Kogan is taking pre-orders for unlocked iPhone 5 handsets from Australians today, at $100 less than Apple.
If for some reason you can’t wait 24 hours till Apple starts taking pre-orders in Australia for the iPhone 5, you can place your pre-order today over at the Kogan website.
The online retailer, known for selling cut-price TVs and other electronics, is taking Australian pre-orders now for unlocked iPhone 5 handsets.
Want to compare iPhone 5 plans? See plans from Optus, Telstra, Vodafone, Virgin Mobile here
Kogan is selling the entry level phone, the 16GB iPhone 5, for $699, compared with the official Apple price of $799. The next model up, the 32GB, is advertised by Kogan at $799, compared to $899 from Apple. And the most expensive model, the 64GB iPhone 5, is $899, instead of $999 over at Apple.
The price is tempting, though remember that delivery costs are extra. And while Kogan is claiming a first, the expected “dispatch date” is the same as the general on-sale date everywhere else – September 21.
Also read: iPhone 5: why it’s good news if you didn’t get the 4S
Kogan’s web site displays the following message: “Note: Apple products may be subject to strong demand on launch, and availability of stock may be scarce or delayed. The “Expected Dispatch Date” is not a guarantee, and may be delayed (or brought forward) without notice. Orders will be filled on a first come first serve basis."
When we checked, Kogan was listing the “black & slate” coloured iPhone 5, but not the “white & silver” model.
The most important question is where these phones are coming from, and whether you’ll be missing any of the same levels of warranty and support as if you were buying from an Apple shop. There is much debate over the pros and cons of buying “grey market” electronics that has been imported through unofficial channels into Australia.
In the past, Kogan has reportedly offered a 12 month warranty on Apple products. We've asked Kogan about this in regards to the iPhone 5. A representative is getting back to us, but did tell us that "Kogan have a local support team that help with any queries for product they sell." We have also asked about whether there are any other differences to handsets sold from Apple stores, like network compatibility. We’ll post an update to this article as soon as we hear back from them.
