You don’t need to be reminded that smartphones are expensive. These devices are more expensive than they ever have been. A good phone can cost you around $1000 or its equivalent, regardless of where you live in the world.
Due to this, people aren’t readily lining up to buy the latest releases. Considering the current economic situation, this isn’t an expense that many people can afford. At the same time, you need to upgrade your smartphone at some point.
So, how are you supposed to know that a new phone is worth it? Well, fortunately for you, there are several factors that you can consider before making a final decision:
Table of Contents
Know what you are buying
One of the only reasons you should be swapping out your old phone for a new one is if you get to enjoy new features. Now, some of these features are more readily observable – better camera quality, more memory, smarter software, etc. However, you need to be certain that the new phone is older than the last one.
Thus, if you are planning on buying a new model, compare the specs between this one and your current phone. Carefully examine each element and do your research regarding the new specs. It is up to you to determine whether the newer model is offering you a genuine upgrade to what you currently have.
The good news is that this is easier to manage than before. Some sites such as converged devices will provide you with the guidance and insight you need when making your decision. If it appears that the phone only has a few minor improvements, it is just not worth investing in the device.
Focus on what you need
There is no denying that smartphone manufacturers are quite good at making many different features sound exciting. After all, who wouldn’t want an iris scanner on their phone? While these components can sound like fantastic additions to your phone, you should take a moment to consider them.
For one thing, just how important is an iris scanner to you? Such a feature only makes sense if you are carrying incredibly sensitive information on your phone. Even then, you have to admit that such an element is not as efficient to use, causing you to take longer to unlock your phone.
Of course, an iris scanner isn’t the only dubious addition to your phone – there are plenty. So, you will always have to consider just how useful a particular feature is and what you are willing to pay for it. If it isn’t going to improve your life all that much, it may not be worth the additional cost.
Be aware of upgrade stagnation
Just a few years ago, it seemed like a new smartphone was out every few months. And each of these new releases boasted new and tech-savvy features. This isn’t the case anymore, though. Many smartphone companies have experienced stagnation.
At the end of the day, there is a limit to how much you can pack into a smartphone. It appears that most phone manufacturers have reached this limit. So, while new phones may look fancier or more advanced, there isn’t anything all that impressive taking place behind the curtains.
Thus, if your current phone is still in good working order, you may want to stick with it for a little longer. It is a far better idea to hold out until you can be certain that you are getting a true upgrade.
Consider your current update-ability
It should be noted that one of the key ways that new models have improved is in terms of software. Thus, the software available in newer phones tends to be advanced and secure. It could be an incentive to switch to a newer model.
This, however, depends on your phone and how upgradeable it is. Keep in mind that not all phones can continue to be updated without any issue. There is a limit with certain makes and models. For instance, Apple is pretty good at allowing you to update an older phone. Google, on the other hand, isn’t.
Naturally, this is a feature you should consider when buying a new phone. Look for manufacturers that will allow you to update your phone at intervals, allowing it to remain efficient.
Consider mid-range options
For the longest time, you had only two price options when it came to smartphones – budget and premium. Needless to say, the budget phones weren’t all that impressive and had few features. Furthermore, they weren’t that reliable either. The premium ones had excellent features but would cost you an arm and a leg.
Smartphone manufacturers realized that these two categories weren’t enough. Although people didn’t want to buy budget phones, many weren’t willing to pay the exclusive costs of premium models. This is why you will now find mid-range models.
If you look closely, these models have similar software and features as their more expensive counterparts. The phones may not be as sophisticated, but they score rather high on quality and usability.
It should be noted that the companies have cut costs regarding the phone’s frame. They typically aren’t made from the same high-end materials as premium models. Apart from this, however, the differences are far and few in-between.
So, if you want the best of both worlds, this is an option you may want to consider. This will allow you to upgrade your phone without having to empty your bank account in the process.
There are numerous factors involved in whether or not you should get a new phone. To ensure that you make the right decision, consider every point carefully. Only then will you be able to make a fully informed decision. In turn, you are more likely to enjoy the purchase (or non-purchase) that you have made.