“Prepaid sim or Postpaid sim, which one is good for me?” This is a dilemma we’ve all been faced with at least at some point in life. So today, let’s clear it out once and for all. We’ll talk about what exactly a Prepaid and Postpaid plan is and what’s the difference between them so that you can decide for yourself, which suits you the best.
What is a Prepaid Plan?
As the name itself suggests, a Prepaid plan is a mobile network plan where you pay the money upfront and then enjoy the benefits of the plan. Here, you can recharge for any amount, for any duration and enjoy the plans thereon.
A Prepaid connection is ideal for someone who does not have a lot of data usage during the day and is adaptable to using a limited amount of data. Although, Prepaid plans are usually cheaper than Postpaid plans, they also lack the additional benefits given in a Postpaid plan.
What is a Postpaid Plan?
The name itself indicates what this type of mobile network plan is all about. Here, you pay your dues after you’ve used your monthly data. Your monthly invoice is billed basis the plan you chose and your monthly usage of data.
A Postpaid connection is ideal for working professionals who have a steady income. Although, a bit more expensive than a Prepaid plan, a Postpaid plan more than compensates itself by offering additional perks. For example, the Airtel Postpaid connection comes with a 1 Year Amazon Prime and Disney+ Hotstar subscription, 4G connection + Data Rollover, Handset Damage Protection and more.
Difference Between Prepaid and Postpaid Plans
Now that you exactly know what Prepaid and Postpaid plans are, you’re a step closer to making your final call. But how can you make an informed decision without comparing the two? So, let’s try to put an end to this Prepaid v/s Postpaid debate by enlisting all its features, that differentiates one from the other.
| Prepaid Connection | Postpaid Connection |
Meaning | Pay and then use. | Use and then pay for it. |
Duration of the Connection | Can be anywhere from a day to a year depending on the recharge you do. | Usually lasts a month but can be extended depending on your plan. |
Flexibility in Plans | Prepaid connection lacks flexibility as it comes with fixed plans that last till the limit lasts. You have to recharge once you exhaust your existing plan. | You can use as much data as you like. However, you will be charged a premium amount if you go overboard your chosen plan. So, choose carefully. |
Bill / Invoice | No invoice or bill is given. You simply recharge and use the services you’ve paid for. | You get a detailed bill or invoice at the end of your monthly cycle indicating your usage over the period. |
Bill Shocks | No bill shocks as you use what you already paid for. | Customers might get bill shocks if they exceed their monthly allotted data. However, with plans like the Airtel Postpaid plan you can avoid Bill shocks with Real-time Tracking. |
Change | You can easily switch between plans. | You cannot change your plan easily, or mid-cycle, it is always suggested to wait for your billing cycle to end before you change your plan. |
Phones | Can be used on any phone that you have already purchased outright. | Sometimes, you get a phone in combination with the Postpaid plan that you can pay off in instalments. |
Charged | Prepaid users have to recharge and use the plan on a real-time basis. | Postpaid users are charged at the end of the monthly billing cycle. |
Credit | Limited amount of credit is given for emergency usage after you exhaust your recharge. | Unlimited credit is given above and over your existing plan. |
Connection Stoppage | If you exhaust your current plan, your connection is stopped till the next recharge. | Even if you go overboard with your current plan, your connection isn’t stopped. You’re just billed for the additional usage. |
Additional Perks | No additional perks unless you get a premium recharge done. | Additional perks like complimentary OTT subscriptions, Data Rollover facility and more, even with the most affordable Postpaid plans. |
Conclusion
So, ideally, if you’re someone who doesn’t use a lot of data and is fine with limiting themselves, but wants to save money, then prepaid is the option for you. However, if you’re someone who wants limitless usage without worrying about recharges or your connection getting stopped. Then, Postpaid is the perfect choice for you. Moreover, you also get a lot of exciting perks for the additional bucks you spend.
FAQs
Prepaid plans are ideal for those looking to save money and come with their own phone or payment must be made outright for a new phone. Postpaid plans work best for those who need more additional features like international calling and want to finance a new phone purchase.
Which connection is best, postpaid or prepaid? ›
Therefore, network providers prioritize postpaid connections over prepaid connections for faster internet. Deprioritization can affect both prepaid connections and less costly postpaid plans. In the event of rush, users of high-cost family postpaid plans get the best internet connection over prepaid ones.
Which is better, prepaid or postpaid quora? ›
:-prepaid connection is best for poor people. because there's no other tension about phone recharge. :- postpaid made you free from the tension of every month phone recharge. :- postpaid provide you unlimited data.
What are the benefits of a phone plan vs prepaid? ›
Prepaid cell phone plans tend to be cheaper, but they usually come with fewer perks and features. Postpaid cell phone plans almost always cost more, but they often come with discounts on new devices and other benefits, like more reliable data speeds. Which is actually better, prepaid or postpaid cell phone plans?
Am I using prepaid or postpaid? ›
Postpaid: You typically pay for your mobile bills at the end of your billing cycle. Prepaid: You pay for your mobile bill upfront and you recharge your plans.
What are the benefits of postpaid connection? ›
With postpaid, you just need to pay one single bill at the end of the billing cycle every month. Moreover, you don't have to spend a lot of time choosing different plans for your family members and yourself. A single postpaid plan can fulfill everyone's needs.
What are the disadvantages of prepaid phones? ›
Here are some other disadvantages with prepaid cell phones. Expiring minutes and service: The minutes you buy for your prepaid cell phone may come with an expiration date of 30 or 90 days. If so, you'll lose them if you don't use them by then. You also may need to buy minutes regularly to extend the activation period.
What are the benefits of a prepaid plan? ›
In summary, prepaid service plans offer more budget control and flexibility, making them suitable for those who want to avoid contracts, have tighter control over their spending and who don't want to worry about overage fees, hidden fees, or credit checks.
What are 3 benefits to the customer for choosing a prepaid plan? ›
Benefits of a no-contract phone plan
Offering unlimited talk, text, and data for a fixed monthly price, they present a budget-friendly alternative for those on tight financial leash. With a prepaid plan, you know exactly what you're getting, and, importantly, how much it's costing you - no surprises.
What is the difference between AT&T prepaid and postpaid? ›
They are different. The biggest difference between a prepaid phone plan and postpaid phone plan is how you pay for your service. In one case, you pay as you go, before you use your phone for the month or series of months; in the other, you pay a recurring monthly bill for each service period.
Once you reach the store, talk to a customer executive to assist you with the process. You will be asked to fill a form called 'Postpaid to Prepaid Migration Form' at the store. Please fill in all the details accurately in the form. If you face any issues with the form, you can ask our representative to help you out.
How does postpaid work? ›
A postpaid connection is an agreement or contract, that works like a utility bill, i.e., the telecom provider does not levy any limits or restrictions on usage. They simply send you an itemised bill based on your usage, which you must repay on or before a specific due date, per your billing cycle.
Why is prepaid cheaper than postpaid? ›
When a network is busy, carriers prioritize users with postpaid plans, which are more profitable. This is done through data throttling and data deprioritization. Data throttling means prepaid users usually have a lower high-speed data cap than postpaid users.
What are the disadvantages of postpaid plan? ›
However, postpaid plans require a commitment. You will be tied to a contract for a specified period, usually 24 months. Breaking the contract early may result in penalties and additional fees. Additionally, credit checks and documentation are usually required when signing up for a postpaid plan.
Who has best postpaid plans? ›
Jio vs Airtel vs Vi Postpaid Plans
| Telecom Provider | Plan Price | Additional Benefits |
|---|
| Jio | Rs 199 | JioTV, JioCinema, JioSecurity, JioCloud |
| Airtel | Rs 399 | NA |
| Jio | Rs 399 | Amazon Prime, Netflix (mobile), JioTV, JioSecurity, JioCloud |
| Vi | Rs 401 | Sony LIV, Colors movies & TV, Zee5, Hungama music |
15 more rowsMar 16, 2023
Jio Postpaid Plan Rs 599
The Jio postpaid plan can be considered one of the best postpaid plans from the company. The plan offers unlimited voice calls and 100 SMS per day. However, it also features unlimited data benefits, making it special.
How to change postpaid to prepaid? ›
Carry your Airtel postpaid sim phone and your ID proof with you. You can locate our nearest store from Airtel Store Locator online service. Once you reach the store, talk to a customer executive to assist you with the process. You will be asked to fill a form called 'Postpaid to Prepaid Migration Form' at the store.
