Check this site to see whether an older or less expensive phone includes your must-have features.
Phone Arena, phonearena.com/phones/compare: This site has a good comparison tool and reviews for all phones.
The retail stores I mention earlier in this section all have websites, which are good places to start looking for comparisons and, perhaps, a good deal.
Considering an older model
I love to get a good deal. Researching topics to write about in this book has taught me a lot more about smartphones than I already knew. Most important is that you don’t need to purchase a brand-new phone regularly. I used a 2018 Google Pixel 3 XL running Android 11 as one of my test phones and really liked it. See the nearby sidebar “Golden oldies” for a testament to older phones.
Buying a used, older smartphone that’s still receiving updates can be a true bargain. I bought my Pixel 3 XL on eBay for under $125. That’s a great deal, considering that I got to test out a new (to me) phone brand without having to pay big bucks or sign up for a contract.
GOLDEN OLDIES
I do have friends (myself included) who have enjoyed older devices for many years. I use a Wi-Fi 2016 Huawei MediaPad M3 tablet that runs Android 7 daily. A friend, until recently, wouldn’t let go of a Samsung Galaxy Note 7, and another, a Samsung Galaxy 6 from 2015. Holding on this long isn’t a recommended practice, and the device may not be secure, but when you enjoy using a device, it’s often hard to change.
I’m planning to repurpose an old Android phone as a dashcam — and I’m looking forward to seeing the fun videos it takes. All you need is a windshield mount, a car charger adapter, a long cable, and an app like AutoBoy Dash Cam. (The Google Play store lets you know whenever the app you select is incompatible with your handset.). Just be sure not to leave your phone in the car to bake in the sun.
I already converted an old phone into a security camera. Being green (and creative) saves tech from the landfill.
Choosing where to buy your phone
Of course, you can buy new phones from authorized dealers and cell phone providers’ stores — just be sure to get all the details when you’re offered a bargain. Be sure to verify that the phone you’re buying will work with your carrier. (Note: Older Verizon and Sprint phones might not work on the current AT&T or T-Mobile network.)
Here are a few off-the-wall ideas for places to find the smartphone you’ve chosen:
Amazon: You can purchase unlocked, new, or refurbished brand-name phones of all kinds, often at nice discounts. Amazon also sells extended warranties.
eBay: Did you know that phone manufacturers have stores on eBay for refurbished devices? Certified refurbished Samsung phones come with a 2-year warranty and have a 30-day return window! Check out eBay’s Brand Outlet stores at ebay.com/b/Brand-Outlet/bn_7115532402 to see whether other phone brands have also opened a store.Don’t forget individual sellers on eBay, either. Lots of small tech-oriented businesses refurbish and unlock phones. Just search for the phone manufacturer’s name and the word refurbished. People also sell their perfectly good used phones whenever they buy new ones. Remember that every purchase on eBay comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can add, as an option, a 2-year warranty at a reduced price. If you’re new to shopping on eBay (or just haven’t visited for a while), take the refresher course, of sorts, in my latest book, eBay For Dummies, 10th Edition.
Samsung Certified Re-Newed: Ever wonder where all those trade-ins go? The phones are fully refurbished by the manufacturer and sold with a 1-year warranty. You get free 2-day shipping and free returns extended to 15 days after delivery. This site also takes trade-ins, which can lower the prices even more. Visit samsung.com/us/explore/certified-re-newed-phones for more information.
Consider Your Carrier Choice
People tend to stay with the carriers they’re used to because they’re comfortable with them. But consider this question: Maybe change could be a good thing if you find a cheaper plan or a free phone? In any case, check out all the deals that carriers offer. Also, find out about the carrier’s policy on phone locking, as described in the nearby sidebar, “Locked or unlocked phones: What’s the difference?”
Checking out the carrier’s coverage area
Don’t forget to double-check the carrier’s coverage maps, by typing in your zip code, to be sure your home has a good connection. Here’s where you can find the maps for three major carriers:
AT&T: www.att.com/5g/coverage-map
T-Mobile: www.t-mobile.com/coverage/coverage-map
Verizon: www.verizon.com/coverage-map
Some people say that these maps seem to be less than accurate. For example, I know lots of dead zones in my neighborhood and, according to the maps, I should be just zooming along at high speed.
If you want to find truly accurate information, download the OpenSignal app. Just open the app, and you can see where the coverage is and where the towers
