription For Phone: How It Works?
BytePe’s subscription service offers a flexible way to own smartphones. Users pay a fixed monthly fee for 12 months. At the end of this period, they can choose to upgrade to a newer model, return the device, or continue for another year to eventually own it. The plan also includes damage protection, reducing repair costs.
Subscription Model vs EMI: What’s The Difference?
While monthly subscription may remind people of the equated monthly installment (EMI) concept, but both are completely different. According to the company’s official website, the BytePe subscription model offers ownership of a phone only for a fixed tenure (one year) and it can be extended for two years. Whereas, EMI requires full payment of the phone’s price and provides immediate ownership.
BytePe also provides an upfront purchase option with insurance and a buyback value of up to 50% after 12 or 24 months. This feature allows users to recover part of their costs later, similar to exchange programs offered by retailers.
Phone Subscription Model: Who Can Benefit The Most?
BytePe subscription can be beneficial for tech geeks who are always chasing the newly launched premium smartphones, and they can’t stay calm without upgrading to a new phone every year.
It is also suitable for consumers without credit cards since BytePe offers its own EMI plans. Moreover, people who want predictable monthly expenses with included protection cover may find this model appealing.
Phone Subscription Model Is Not A Fit For You If…
The subscription model for owning phone is not suitable for those who see mobile and smartphones as an asset and generally use the device for 2-3 years. It is also not a fit for those who desire full ownership from day one.