Well....now, there’s THAT, too.
I'm afraid of humanity as a whole. Especially the police. I’m more afraid of what we are capable of doing to each other. It seems to get more atrocious everyday.
Also.....wasps, bees, spiders, and hornets.
It’s better that way, actually. You own the phone outright, and the carrier can’t tell you what you can and can’t do with it.
Also, they begin to lose money on you anywhere between month 9 to month 12 on the plans, depending on carrier. That’s why they constantly want you to upgrade and trade in your device. They are using your need to keep up with the Joneses against you.
You can get that when buying flat out, as well. I used to work at Apple, and AppleCare+ with theft is a pretty nice add. It also increases resale value on your device.
The overall peace of mind is worth it. I used to work at Apple, so I get the AppleCare+, because I know how much it is to repair these bastards if you don't.
I pretty much always buy my phones outright. I don't like dealing with all that other bullshit. It cuts out the middle man.
I also can keep the phone for as long as I want, and take it to any carrier I want. I can slo travel with the device without consequence (if I ever get a chance to do so).
It is the same cost upfront as it is if you pay the plan out, and is actually less for me to do it that way. You can also take full advantage of trade in values.