Comparing Phone Features

Choosing a cell phone is a major investment. Ideally you’ll be using your new phone for at least a few years, so you want to be sure it meets all your needs without breaking the bank. Identifying the phone features you need will help you narrow your selection.

Consider features like:

• Screen size and quality
• Camera quality
• Storage size
• Battery life
• Overall size of the phone

You’ll also need to think about operating systems. Apple phones use iOS, while most other phones use Android; if you’re switching from one system to another, you may need to re-learn how to use some of your phone’s features, and you may need special tools to transfer contacts, photos, and other data from your old device.

To determine the right smartphone for your needs, compare as many options as possible. If you’ve already decided on a specific model, this is much easier — but don’t assume that every retailer offers the phone at the same price. Special deals and incentives could significantly cut costs, so you’ll need to do some light research before you buy.

Finding Cell Phone Retailers Online

While well-known stores and online marketplaces sometimes have great deals, you’ll want to cast a wide net. Use online resources to find smartphone sellers. Evaluate each retailer, paying attention to return policies, satisfaction guarantees, and customer reviews. Make sure you understand the store’s policies — you’ll want to know whether you’ll have a few days or a few weeks to return the phone if something goes wrong.

Likewise, you’ll want to pay attention to factors like:

• Shipping costs
• Early cancellation fees (if buying from a service provider)
• Whether the phone is tied to a certain cell phone network
• Whether the phone is new, refurbished, or used
• Availability of rebates and other incentives

Don’t make assumptions while shopping. By reading carefully, you’ll be able to make your purchase with peace of mind.

When you find a great deal, consider waiting for the right time to buy. As is the case with other high-dollar products, smartphone prices fluctuate throughout the year. Retailers are most likely to offer sales during holidays, on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and right after new smartphone models are released.

What Are Unlocked Phones?

You’ll also need to decide whether to buy an unlocked phone. These devices aren’t tied to a specific carrier, so you can use them with any cell phone network. That can be a huge advantage if you switch cell phone companies in the future.

However, unlocked phones are generally more expensive than carrier-specific phones. That’s because carrier-specific phones are typically tied to your phone plan. Over time, unlocked phones can be less expensive overall than the alternative — but if you’re buying from an online retailer, you should read carefully to determine which type of phone you’re buying.

The good news: Carrier-locked phones can be “unlocked" by the carrier, so if you’ve had your phone for a certain amount of time, you may be able to contact your cell provider to have the phone unlocked for use with a different service. Both types of device can be affordable, depending on where you look; just make sure that you know exactly what you’re getting.

Researching Cell Phone Deals Online

To find bargains on new cell phones, you’ll need to do some legwork. Visit at least 3-4 retailers. You may need to visit more if you’re looking at several different phone models. Write down the prices of each option, paying attention to shipping fees and other expenses that could add to the total bill.

If you’re having trouble finding a phone with great features that’s within your budget, consider looking at older versions of the same model. Phones change from year to year, but many keep the same basic set of features, and you may be able to save big by opting for last year’s flagship device.

Smartphone shopping takes time, but a careful approach pays off. By thoroughly comparing every available option, you can make a better decision — and find a full-featured phone at an affordable price.