10 ways to save money when buying a smartphone

The smartphone market in the UK is a growing but constantly changing entity, and one that produced some interesting figures in 2016.

For example, the three months ending in September saw incremental increases in Android and iPhone sales, continuing a trend that ran throughout the previous year.

Conversely, the sales of Windows phones declined considerably during the same period, with Microsoft’s market share falling from 9.8% to 3.6%.

Interestingly, we are also seeing a rising demand for feature phones as customers look to seek out a low-cost alternative to modern smartphones.

With this outlook in mind, here are 10 simple ways in which you can save money when buying a new handset:

Buy online

This rule applies across all markets, with most brands and retailers now reserving their best deals for online.

As long as you stick to reputable sites, you can benefit from exclusive promotions and prominent discounts online while also having access to real-time comparison tools.

Trade your smartphone

There are a growing number of smartphone retailers that allow you to cash in your old handset when buying a new device.

You’ll receive cashback for your current phone, which you can then use towards the cost of your new contract.

Do you need to get rid of your old phone if you’re getting a new one? Or maybe you’ve got a load of old handsets you no longer need. Find out what to do with old mobile phones.

Recycle your phone

If your phone is a little older and in less-than-ideal condition, you may also want to consider recycling.

This allows you to discard an existing handset and upgrade to a new one relatively cheaply while benefiting from gift cards to trade-in deals.

These can then be used to buy a competitively priced mobile, creating a win-win scenario for everyone.

Choose the right operating system for your needs

This is an interesting one, as smartphones are powered by variable operating systems depending on your choice of handset.

These systems impact everything from available tariffs to the performance of your phone’s battery life, so making the right choice (usually between Apple and Android) can help you to make incremental savings over time.

Choose your tariff wisely

Similarly, it is important that you give a great deal of thought to selecting your new phone’s tariff.

Not only do handsets come in variable storage sizes (between 32GB and 128GB), for example, but you can also tailor your package to include the necessary number of minutes, text, and data each month.

By choosing a tariff to suit your usage, you can save money without incurring the risk of exceeding your monthly allowance.

Buy a phone directly from the manufacturer

For those who love one particular brand, you should consider buying a unit directly from the manufacturer.

These devices are sold SIM-free and can be purchased for an upfront fee, but they considerably reduce monthly outgoings and offer additional advantages in terms of storage, support, and returns policy.

Understand when to get the best deals

Autumn is a busy time in the smartphone market, as this is usually the time when handset and OS upgrades are released from brands such as Apple, Sony, and Samsung.

This is the worst time to upgrade your phone, however, as you will be required to enter into a 24-month contract at premium prices.

By waiting for three or six months (and shopping around online), you can secure lower prices and less rigid contracts.

Don’t pay for unnecessary features

We have already touched on the rising popularity of feature phones, particularly in emerging economies across the globe.

This is why a revised version of the Nokia 3310 has been released, as customers are increasingly price-conscious and wary of paying over the odds for smartphone features they simply do not need.

By selecting a handset that reflects your needs, you can save huge amounts from the outset!

Have you considered instalment or family plans?

Some operators will offer instalment plans to customers, enabling users to save money at the point of purchase.

These allow you to pay off the value of your device in monthly instalments as part of a two-year deal, while some even override upgrade fees.

Family plans can also reduce your expenditure, as some brands offer discounts for accounts that include multiple users and lines.

Prioritise the battery life

Finally, make sure that your selected smartphone offers battery performance tailored to your tariff and usage.

If not, your battery will need recharging more than once every 24 hours and may even wear down long before your contract is up.

By prioritising a long and robust battery life, you can achieve true value for money and negate the risk of investing in repairs later on.