China Unicom, the exclusive operator partner for Apple's iPhone smartphones in China, has announced the contracted prices for iPhone 4S, starting at CNY5,880.

According to China Unicom, the contracted prices for 16GB iPhone 4S is CNY5,880; for 32GB is CNY6,999; and for 64GB is CNY7,999. Meanwhile, users can choose ten different mobile fee packages with monthly prices ranging from CNY66 to CNY886.

China Unicom announced solutions for users who want to gain the iPhone 4S products for free. For those who want the 16GB and 32GB versions, they can sign a three-year contract with monthly package of CNY286; and those who want the 64GB version need to sign a three-year contract with monthly package of CNY386. If the users prefer a two-year contract, they need to pay CNY386 each month for 16GB; or a CNY586 monthly package for 32GB and 64GB phones to gain the smartphones for free.

Apple announced that it will start selling the iPhone 4S in 21 countries and regions, including the Chinese mainland, from January 13, 2012. The retail prices for the iPhone 4S without contracts are CNY4,988 for 16GB, CNY5,888 for 32GB, and CNY6,788 for 64GB in mainland China.

Meanwhile, the Chinese electronics and home appliances retailer Suning has announced that it has started accepting orders for the iPhone 4S. Customers who pay the CNY200 deposit will be first in line to get the new iPhone 4S.