The smartphone revolution has made it possible for everyone to be constantly connected. Unfortunately, with this convenience comes the expense of having to purchase a new phone on a regular basis. With more people looking to save money by purchasing used phones, many are wary about making their purchase after hearing stories of scams and broken promises. However, there is no need to worry when you follow these ten tips!
Used vs. pre-owned vs. refurbished
When shopping for a new smartphone, you may be faced with three different options: used phones, pre-owned smartphones and refurbished smartphones. Each option is unique in the way it’s purchased and has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs. Here are some of them!
Used vs. pre-owned is a common question among consumers, however refurbished phones are also an option to consider
Just like used cars, smartphones lose value over time and this affects the price you can sell or trade them in for – especially if they’re old models that aren’t as popular anymore. Also, the more wear and tear they get, the less money you’ll end up receiving.
Refurbished phones are another option that offers a smart financial move for consumers who want to keep their options open. These devices have been used but repaired by manufacturers or third-party companies so expect some scratches if not cracks on its body since it has been used and returned for repair.
Know when to buy
When you are ready to buy a new smartphone, there is usually some time before release of the next model. The question then arises: should we wait and get the newest phone or just stay with what we have? There will always be pros and cons on both sides of this debate, but in general it’s better to spend money than not.
There are a few things to consider when you’re thinking about buying a new phone. If the old model has an issue that can be fixed with software, then it’s probably best not upgrade immediately. However if there is something wrong with hardware or there is another reason for wanting a new phone, it may make sense to spend some money on a new one.
Another thing to consider is price and whether a new phone will be worth the extra cost over an older model that has been discounted because of its age. If it’s just a few dollars more, then you may as well get the latest model so you don’t have any down time waiting for your old one.
Know your network, or buy an unlocked phone
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, or just don’t want your carrier getting in the way of being able to use whatever phone you want, an unlocked device is a great alternative. Just remember that it won’t be covered by most carriers under any warranty at all. You will have to deal with any issues that come up with a “Do Whatever The Heck You Want” phone.
Research prices
If you are looking to buy a new smartphone, it’s important to research prices before making the purchase. Retailers tend to offer different deals and discounts at various times so this can affect how much money is actually spent on phones or other devices that may be purchased as well. The more time taken researching prices, the better chance someone will have of saving money.
The best way to compare prices for smartphones is by looking at a variety of different retailers and their deals on the same phone model. Each retailer may have a slightly different price so it’s important to do your research before buying anything, otherwise you could end up spending more than necessary or getting less value out of that product.
Conclusion
The smartphone buying guide we created is designed to help you make the best decision for your needs and budget. There are a lot of phones out there, so it can be difficult to find one that suits all of your criteria. We hope this article has helped clear up some confusion and made things easier on you when considering what type of phone or mobile device might work for you. Have any questions? Contact us anytime!