Last updated: August 2026
A 24-month contract almost always costs less in total than a 36-month contract for the same phone. The 36-month deal shows a lower monthly figure, which is why it looks cheaper, but you make twelve extra payments and the device costs more overall.
That is the short answer. The longer one depends on cash flow, because a lower monthly commitment is genuinely valuable to some households even at a higher total.
The direct comparison
| 24 months | 36 months | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly instalment | Higher | Lower |
| Total paid | Lower | Higher |
| Time until upgrade | Two years | Three years |
| Risk of outliving software support | Low | Meaningful on mid-range handsets |
| Flexibility if circumstances change | Better | Worse |
| Early exit cost | Lower remaining balance | Higher remaining balance for longer |
The software support problem
This is the argument against 36 months that rarely gets made, and it matters more than the money.
Many mid-range Android handsets receive around three to four years of security updates from launch. If you sign a 36-month contract on a phone that was already on sale for six months, you can finish your term on a device that has stopped receiving security patches — while still paying for it.
Apple and Samsung’s current flagships have long enough support windows that this is not an issue. On cheaper handsets it very much is. Ask for the specific support commitment before agreeing to a three-year term.
Which to choose
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Can comfortably afford the higher instalment | 24 months — lower total, more flexibility |
| Need the lowest possible monthly commitment | 36 months, with the trade-off understood |
| Are taking a budget or mid-range handset | 24 months — support window risk is real |
| Like to change phone often | 24 months |
| Expect your circumstances to change | 24 months, or SIM-only |
The option people overlook
If the 24-month instalment is uncomfortable, the better answer is often a cheaper handset over 24 months rather than an expensive one over 36. You get a lower total, a shorter commitment and usually a phone still in support at the end.
Cheaper still is keeping your current phone and taking SIM only deals, which removes device financing entirely. See also cheapest cellphone contracts and budget deals.
Before you sign either
- Calculate both totals. Multiply instalment by term and add once-off fees.
- Ask for the software support commitment on the specific model.
- Check the early cancellation position, which is worse for longer on a 36-month deal.
- Diarise the end date, since contracts that roll over keep charging device financing after the phone is paid off.
Compare live options on phone contract deals, 24 month contract deals and best contract deals South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 36-month contract ever the better choice?
Yes, when the lower monthly commitment genuinely matters to your cash flow and the handset has a long enough support window. It is a cash-flow decision, not a saving.
How much more does 36 months cost in total?
It varies by deal, but the total is consistently higher because you make twelve additional payments. Always calculate both.
Can I settle a 36-month contract early?
Usually yes, by paying the outstanding device balance. That balance stays higher for longer than on a 24-month term.
Does the phone stop working when the contract ends?
No. The device is yours. What changes is that you should move to SIM-only or upgrade, rather than continuing to pay device financing.
What if my phone stops getting updates mid-contract?
You remain liable for the instalment. This is why checking the support window before signing a long term matters.
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Pricing, availability, contract terms and approval criteria change regularly and are set by the provider. Confirm all current terms directly with the network before applying.