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A 2021 MobileSyrup comparison found that buying an iPhone 13 from a Canadian carrier could cost up to $46 more than buying it directly from Apple. That figure applies to the comparison published September 17, 2021, and updated September 18—not to carrier offers today. The update also changed the regional-carrier ranking after the author accounted for subsidies included in financing.
What the $46 comparison covered
MobileSyrup compared the 128 GB base model in each iPhone 13 tier across Canada’s Big Three carriers and their flanker brands, larger regional carriers, and Apple’s direct prices. Its headline figure is a historical result from that comparison, not a general rule that carrier purchases always cost more.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Starlight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $270.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed) | $269.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Apple iPhone 12, 64GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $185.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $286.73 | Buy on Amazon |
The article’s September 18 update recalculated regional-carrier prices to include subsidies built into financing. That adjustment put SaskTel at the top of the comparison, followed by Shaw/Freedom and Videotron. MobileSyrup said the Big Three and their flanker brands did not offer those subsidies in its comparison. These rankings and terms describe the 2021 offers examined in the article.
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Apple’s reported 2021 prices for the 128 GB models
MobileSyrup reported the following Apple direct-purchase and 24-month financing examples in 2021. The financing totals are historical and should not be read as current prices.
#1 Best Overall
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
| iPhone 13 model | Apple financing per month for 24 months | Financing total | Apple outright price |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 13 Pro Max | $64.54 | $1,548.96 | $1,549 |
| iPhone 13 Pro | $58.29 | $1,398.96 | $1,399 |
| iPhone 13 | $45.79 | $1,098.96 | $1,099 |
| iPhone 13 mini | $39.54 | $948.96 | $949 |
Why a carrier’s advertised price may not be the full cost
Financing subsidies can change the comparison
A carrier’s device price may reflect a subsidy built into its financing, so comparing only the listed retail price can misstate the cost. MobileSyrup’s 2021 update changed the regional-carrier ranking after including those subsidies. For any offer, check whether a subsidy must be repaid if you cancel or otherwise end the agreement early.
The required plan matters
MobileSyrup said a carrier purchase required a plan and noted that some carriers could limit plan choices depending on how the phone was acquired. The cost of the handset alone therefore does not show the full expense of buying through a carrier. Compare the plan you would actually need and are eligible to use, not just the device payment.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
Device-return offers have a condition
The Big Three’s “device return” offers described in the article reduced the amount paid during the financing term in exchange for returning the phone after two years or paying a stated fee. In MobileSyrup’s Telus example, the iPhone 13 Pro Max was listed at $0 upfront and $43.04 per month for 24 months. The $560 Bring-It-Back reduction depended on returning the device or paying that amount afterward. The article calculated $1,592.96 over two years with that option and $1,593.12 without it. Those are the article’s 2021 figures, not current Telus terms.
How to compare a carrier offer with buying directly
- Match the phone. Compare the same iPhone model and storage capacity; the 2021 comparison used 128 GB models.
- Use the same term. Add every device payment over the full financing period and include any upfront amount.
- Account for conditions. Include subsidies, possible repayment on cancellation, and any amount due if you keep a device covered by a return offer.
- Add the plan cost. Check the required plan, its price, and whether the offer restricts which plans you can choose.
- Compare with Apple’s direct price and the actual promotion. Recalculate using offers available on the date you are buying; MobileSyrup cautioned that promotions can change the result and that carrier financing can sometimes be cheaper.
What the historical comparison can—and cannot—tell you
The comparison shows why total cost and offer conditions matter more than a carrier’s advertised device price alone. It does not establish which Canadian carrier is cheapest now, whether an iPhone 13 is currently available through a particular carrier, or what plans and promotions are available. Those details need to be checked for the specific purchase date and offer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high?quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
Rank #4
- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Rank #3
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high?quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom range
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core Neural Engine
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
