Buying another phone isn’t as simple as many think it is. While there are numerous budget phones in the market, you still need to carefully decide which phone to buy as they don’t come for free. Even if you have more affordable phone options, you’re still going to spend a portion of your hard-earned money on it.
To make sure that you’re not pouring your money down the drain, here are some tips you need to consider in finding the right second phone for you before you go out or hit the checkout button.
Reflect on Your Needs
One of the first things you need to do is to reflect on your needs. Ask yourself, why are you planning to buy a new one? And how can a second phone fulfill your needs?
Do you need a lighter and thinner phone that you can bring anywhere? How about a feature phone that you can use more for texting and calling?
Not all phones come cheap. And you might want to factor that in as you don’t want to waste your money on a second phone that you won’t be able to use to fulfill your needs. So, before you shop, try to make a list of the things you need in a new phone that you don’t have in your current phone or that can help you have a backup.
Consider the Features
Once you’ve figured out what you need in a new phone, you should also take a look at the features of the phone you’re eyeing. Phones aren’t all built the same. Hence, you’ll find that an e ink phone may have different features than other smartphones. They also have different looks that can affect their features.
So, before you pay for a phone, make sure to check their features too. If it already has the features that you’re looking for in a phone that can fulfill your needs, see what else it has to offer and its compatibility with other mobile apps that you need.
To get to know a phone’s features, one of the easiest things to do is to check your preferred brand’s website. They always have a list of their phones’ features, so you can compare it to other models and brands.
If you’re shopping in physical stores, you can simply ask the shop’s staff more about the phone. Be warned, though, that not all salespeople are fully aware of what they’re selling. So, a little research at home will be a big help.
Decide on a Budget
Not all phones come cheap. Their prices vary depending on several factors like its features and brand. Usually, the more advanced a phone is, the pricier it can get. And knowing your budget is important as it will not only narrow down your options easily but it can also help you not to overspend on something you don’t actually need.
Before you decide to purchase a second phone, check your budget first. How much can you afford or are willing to spend over a second phone? Will it be worth it? If your budget isn’t enough for the phone that you need, will you apply for a loan?
By knowing this, you can also prepare for an overall budget. Since you’ve already determined how much you can spend for your second phone, it would be easier to adjust your budget for other needs.
Read the Reviews
Even with the advancements in technology, phones are still not perfected. This is because manufacturers depend on what their buyers’ needs are. They also need to make sacrifices to control the price so their market can afford their products.
Because of that, not all phones are meant for everyone. There’s no one-size-fits-all. Therefore, it is crucial for you to read the reviews.
Through feedback, you can get an unbiased opinion about the phone you’re eyeing. You can get to know the phone better and even get to compare it with others.
Through this, you can see if you can work around its weaknesses or if you need to look for better options. This will also save you from spending on a phone that won’t be able to provide you with what you need from a device.
This is also vital when you’re purchasing a phone online. Through this, you can prevent scams and only buy legitimate phones.
Decide Where to Buy
Where you buy your phone is also an important thing to factor in. There are countless shops where you can buy phones. But, just like phones, not all shops are created equal. That said, you might want to choose where to buy first.
Whether you’re buying online or not, make sure you do a little research about the store. See if they’re legitimate sellers, so you can save yourself from scams. Also, check their customer service. This is also important because in case you encounter problems with the phone, you’re sure that you’re in good hands and that your concerns will be attended to quickly.
You should see the reviews too. Look for proof of the shop’s previous transactions to avoid scams. Only transact with legitimate sellers with good customer service.
Decide When to Buy
So, you’ve found the phone with the right features you need at a good shop. But, don’t check out just yet. Knowing when to buy is also important, especially if you have a tight budget. This will help you find better deals and save more money.
The competition in the marketplace, especially online, these days have become tougher. Because of that, many brands give discounts for their products. But, of course, brands don’t always give promos and discounts. Just like other shops, phone shops also conduct sales depending on the season.
Hence, the price of your phone now may get even lower the next day or the next week. So, decide if you can still wait a little longer for discounts.
No phone is perfect. Hence, you might need a second phone to satisfy your needs. But, before anything else, make sure that it has the quality that you need.
