Tablet Subscription vs Buying: Is Renting an iPad Worth It?

A costly investment in a premium tablet such as an iPad for university, remote working, or creative endeavors could set you back a pretty penny. With such premium devices as the iPad Pro and iPad Air costing more than a thousand dollars, many consumers and professionals are questioning if the best way to buy is still buying.

Subscription-based pricing is increasingly changing the way we consume technology. We now have more flexible ways of getting technology without huge initial expenses and commitments.

An immediate gain from a subscription compared to regular purchase methods such as outright retailing and bank’s installment plans is the lower monthly outlay. Instead of paying for the tablet full retail or over 12 to 36 months as an installment plan, you pay a fixed monthly fee for the duration of the agreement (varies by device model). 

The monthly subscription fee is determined primarily by model, tier, and storage. For a 24-month contract, the entry-level iPad price will be S$40/month and the 13-inch iPad Pro M4 will be S$72/month, but at a much more affordable monthly cost than possible with traditional fixed installment plans through a credit card.

If you pay for an iPad in full, you’ll pay 100% of the retail price up-front with GST (Goods and Services Tax) and there’s a handful of other up-front expenses. 

• Protection Coverage: purchasing AppleCare+ or third-party protection comes with an early cost investment to protect against a cracked screen or liquid damage.

• Depreciation: an iPad fresh out of the box can depreciate up to 30-40% in resale value within 12-18 months. 

• Resale Friction: owners have to re-list it on secondhand platforms, haggle with buyers, and safely wipe data to regain value when upgrading. 

Subscriptions interrupt the model of ownership entirely by tying only to the device’s capacity during the short period of peak performance. You no longer have to pay for the lifespan of that device, including old batteries and aged hardware, but only for what you actually used it for. 

The net profit over a 18-month subscription versus buying and reselling your purchase after 2 years can often be surprisingly narrow. Considering the time saved, a subscription is sometimes a smarter, more convenient choice. Other added tax benefits include: for business owners and freelancers, subscription payments are usually categorized as OpEx, not CapEx.

Hybrid Workers and Small Business Teams 

Organizations that need to provide devices to remote or hybrid employees will have a rollercoaster of tech demands. Buying tablets outright can weigh down a balance sheet and it’s often up to IT managers to find a way to recycle or sell off the old gear. This approach to leasing tablets allows them to adjust their inventory as needed. 

University and Tertiary Students

Students could struggle to fit device expenses into their budget, having dependable technology remains a challenge. Notebooks, sound recordings, and online tutorials are critical to a student’s needs, but immediately spending thousands of dollars on a device is not feasible for many. A monthly plan enables students to have a head start on high-end computer hardware with fixed monthly chargers and enables students to align their device setups with the length of a module. 

Creative Professionals and Digital Artists 

Artists, video editors, and 3D animators need a display that’s accurate, fast, and responsive to the Apple Pencil. As their apps and software continue to evolve, these busy tools require more resources. Subscriptions enable creators to transition to the latest iPad Pro offering every 12 to 24 months without heavy upfront capital expenditure.

Upgrade to the Latest Model

If you want to stick with the newest tech, just return your existing tablet when your contract ends and upgrade to the latest generation. There’ll be no excess device clutter, and you can be assured of the latest security updates, software features and battery life.

Extend Your Current Plan

If you’re happy with your current device and have no immediate need to upgrade, you’re free to continue your subscription on a rolling monthly basis or for one of the fixed periods offered. 

Return the Device Hassle-Free

Returning your tablet when your project, course, or remote work task has been completed and you don’t need the tablet any more, you could just send it back. The subscription platform checks the tablet, securely deletes all data, and returning early costs S$250.

Here at Cinch, we have transformed how Singapore gets easy access to great tech – to keep things simple, transparent, and sustainable. 

• Select Your Device: discover our select range of iPads, pick your model, colour, and storage size, and select a plan to suit your needs (3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months). 

• Fast Digital Approval: get through the automated online screening process rapidly and easily with upfront prices. 

• Doorstep Delivery: have your iPad delivered to your home or office and start using your device immediately upon delivery.

• Peace of Mind: integrated protection options include accidental damage coverage, so you can use your device without fear of those unexpected repair costs. 

• Flexible End-of-Term Choices: simply keep your device by upgrading, extend your plan, or return your device with ease.

1. Is renting an iPad cheaper than buying one? Renting or subscribing is generally cheaper in terms of upfront outlays and short-to-medium-term cash flow. Ownership over four or five years may yield a lower per-day cost, while subscribing includes added benefits such as built-in protection, free upgrades, and freedom from depreciation and resale hassle, making it more cost-effective for those who update their devices regularly.

2. What happens if I accidentally damage the subscribed iPad? Most subscription plans, including those with Cinch, offer optional or built-in device protection tiers that cover common accidental damage such as cracked screens. You pay 10% of the actual repair cost, excluding liquid damage.

3. Can I buy the iPad at the end of my subscription? Depending on the terms of your specific subscription plan, many providers allow you to purchase the device outright any time of your tenure for a fair market value fee if you decide you want to keep it permanently.

4. Is data security guaranteed when I return a subscribed tablet? Yes. Upon returning any device to Cinch, you would need to back up and factory-reset the device, local storage, and account links or charge a S$50 fee.

5. Are subscription tablets brand new or refurbished? Subscription services typically offer both options. You can select as-good-as-new devices that undergo rigorous hardware testing and sanitisation, offering an even lower monthly rate.