There’s No Point in Paying for the Latest Phone – Your Alternatives:
Smartphones have become an essential part of our everyday lives, and well-known brands like Apple and Samsung tend to release multiple new models each year. However, while it can be tempting to go and get the latest handset, the truth is that, today, buying a new smartphone handset can be a lot like buying a brand-new car, with the value dropping by a significant amount just because you’ve opened the box. If you need or want a new phone, it’s always worth considering the alternatives to getting the latest iPhone release. Whether you want to save money, be kinder to the planet, or both, there are options available to help you get a new phone in your hands without breaking the bank.
Do You Need a New Handset Right Now?
It’s important to be honest with yourself and ask yourself if you need a new handset right now, or if you’re just excited about the latest release and are getting a little bit of ‘fear of missing out’. While the smartphone brands do a great job of making us feel like we’re missing out if we don’t have the latest model, the truth is that they are often not all that different compared to the last one, and it can be a little bit underwhelming when you finally open the box. If your current handset functions well and does everything that you need it to do, then hanging onto it for as long as possible will help you save money. And if you own it outright and aren’t tied into making any monthly payments, you can save even more by exploring the cheap and affordable SIM only plans from Lebara. Starting at just £5 per month, Lebara’s plans will never make you commit to paying a monthly fee. They are flexible month-by-month and do not affect your credit rating.
Buy Refurbished
If your handset is falling apart and you really do need a new one, then it’s worth checking out refurbished handset options before you go and spend your money on a brand-new phone. These are phones that have been used before, but don’t let that put you off since, as long as you buy from a reputable company or directly from the manufacturer, your refurbished phone handset should be as good as new. Typically, you can get a refurbished handset for much cheaper compared to brand-new and, in some cases, the latest model might already be available due to customer returns or insurance claims. Your phone will have been restored and fixed up to a high standard and boxed up ready to be opened, so it feels just like getting a brand-new phone with all the usual accessories. Another reason to buy refurbished is that it’s just so much more eco-friendly. Refurbished handsets don’t go into landfill, and they reduce the demand for brand-new phone production.
Buy Second-Hand
Another option to consider if you want to get a new smartphone is second-hand. While this does not come with as much protection compared to a refurbished product, as they are usually sold as seen and don’t have warranties, there are still some bargains out there if you know what you are looking for. This is especially true if a new handset has just been released as there will always be some people who snap up the latest release straight away and put their old phone on a selling site like eBay or Facebook Marketplace in perfect condition and working order. This option is just as kind to the planet as refurbished phones and can often be even cheaper, although it does come with more risk. The best option if you are considering buying second-hand is to go for a local selling site where you can collect the phone in-person from somebody in your area and check it out before you buy to make sure that it’s working well and in good condition.
Why the Latest Handsets Aren’t Worth Buying Yet
When a smartphone manufacturer releases a new handset, it usually generates a lot of buzz as soon as it comes out. People queue outside the Apple store for the latest releases, but the sad truth is that, in a few months, another handset is going to be released and this one will be forgotten about, just like the one before it. While going for the latest handset release can be tempting, often you are simply paying hundreds of pounds extra just to say that you’ve got the latest release – not really worth it, when you think about it like that. On the other hand, when a new handset is released, the models that came before it tend to drop in value by quite a lot, making this the best time to buy a release from a year or so ago at a much cheaper price compared to when it first came out.
Saving on Monthly Costs
Most people can’t afford to get the latest handset without getting tied into monthly payments that last a couple of years. Another issue with getting the latest handset in this way is that these payments cover the value cost of the handset at the time of sale. This means that, a year in, you are going to see people with the exact same phone as you paying a lot less, which can be very frustrating. On the other hand, by opting for a refurbished or second-hand handset with a SIM only deal, you have full control over how much you want to spend. It provides you with the option to shop around for both your handset and the amount you want to pay each month for your allowance. You can even change your allowance monthly depending on your needs, and if you want to upgrade your handset at any point, all you need to do is go and buy a new one that suits you.
Every year, several new phone handsets are released and there’s usually a lot of excitement. But there are many reasons why getting the latest handset really isn’t a great idea.
