Originally Posted by
LIH Prem
(edited after going through a buy)
I see what you mean, the 12 mini 64G with no carrier is 629, the carrier ones are 599 if you try to buy one.
Anyway the fine print is here, right on the page where you select the carrier or no carrier:
Carriers charge an activation fee to clawback the discount. I believe AT&T charges $40 but some FAN codes waive the fee.