Everything Explodes! Government Launches Installment Plan for Cell Phones: Prices Skyrocket but You Can Access

Attention, Argentines! The government has just launched a new installment plan for cell phones that promises to be a game-changer, but watch out, because prices are through the roof and you need to know how to move to avoid being left out. We tell you everything, with brands, models, and numbers that will make you grab your credit card.

The plan, which starts this week, includes financing in up to 18 fixed interest-free installments for a selection of devices from the hottest brands: Samsung, Motorola, Apple, and Xiaomi. Yes, the same ones you see in store windows and always wanted, but with a price that hurts. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, 5000 mAh battery, quad camera 200 MP + 50 MP + 12 MP + 10 MP, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor) is available from $2,500,000. In 18 fixed installments, that’s about $138,889 per month. Expensive? Yes, but it’s the top of the line.

On the Motorola side, the Edge 50 Pro (6.7-inch pOLED display, 4500 mAh battery, 50 MP + 13 MP + 10 MP camera, Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor) starts at $1,200,000, with installments of $66,667. For Apple fans, the iPhone 15 Pro Max (6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, 4422 mAh battery, triple camera 48 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP, A17 Pro chip) goes for $3,000,000, or $166,667 per month in 18 installments. And Xiaomi is not far behind: the Xiaomi 14 Pro (6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED display, 4880 mAh battery, triple camera 50 MP + 50 MP + 50 MP, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor) is at $1,800,000, with installments of $100,000.

How to access? You have to go to the program’s website (already available on the Ministry of Economy’s page) and register with your ID and credit card details. The fixed installments are interest-free, but be careful: the prices include all taxes and VAT, so don’t be scared if you see high numbers. The program has a limited quota of 100,000 devices, and orders will be raffled if it fills up. So if you want yours, don’t sleep on it.

Experts say this is a unique opportunity to buy cutting-edge technology in a country where salaries are insufficient. But they also warn: if you don’t pay the installments, you’ll be hit with penalty interest that is crazy. So if you dare, go for it. But don’t complain later when you see your credit card statement.

Updated Price Comparison

If you are thinking about buying a new cell phone, these are the most sought-after models. All with 12 interest-free installments:

• Samsung Galaxy A55 – From $450,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-E4CH)
• Motorola Edge 50 Fusion – From $520,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-HVNV)
• Xiaomi Redmi Note – From $350,000 in 12 interest-free installments (VAFTS9-WF9A)

Approximate prices. 12 interest-free installments subject to each seller. Search for the codes on Mercado Libre.