The idea of getting a new awesome smartphone on a budget-friendly phone plan shouldn’t seem so impossible. People have this belief that good phones and good plans are mutually exclusive, but they may just not be looking in the right places. For those people, and students especially, who don’t have the luxury of spending unlimited dollars on their phone, here are 4 questions to ask before choosing that next phone plan.
1. Do I Really Need A Status Symbol?
Big tech companies invest heavily in their marketing teams for a reason. Their job is to come up with tactics that will convince you past a reasonable doubt that you NEED that new and expensive phone right NOW.
While their phones may be the hottest item right now, there are products on the market boasting the same quality for much less. For example, Samsung Galaxy S8 has the same processing speed as the Moto G5 Plus or the Nexus 5, but at $800 it costs $500 more than either of the mid-range two.
2. Is the iPhone Really Worth it?
The iPhone is the ultimate status symbol, but if we look at it objectively, its price hikes over the years and its popularity have little to do with its features (which haven´t changed all that much in recent years) and a lot to do with its branding.
Unless you are a fan of the brand and its operating system, many similar options within the mid-range phone category are available at a fraction of what an iPhone costs. Check out models by Motorola or Huawei, or the Honor View 10 which is equal in features to an iPhone X but costs half as much.
3. Do I Want A Long-Term Contract?
Contracts are often costly and lengthy. However, you can purchase a new phone with a minimal imposition of the agreement on your finances, or no contract at all.
If you want to buy your desired device in installments, a contract is a given. It is usually a 2-year deal with monthly payments. Beware though; if you ever wish to cancel the contract, it will result in hefty fees.
If you can pay upfront for the device, you can get a phone which is unlocked. This means your bills will be smaller, and you can change your carrier as you see fit.
4. Is Now The Right Time To Buy?
If your desired device just dropped, the answer is always no, especially with brand-name devices.
According to Mobile Industry Review, [1] smartphone prices usually go down by 30% six months after a release. Specifically with Samsung and Apple phones, right before and right after a new model drops is the best time to buy the previous model.
Finally, if you can wait, November 29th or Black Friday is the best time to buy. That’s when companies slash prices and offer unbelievable discounts.
Where to Find All These Deals?
The most important thing is to do your research. Know your needs and set a firm budget. This will help you develop a sound strategy that no amount of advertising and brand-names will be able sway. In the end, you will have a great phone at an excellent price.
[1]http://www.mobileindustryreview.com/2014/11/when-to-buy-a-flagship-smartphone.html
