Buying a New Phone: Yay or Nay?

There’s no doubt that we are living in a digital world. Nowadays, smartphones have become a necessity for every individual as these allow them to stay connected to the Internet on the go. In fact, according to the Pew Research Centre, at present, 81% of adults in America own a smartphone, which is a big jump from just 35% in 2011’s survey of smartphone ownership.

 However, with new models being introduced to the market every year, it can be tempting to also upgrade annually, especially if you can afford it anyway. If you’re planning to get another phone this year to replace a relatively newly purchased one, hold your horses and read this first.

 In our contemporary era, many people advocate consumerism and push the masses to continue buying new things. The digital period is also an age of replacement. However, buying a new phone may not always be the right decision. Here are several reasons why.

 Changing phones yearly can be costly

 First and foremost, it’s not a wise financial decision. With the price of a phone, you can probably pay a month worth of utility bills—probably even more if you’re going for a high-end brand and model that is pricier than most. So think as an adult first, is it really necessary to buy a new phone when you can allocate that hefty sum into a more significant cause?

 Repair shops are everywhere

Nowadays, there’s a surplus of mobile phone repair shops that cater to the large market of phone owners. Therefore, you have no excuse for at least trying to have a professional inspect and fix your phone first before getting rid of it in exchange for a new one. There are even smartphone repair businesses who offer special services for your convenience.

 For instance, if you live near the American Fork area, you can contact certain technicians who can personally visit your home within a couple of hours to inspect and repair your phone. Furthermore, they can even do preventative maintenance to prolong the life and usability of your smartphone.

Your phone can last longer than you expect

 The peak usage of a smartphone ranges between two to three years. Some have an even longer life span so remember to check with the manufacturer. Another thing to take note of is you can actually do various things to prolong the usability of your phone such as keeping it clean and protected, minding the temperature, and avoiding to overcharge it.

 Additionally, there are several warning signs that you can look out for to determine if your phone really is about to bite the dust. Check them out here for a more detailed discussion.

 Electronic junk adds up

 Whether you are a nature advocate or not, it’s your duty to care for the environment. Replacing your phone with a new one means adding to an already large pile of harmful electronic junk. In addition, many people throw their phones and the accompanying accessories irresponsibly without thinking of the consequences. There are proper ways to discard your personal electronic gadgets and some manufacturers even have outlets where you can leave your old phone. Develop awareness and be a responsible adult.

The Takeaway

These days, a phone is no longer a want but a need. However, better motivation for buying a new one is replacing it because it’s no longer usable. Changes and additional features in new smartphone models tend to be minimal and if you take time to consider it, may not be worth the price. Thus, by maximizing the use of your current phone, both the environment and your pocket will thank you.