For most people, their smartphone is the most used device during the day. Whether it’s to check emails, respond to messages, catch up on one’s favorite movies and TV shows, or talk to friends and family, these devices can do just about anything. Given this importance, it’s not surprising that individuals do their due diligence before investing in one. Despite this, many end up making common mistakes when buying a smartphone.
1. Ignoring reliability and updates
This is particularly important for those investing in an Android smartphone. Unlike Apple, where reliability and security updates are streamlined, the Android ecosystem works differently. Here, the manufacturers decide when and how long a certain model will receive updates. That is why, for those intending to hold onto their phones for over a year or two, it may be worthwhile to check for more details regarding operating systems and security updates.
2. Overlooking battery life
To get the most use out of one’s smartphone, it is essential to consider its battery capacity and one’s usage needs. Pick a phone with a shorter battery life, and one will find themselves connected to the wall with a cord multiple times throughout the day. Moreover, people often believe that bigger phones also pack bigger batteries, but that’s not always the case. A bigger phone requires more juice to power its larger screen and faster processor, draining battery life quickly. To find the right fit for one’s needs, individuals must carefully consider the phone’s mAh rating and real-life performance reviews.
3. Skipping warranty
Forgoing a warranty on a smartphone purchase is a common phenomenon – after all, who wants to pay a bunch of extra money? But this is a mistake to avoid when buying a smartphone as it could lead to major expenses in the future. From small cracks on the screen to a disrupted audio system, there are a lot of things that could go wrong with one’s device. So, it’s in one’s best interest to opt for coverage against all these unforeseeable damages.
4. Buying the cheapest option
While there are some great budget picks available in the smartphone market, opting for the cheapest device without considering other features is one of the most common smartphone-buying mistakes. It is a sure way to experience buyer’s regret. The cheapest phones may not only be outdated but may also lack basic features and OS updates, affecting functionality. Additionally, these phones may have lower processing power and storage capacity, resulting in frequent lags and causing frustration among users. Strike the balance between affordability and usage to find the right phone for one’s needs.
5. Purchasing from a suspicious dealer
Buying from a suspicious or dubious dealer may frequently result in scams. Many of them offer cheaper prices as a way to attract customers, resulting in increased instances of fraud. To avoid this error when purchasing a new phone, one must do their due diligence when researching the seller. Only buy from trusted sellers who provide a fair warranty on smartphones.
6. Neglecting network connectivity and capability
While there are various network connectivity bands that impact phone usage, not every phone is equipped with the technology to handle these. To avoid running into problems with connectivity and phone usage, check the supported network bands when purchasing a new phone. Ensure that these are compatible with the network requirements of the region. For instance, older phones may only be able to handle 4G connectivity, while newer ones are equipped to handle 5G network bands to ensure better network capabilities.
7. Buying for the brand name alone
Ignoring smaller brands could also be a big mistake to avoid when choosing a new smartphone, especially for those looking to make a more affordable purchase. It’s important to keep one’s options open when buying a smartphone. With more established brands like Samsung, Apple, LG, and others, individuals may end up paying an added premium for the brand name alone. Instead, check out what other smaller brands have to offer – their specs and quality may be quite surprising.
8. Not comparing deals
The price of smartphones can vary greatly from seller to seller, even when buying online. To get the most value out of one’s money, one must first research phone prices across various e-sellers, big-box retailers, and smaller shops in the area to compare prices. Alternatively, if the need for a new smartphone is not immediate, one can also wait for festive and shopping season deals. This new phone-buying tip is a sure way to save money on a major purchase.
9. Prioritizing design over functionality
Design is often at the top of many people’s smartphone-buying checklists. It’s common to desire a phone that looks aesthetically pleasing. But prioritizing design over functionality can be a huge mistake. Without the functional features that make the phone useful, one is stuck with a pretty phone and nothing more, which is a waste of money.
10. Assuming a higher pixel rate implies a better camera
A higher megapixel count means that the camera captures more details. That said, this is not the only thing required for great camera quality. One needs to consider additional features such as the camera sensor, Image Signal Processor (ISP), etc. These will help improve overall camera performance for a better photography experience.
Avoiding these common errors when selecting a new phone can help one find a phone that not only fits their needs but also saves their money.