Smartphones are an integral part of our everyday lives that we often overlook what they cost. Once you add up the price of a good contract and then factor in the data plan, you may find yourself surprised to learn how much it costs over a year or two. If you plan to buy a new phone, there are some useful financial pieces of advice that you should be aware of. This article will discuss six things you need to consider to keep your finances in check. Let’s get to the details.
Get a Loan
A great mobile phone costs anywhere between $500 and $1,000. Some premium models can cost upwards of $1,200. This is beyond the price range of many people’s budgets. However, there are no shortcuts for getting a good smartphone without paying too much money for it. One way you might be able to afford this phone is by buying it with a loan.
Besides, Finnish citizens can apply for credit online if they lack the funds to buy used books for their respective colleges. All they have to do is choose the amount and apply to receive the cash without collateral into their accounts.Â
This will help spread out the payments so that it does not seem as daunting. For example, with payday loans, you can get up to $1500 without having any credit checks run on you. This means that you will not have to worry about getting turned down because of your history. Furthermore, interest rates are reasonable with these loans, so you do not need to worry about paying an arm and a leg later on.
Consider Buying a Cheaper Phone
In some cases, you can save money by buying a slightly older popular phone model. For example, you may be able to get the previous year’s model of an iPhone for up to fifty percent less than the market rate. This is a fairly common practice in the industry and comes from companies trying to sell off their phones before releasing newer versions.
The downside is that the older models have less storage space and outdated specs, which can be an issue if you need something modern. But if you are not too demanding of the phone’s performance, then getting a cheaper model can help save some money so that you can afford other expenses.
Pick Your Data Plan Carefully
Regardless of whether you choose to buy a cheaper phone or not, the amount of data that you need is still substantial. There are all kinds of plans with different restrictions for different prices. You have to figure out what fits your needs best so that you do not run over your data allowance and have to pay extra fees.
The best option is usually going with a large data plan, so you do not have to worry about how much data you use daily. Unfortunately, this costs more money per month and can be a financial burden. If possible, try buying an unlimited plan or getting close to that amount at the very least. This way, you will not have to worry about running out of data on your phone anytime soon.
Ask about Bundled Prices
If you ask most people how they bought their phone, then most of them will tell you that they got it through an excellent bundled deal that came with a contract and several accessories. This is a popular sales tactic that retailers use to tempt customers into making a purchase.
The good news is that you can learn how to play the game and take advantage of these bundled deals. When you are asking about prices from different retailers, inquire about bundles as this will offer you better value for money. In some cases, the retailer may even throw in a gift as well.
Take Your Phone’s Usage into Account
This is an essential factor that many people tend to overlook when buying a new phone. The fact is that some devices are better suited for certain activities than others. For example, if you use your phone heavily throughout the day, you might want a high-end phone with a large battery and more processing power.
On the other hand, if you need a workhorse that can handle many apps and games without slowing down, something like the Google Pixel will be ideal for your needs. If none of these smartphones strikes your fancy, then look at a phone’s hardware specs. This will help you get a good idea of how well it will perform for your requirements.
Check on the Warranty
Not all retailers will offer you a warranty for your phone, especially an older model. However, if the company does sell a warranty with a new device, then take advantage of this as much as you can. This way, you can keep your phone protected from any mechanical failures or malfunctions for at least a year after buying it.
Most established phone brands will offer a warranty of at least a year, but you can always check with the retailer to make sure. For example, if you buy a phone from a smaller store, it may not be part of a large brand and thus cannot offer the same warranty terms.
Buying a phone may not be the most important purchase you make, but it can still be expensive if you are not careful. It is something that everyone needs to do at some point in their lives, and there are many different options to consider depending on your needs and financial situation. Use the above tips to get the best deal possible.
