Skip to main content

Virgin Mobile users get access to the iPhone 5 next week

iphone-5-review-main
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Detailed by the Los Angeles Times today, Virgin Mobile will start carrying the iPhone 5 with unlimited data plans as cheap as $30 per month on June 28, 2013. Up to this point, only the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S have been available to Virgin Mobile users. The 16GB version of the iPhone 5 will be sold for $550 in Virgin Mobile stores, but customers can also find the 32GB version for $650 and 64GB version for $750 through the online store. Alternatively, the 16GB version of the iPhone 4S is currently priced around $380 on the site.

Virgin Mobile USA to get Apple iPhoneVirgin Mobile plans differ from other carriers since data is technically unlimited while voice minutes are sold at a premium. In addition, there’s no contract required to activate Virgin Mobile service. Service providers like Verizon and AT&T require two year contracts in addition to putting premium prices on data while offering unlimited voice minutes.

Operating a 16GB iPhone 5 on Virgin Mobile’s network for two years will cost between $1270 to $1870 depending on the voice plan while operating the same phone on Verizon for the same two years will cost between $2120 to $10,160 depending on the data plan (300MB per month up to 50GB per month).

Virgin Mobile’s three main Beyond Talk unlimited data and messaging plans include $35 for 300 anytime minutes per month, $45 for 1200 anytime minutes per month and $55 per month for unlimited minutes. As a bonus, subscribers can get an additional $5 off their bill each month simply for signing up for automatic payments. 

While data is technically unlimited with the Beyond Talk plans, Virgin Mobile does throttle 4G and 3G data speeds after a subscriber passes a 2.5GB monthly threshold for data usage. Once the user hits that cap, data speeds automatically fall to 256Kbps for the remainder of the billing cycle. This is a similar policy that’s implemented by other prepaid carriers that offer smartphones. However, average monthly data usage for iPhone users is less than 2GB per month according to a FierceWireless study published during March 2013.

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Flacy
By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…
iOS 18 could add a customization feature I’ve waited years for
iOS 17 interactive widgets on an iPhone 15 Pro Max.

iOS 18 is coming later this year, and all signs point to it being a dramatic iPhone update. Now, thanks to one new report, it looks like iOS 18 could add a customization feature I've been waiting years and years and years for: better home screen customization.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, iOS 18 will introduce a "more customizable" home screen. More specifically, iOS 18 will allow you to place app icons and widgets anywhere you want. If you want a space or break between an app icon or your widget, welcome to the future: iOS 18 may finally let you do that. MacRumors corroborated this report with its own sources, too.

Read more
5 phones you should buy instead of the iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 15 Pro Max lying on the ground surrounded by leaves.

Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max is one of the top choices for a premium smartphone. It offers the latest and greatest from Apple, including the new A17 Pro chip, a fantastic camera system, a lightweight titanium body, the Action button, and USB-C charging. It's a great package.

But there’s no doubt about it — the iPhone 15 Pro Max is also quite expensive, with a starting price of $1,200. It’s also not the only option out there if you want the best smartphone on the market, especially if you aren’t particularly invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Read more
The best iPhone keyboard apps in 2024: our 12 favorites
Typing on the iPhone 14 Plus.

The iPhone's default keyboard may not meet everyone's needs. Its limited features may leave some users wanting more variety and flexibility, especially on larger devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max or smaller models like the iPhone SE (2022).

We have conducted research and compiled a comprehensive list of the best third-party keyboards for iPhone, that can significantly enhance your texting experience. These keyboards offer a wide range of features and customization options, such as adjustable key size, swipe typing, themes, and easier access to emojis. Most of these keyboards are available for free, while some offer premium subscription options. Either way, you'll easily be able to find a keyboard that suits your needs and preferences.

Read more