How often should you upgrade your phone? Some people switch to new models every year, others do it every six months, and most people change their smartphones every two to three years.
If something’s wrong with your mobile device, the decision to upgrade could be sooner than you anticipate. When that happens, you’ll want to get the best deal for the best brand new device. Fortunately, you have the option to pay for your new smartphone in installments.
What to Look For in an Installment Plan
Telecommunications service providers offer consumers device and wireless plans. You can choose from a selection of smartphone brands and models, giving you a range of price points.
You also have the option to go with a prepaid plan if you don’t want to be tied down to one carrier from a postpaid plan. If you upgrade often, a prepaid plan may be a better choice.
Consider the following factors when choosing your device or wireless service:
Coverage
The wireless carrier should provide you with a map of where their service is available. Are there limitations or variations in coverage for certain areas? This information will help you compare among carriers, allowing you to determine whether you’ll have stable and consistent coverage with your new phone.
If you travel frequently, you should also find out about the carrier’s roaming service. What are the data coverage fees? Can you use your phone outside of your country? Does the carrier provide usage alerts so that you’re able to manage your bills when you’re abroad?
Trial Period
Some wireless carriers offer a two-week trial period for their services. This allows consumers to test out the phone company and terminate the service without worrying about a fee. Through a trial period, you determine whether the service delivers on value and if it’s responsive to your needs as a customer.
Accessibility Features
When you’re buying a smartphone for an older adult, whether they’re a family member or a friend, you’ll want a device that has accessibility features.
The telecommunications industry is in tune with consumers who have special needs. Many devices today help people with accessibility needs connect with other people. In addition to seniors, people with hearing, vision, speech, and cognition challenges need apps and devices that meet their needs.
Some examples of accessibility features are:
- High definition voice
- Voice recognition
- Closed captioning for video
- Hearing aid compatibility
- Tactile keys
- Adjustable fonts
- Intelligent keyboards
- Automatic responses
- Distractionless modes
- Audio, visual, and vibrating features
Operating System
When it comes to operating systems, most users are locked in a duopoly. Are you an Android or iOS user? These are probably two of the most popular mobile operating systems in the world.
But other operating systems do exist, including HarmonyOS from Huawei, KaiO, and Sailfish OS. Many have perished and are no longer supported, like Symbian from Nokia, webOS from LG, and BlackBerry 10.
With iOS, you’re limited to Apple’s hardware whereas with Android, you have several options since it’s open source. You can choose smartphones from Samsung, Motorola, or Google.
Your choice for OS will come down to how you use your phone. What the rest of your family uses may also influence your decision. For example, if everyone communicates on FaceTime, you may want to go with an Apple device so that you’re not left out in conversations.
Customer Service
How is the carrier’s customer service? Although a good telecommunications service provider will likely not receive a lot of customer complaints, you still need a company that has a reliable process for lodging and dealing with consumer issues.
Multiple points of contact is another key factor. You’ll want your wireless carrier to be accessible online and offline. Does it provide a toll free number or a hotline? Can you communicate easily with a chatbot for fast resolution of your concerns? Does the wireless carrier promptly respond to email inquiries?
Look up customer reviews as well before committing to one carrier. Satisfied customers are a testament to the wireless carrier’s exceptional service.
Monthly Cost
Finally, installment plans will vary with devices. Carriers typically break down the cost of installment plans for smartphones into 36 months. Are you able to meet the monthly payments within that period?
Aside from the monthly payments, consider promotions that come with some plans. Some carriers allow you to upgrade the phone within a few months of payment by paying a bit of extra. In reality, you could end up changing devices a couple of times in a single year with the right installment plan.
3 Signs You Need an Upgrade
Barring any kind of damage on your smartphone, you’ll notice tell-tale signs that indicate the need for an upgrade.
These are just some of those signs.
1. Slow Performance
Older phones tend to slow down over time. Maybe you’ve also downloaded too many apps that restarting your phone has become a regular thing.
Slow performance can also mean that charging the phone takes longer. Your phone does not retain battery charge the way it used to, so now you’re plugging it in more frequently.
2. Incompatibility with Software Updates
Technology is always evolving. What used to be effective then may not be as efficient today. So companies are constantly updating, coming out with new software intended to fix bugs. If your phone is no longer updating certain software, it may be time to upgrade.
3. Lack of Functionality
As you become more accustomed to using smartphones, your need will go beyond talking and texting and searching online. Your needs may have expanded to include flawless voice interaction, biometric authentication, and virtual reality tech. When you need to get more out of your device, an upgrade is necessary.
When you’re ready to switch to a new smartphone, you’ll have plenty of options. From a variety of models to a mix of installment plans, make informed choices to ensure you end up with a device and a plan that suits your needs.
