When it comes time to buy a new mobile phone, there are a few options available to you. You can buy a brand-new phone from your carrier or retailer, or you can purchase a second-hand phone. Both have their pros and cons, so how do you know which is the best option for you?
Buying a New Mobile Phone
To start with the obvious, buying a brand-new mobile phone will set you back a lot more money than buying a second-hand phone. But there are some benefits to buying new models that you may not have considered.
When you buy a brand-new phone, you know that it has never been used before. This means that it should work perfectly and there shouldn’t be any existing damage. You also have the peace of mind of knowing that the phone comes with a warranty, so if anything does go wrong, you can get it fixed or replaced.
Another advantage of buying a new phone is that you can usually get a better deal on your contract. Network providers often offer incentives to customers who are buying a new phone, such as a free case or extra data.
Of course, there are also some disadvantages to buying a new phone. The most obvious one is the cost – new phones are usually much more expensive than second-hand ones. Another downside is that you may have to wait a while for the latest model of your desired phone to be released.
Buying a Second-Hand Phone
Like getting a new phone, buying a second-hand phone also has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of buying a second-hand phone is that it is usually a lot cheaper than buying a new one. You can find better deals on second-hand phones if you know where to look; a good example is the refurbished phones from Mobile Federation.
What’s more, most people think that refurbished phones are damaged in some way when in reality, they are just pre-owned phones that have been fixed to work like new again. So, if you’re looking for a good deal on a phone and don’t mind getting one that’s been used, then buying a second-hand phone is the way to go.
Furthermore, we mentioned warranties with new phones earlier. When it comes to refurbished phones, people will tell you buying a second-hand phone means that you don’t get a warranty. However, this isn’t always the case. You can actually buy refurbished phones with warranties, so if you’re worried about this feature, all you need to do is choose the right provider. For example, some offer a 24-month comprehensive warranty. These providers are confident in the mobile devices, and you should be too.
In terms of the potential drawbacks of buying a second-hand phone, there is only one that’s worth mentioning. When you buy a new phone, you’re the first owner. When you buy a second-hand phone, you’re the second (or third, fourth, etc.) owner. As such, there’s always the potential that the previous owner didn’t take care of the phone. With a reliable provider, though, this shouldn’t be a problem, as they will have checked the phone before putting it up for sale.
If you can overcome this mindset, buying a second-hand phone can be a great way to get a high-quality device without spending a lot of money. Just be sure to do some research on the provider before making a purchase.
So, there you have it – the pros and cons of buying a new mobile phone versus a second-hand model!