Apple’s iPhone 12: A Mix of Brilliance & Familiar Cookie‑Cutter Design
Apple just dropped the iPhone 12 line that came in four flavors – the tiny mini, the standard “regular,” the Pro, and the hulking “Pro Max.” We’re talking 5G, a faster chip, a deeper Night Mode, a tough Ceramic‑Shield glass, and the shiny MagSafe charger that pops straight out of the back.
The Internet’s Take (and Meme‑Wars)
- “It looks like an iPhone 5!” – because every new iPhone sometimes ends up sticking to a familiar shell.
- Someone else asked, “Where’s the power charger and the earbuds?” – Apple went wireless, folks.
We’re not here to geek out, but we sure can talk about how to snag one of these babies at the best price.
Price Tag Breakdown: The Big Numbers
- iPhone 12 mini – starts at $1,149
- iPhone 12 – at least $1,249
- iPhone 12 Pro – starts at $1,399
- iPhone 12 Pro Max – tops out at $1,799
Save Your Wallet (and Your Pride)
Because, let’s face it, you’ll want that iPhone’s sleek 5G charm without breaking the bank. Here are the smartest ways to buy one without losing sleep over the price:
- Trade‑in Your Old Phone: Most carriers and Apple itself let you swap your old handset for a discount. If you still have that 2017 iPhone, you might be looking at a cool $400‑$600 cut.
- Look for Certified Refurbished: Apple’s refurbished store offers a 6‑month warranty and a 30‑day return policy – all at roughly 25%–35% off the retail price.
- Buy a Carrier Plan: Many carriers provide free or discounted phones with monthly installment plans. This can spread the cost over 24-36 months, plus you often get extra perks like data bundles.
- Seasonal Sales & Clearance: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back‑to‑school sales can slash prices by 10‑20%. Keep an eye on email alerts and the Apple “Deals” page.
- Use Credit Card Rewards: Some cards give cash‑back or points on big purchases. Flash those points for a 5‑10% discount.
Pro Tip: Upgrade When the New Line Drops
Apple’s iPhones tend to stay pricier for about a year after launch. When Apple announces the next refresh (iPhone 13, 14, etc.), the older models hit a price dip. Waiting that long can save you up to 20% – and you get a newer design if you’re feeling adventurous.
That’s all the finance‑friendly juice we can squeeze out of this Apple event. Grab the deal that fits your pocket, and let your new 5G phone start the countdown to all the tech and lifestyle perks it will bring.
1. Pick the right credit card to earn perks with your purchase
Maximizing Your Miles, Cash, and Coffee?
When you’re living in a world where each dollar you swipe on your card turns into something extra—be it cash back, miles, or a shiny reward—it’s a science. The trick? Treat your wallet like a carefully choreographed dance, with your credit cards playing the instruments.
Why Pick the Right Card?
- Grocery Gold: Some cards shine when you hit the supermarket. The more you shop, the more points stack.
- Fuel Flex: A good petrol card can turn every pump into a mini win.
- Cash Back Craze: Every swipe gets you a slice of that dollar back—easy to see, hard to ignore.
The iPhone 12 Strategy
Think about your iPhone 12 as a big-ticket item. Choose the card that gives you the most bang for your buck. We at MoneySmart always hit big purchases like this to get a slice of that spending back. It’s simple: pick the card that gives you the maximum rewards, then sit back and watch that balance grow.
Pro Tip
Keep a tidy Excel sheet to track your spending and conversions. Knowing where every dollar goes (and how many rewards you earn) turns your wallet from a chaos flood into a well-oiled machine. Happy spending!
2. Pair it with a cashback programme
Double the Delight: Pair Your Card with a Cashback Site
Want to get the most out of every block‑buster purchase? Hook that credit card to a cashback platform and watch the rewards pile up. It’s like a double‑feature film where both actors win gold!
How it Works (No Mystery Maths)
- Tap your card into the cashback program – a quick switch‑on that lets you earn your standard card perks.
- Then choose a cashback site (for example, ShopBack) and keep the earnings flowing.
- Both streams add up – no expiration on the credit‑card cash back; the platform will pay you at every purchase.
Example: Buying an iPhone 12
Let’s say you’re eyeing the iPhone 12 and you’ve got a Citi Cash Back+ Mastercard in your wallet. You’ll do a quick, one‑step purchase through ShopBack from the Apple online store:
- 1.6 % cash back from your credit card.
- 1 % cash back from ShopBack.
That’s a sweet 2.6 % in total! Buyers of the bolder iPhone 12 Pro Max will see:
- $28.78 from the card.
- $17.99 from ShopBack.
All together $46.77 – enough to cover a comfortable cafe meal for two. Whooo!
Why It Feels So Great
For two reasons:
- The cashback doesn’t expire, so you can play the long game.
- You’re getting double the perks, like a two‑part pizza that’s still cheaper than a slice.
Put it all together and you’re on a sweet path to earning more, paying less, and enjoying every swipe. Happy shopping!
3. Look for ways to get an Apple accessory for FREE
Hey, Apple Fans! Don’t Miss Out on the Ultimate Freebie
There’s been a bit of a stir about the iPhone 12 missing that handy charger and earpods, but here’s the good news: you can snag a pair of AirPods Pro (worth $379) for FREE—that’s right, zero dollars.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
- AirPods Pro – $379, but you get them at 0. Perfect for that binge‑watch marathons.
- Gaming Buff? Take a look at the Nintendo Switch Lite (worth $329) – you can cut about $33 off at Amazon.sg right now. A solid bonus if you’re in the game.
How to Get It
Just follow these quick steps:
- Apply for an eligible Citibank Credit Card with us.
- Use that same card to purchase the iPhone 12 (or any Apple gear you love).
- Enjoy the free gift—AirPods Pro tucked inside your new iPhone box.
It’s super straightforward, and it makes purchasing the iPhone 12 feel like a double victory: new gadget + free premium earbuds! Don’t let the missing charger bother you—just add a little extra value to your day.
Freebie Finds That Haul Cash
Think you’re too shy for playlists or that soundtrack‑heavy board games? Don’t sweat it. Curate some low‑profile freebies that actually have resale value and turn those “gift‑card” gifts into cold, hard dough—so you can splash the extra cash on your brand‑new iPhone 12.
Why Bother with Resale‑Ready Freebies?
- Instant Income – A dusty game or a forgotten music download can be flipped on Carousell for a tidy profit.
- Minimal Effort – No tinkering, no app‑install headaches, just file‑attach and a quick listing.
- Smart Upgrade Strategy – Every dollar earned reduces the gap between your old phone and the latest iPhone.
Top Picks (That Are Worth a Few Bucks)
- Retro Games – Classic titles like Super Mario Bros or Pac‑Man still fetch a sweet price on resale sites.
- Digital Album Bundles – Legendary CDs or vinyl‑era compilations can be sold for a hype‑worthy profit.
- Exclusive Access Codes – Gift cards or premium server codes from gaming communities are always in demand.
- Electronic Gift Cards – Handy for music streaming services or e‑book purchases—often resellable for near MSRP.
- Limited‑Edition Downloads – The rarer the download link, the better the resale potential.
Steps to Convert a Freebie into Cold, Hard Cash
- Log on to Carousell and create a concise listing headline: “Mint Condition Super Mario Bros – Selling for $45.”
- Attach high‑quality screenshots of the download link, user ID or any unique selling point.
- Provide clear, honest details—state the file size, platform, and any passwords.
- Set a fair price based on current trends; do a quick search of recent sales.
- Ship instantly via download link, or email the relevant link once payment is confirmed.
Turn your quiet, almost‑forgotten digital stash into a side hustle, stretch that budget for the iPhone 12, and enjoy the sweet satisfaction of a well‑deserved upgrade—even if the music isn’t your first love.
4. Break the cost into manageable monthly instalments
Get an iPhone 12 without emptying your wallet
Why a big‑ticket purchase can feel like a scary cliff jump
Cracking a four‑figure lump sum all at once is tough—especially when every month looks a bit uncertain. But that shiny new iPhone is calling your name, right?
Enter the savior: your trusty‑credit‑card buddy!
Most of us love a good installment plan that turns a steep price tag into smaller, more manageable bites. It’s like turning an avalanche into a slow, scenic hike.
Citibank’s “Equal Payment Plan” – the sweet spot
- Interest‑free, no hidden service fee.
- Available at over 1,000 branches across the island.
- Make sure the store you’re eye‑ing lists your card as a partner.
Already paid the bulk? Don’t sweat it.
- Use Citibank’s PayLite to slice any large, non‑installment purchase into smaller payments.
- There’s a small fee, but it’s usually less hassle than bank‑ruptifying your budget.
Bottom line? Grab that iPhone 12, keep your finances on track, and enjoy the smooth ride from purchase to payment.
5. Recontract or sign up with a telco
Snag a Cheaper iPhone 12 with Your Telco Deal
Remember the good old days when you could just walk into a store, pick out a shiny new phone, and leave with a bill that felt a little less dramatic? Those days might be slipping away, but a clever little loophole could still keep your wallet happy.
Why Now’s a Good Time
If you’re still dancing with a contract and your phone’s renewal is on the horizon, you’ve got a golden opportunity. Some carriers are letting you buy an iPhone 12 for less than retail—in some cases, you could even pay $0 if you’re locked into a higher-tier plan.
What’s on Offer
- Limited bundles of iPhone 12 models available for online pre‑orders.
- First‑come, first‑serve basis—so grab it fast if you can.
- They’re keeping the smartphone market a bit kinder to your bank account.
How to Make it Happen
- Check if your carrier has a recontract option that lands you the iPhone 12 right when you renew.
- If you’re up for it, stay on your current plan—or even consider porting to a different carrier if they’ve got a sweet deal.
- Pre‑order the phone online before the rush hits.
- Enjoy the brand-new tech without the price tag that would normally scare you.
So next time the bill comes, make sure you’re not just paying for the plan but also getting a deal that lets you stay ahead of the tech curve—without breaking the bank.
6. Trade in your existing smartphone with Apple
Apple’s Trade‑In Happy Hour
Apple’s Trade‑In program lets you snag a sweet discount on a new iPhone by sending a few bucks back to your bank after you trade away an eligible device. The good news? You’re not locked into only iPhones – non‑iOS phones can qualify, too.
What Happened With My Samsung S10e
- Turned out the S10e was a no‑go – it only landed me a “free recycling” tag.
- Feels a bit of a let‑down, but hey, that’s the reality of the program.
My MacBook Pro Gets a Treat
- Typed in the serial number for my MacBook Pro.
- Result: a $340 trade‑in credit.
Score‑Max Smartphone Minor
- The most valuable phone I checked was eligible for $780 in credit.
- That’s definitely an iPhone 11‑something.
If you’re willing to part with your current device (sorry, I’m still proud of my MacBook for work), this is a solid win: you get an instant discount on the next iPhone (like the iPhone 12) and you’re also doing your bit for the planet.
Originally shared on MoneySmart—your go‑to source for Apple, iPhone, and cost‑management tips.
