I don’t get the general criticism. It will all depend on details. If you can “rent” a $1000 device for $500 in payments over 2 years, and have the option to pay $500 at end of 2 years, or pay $250 over the next 2 years, then that is a better deal for you, including the delayed payments, and your optionality. If rampocalypse is over in 2 years, you can get a better device. How far away from the above formula implementation is matters though.
An advantage with buying a “good phone” is that Apple needs to keep their trade in incentives high to get you to upgrade later. Lease provides a clear upfront proposition instead of hoping for future Apple generosity.
I don’t get the general criticism. It will all depend on details. If you can “rent” a $1000 device for $500 in payments over 2 years, and have the option to pay $500 at end of 2 years, or pay $250 over the next 2 years, then that is a better deal for you, including the delayed payments, and your optionality. If rampocalypse is over in 2 years, you can get a better device. How far away from the above formula implementation is matters though.
An advantage with buying a “good phone” is that Apple needs to keep their trade in incentives high to get you to upgrade later. Lease provides a clear upfront proposition instead of hoping for future Apple generosity.