4 Things to Ask Yourself Before Buying a New Phone

Whenever a new iPhone drops, the previous model becomes obsolete. Why would you still want the iPhone 12 when the iPhone 13 just came out? Cell phone providers offer deals for “free” phones that lock you into three-year plans, making it seem like it’s just as easy to get the new iPhone as it is to keep the one you already own. But buying anything just because it’s shiny and new is not financially or environmentally conscious. 

Source: Ronald L. Banks/Youtube

Here are a few things to ask yourself before buying a new phone.

1. Is Your Current Phone Working?  

This question is pretty simple, but when brands like Apple and Samsung are consistently trying to convince people to buy a new phone every year, it’s an important one. While the option of selling or trading in is a great way to justify buying a new phone, you’re still contributing to the over-consumerism of technology. 

If your current phone is working fine and isn’t outdated, you can probably afford to keep it for another year or so. 

2. What Makes the New Phone So Appealing? 

Do you like the new color options? Is the upgraded camera exciting? Or do you just want it because it’s new? It’s important to figure out why you like and want a new phone. That way, you can determine if you’re just attracted to it because of all its good marketing. Remember, these are billion-dollar companies that have mastered the art of selling, so it’s important to take a step back and see what you actually like about their “new and improved” product.

3. How Will This Phone Improve Your Life? 

Depending on the brand, some smartphones can cost well over $1000. This may be pocket change for some people, but for most, that’s a big investment. Even if you don’t buy the phone with cash, you’ll still end up committing to a two or three-year plan that will end up costing way more than the phone’s worth. 

With that amount of time and money spent, just how much is this new phone going to improve your life? Is it going to make working on the go easier? Or do you just like that you can scroll through Instagram on a slightly bigger screen? 

4. Can You Buy It Secondhand? 

Buying technology secondhand is a great way to minimize your carbon footprint, save money, and enjoy newer products without directly supporting the companies that make them. You could end up saving several hundred dollars just by waiting a few months. Craigslist and eBay are two good options, but even Amazon has secondhand and refurbished phones available.

Just make sure to buy it from a site that you can request a refund from just in case the phone is faulty. 

In Conclusion

It’s easy to get sucked into the hype of a new smartphone being released. The marketing for technology has been perfected over the years, so these companies aren’t just selling phones anymore– they’re selling a “better” you. 

Take a step back, consider the pros and cons of spending that much money on a new device, and go from there.

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