Oftentimes, purchasing a new phone can be expensive, not to mention a very intense experience, which is why you should always go into the situation knowing exactly what you’re looking for, this way you always know what to expect. You should never jump into a contract; you should first weigh out your options to help determine what’s best for you.

4 Things to Consider Before you Purchase Another Cell Phone

(1.) Which features are most important to you?

Before you run out and purchase a new phone, you should first come up with a list of pros and cons to help you decide what’s most important, which all depends on what you plan on using it for. Choosing a new phone shouldn’t be something taken lightly, there are many things to consider such as deposit, contractual obligations, battery life, software, and the overall cost; You should perform plenty of ample research ahead of time, which will make the process significantly easier when it finally comes time to purchase your new phone. When you decide to purchase a new phone, it’s always better to go into a mobile store knowing exactly what you’re looking for. This way you know which features are included, which also gives you plenty of time to compare prices online.

Features you to consider include:

• Camera

If you find yourself frequently taking pictures or videos then you’ll likely want a phone with a high-resolution camera. Nevertheless, nearly all smartphones come equipped with a professional-quality, high-definition camera.

• Storage

You also should consider how much internal storage it has and how much memory you need. A phone with increased internal storage will allow you to store more music, photos, and videos.

• Battery Life

If you decide to purchase a smartphone or a high-resolution screen, it more than likely will quickly burn through your battery life. This is why it’s important to find a phone that charges quickly and retains the longest battery life.

• Screen Size

If you’re a person who spends hours of your day on the phone or if you have trouble seeing, you may want to purchase a phone with a larger screen. A phone with a larger HD screen may cost a little more money, but it’s better than reading blurry texts, which is also easier to hold.

• Operating System

Depending on the operating system your phone uses, the features may be significantly different. You should try and purchase a phone that uses an OS that provides flexibility and is easily adaptable.

(2.) Do you want to be locked into a contract?

Depending on the carrier or phone you choose, it may require you to sign a 2-year contract, which is something you should carefully consider before making your purchase. There are 2 major smartphone providers, both of which require signing lengthy contracts, but there are also plenty of pay-as-you-go and pre-pay options. If you’re a person who has trouble paying bills on time or if you’re going through financial hardships, then you should likely avoid getting locked into a contract. Contrary to popular belief, owning a smartphone isn’t a necessity, it’s more of a luxury. I mean, sure, owning the newest smartphone may look cool and make you feel like a million bucks, but is it worth being locked into a grueling contract, especially for those operating on a budget. Sometimes it’s better to purchase your phone outright, which will nevertheless cost significantly more than leasing your phone but will save you hundreds of dollars in the long run and lower your monthly bill.

(3.) How much money are you willing to spend?

Before you go out a purchase a brand new gadget, you should first figure out exactly how much you’re willing to spend. Nowadays purchasing a new smartphone can cost you nearly a $1000, which is why you may want to consider purchasing a used phone. Buying a used phone is ordinarily the most feasible option, which you should be able to easily find by searching online. If you choose to buy a phone off of someone on the street, you should first check the serial number to ensure that it isn’t stolen, but purchasing anything used always comes with a certain amount of risk. You don’t necessarily need to purchase the newest smartphone; you could instead purchase an older model. A vast majority of smartphones are built exceptionally well and even if they use older hardware, doesn’t mean necessarily mean they’re obsolete.

(4.) When is the right time to buy?

You may yourself, "When is the right time to buy?" Knowing the right time to buy is essential. You should never go out and purchase a new phone as soon as it comes out; instead, you should wait a couple of months and see if the price lowers. If you buy a smartphone immediately after it debuts, you’ll more than likely be paying the highest possible price.