How To Upgrade Your Smartphone On A Budget

Let's be honest: upgrading your phone evokes excitement, but charging you? Not so much. I've done it — gazing raptly at a gleaming new model and then gasping at the price. But after years of trial and error (and a ton of research), I figured out how to score a nice phone without breaking the bank. So here's my guide to smartly and affordably upgrading.

Wait It Out: How The Rush Costs More

Patience is your friend here. New phones are released yearly, but even waiting a few months can lead to massive savings. The reason? A new model will always be sticker-shock high. But wait six months, and retailers begin slashing prices to clear out to the next new thing. That could mean the newest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy is hundreds less  if you wait a little longer.

I once waited eight months to purchase a phone I was eyeing. By this time, it was 30% cheaper than launch day. Best Buy and Amazon both have sales around the holidays, so the timing of your purchase can pay off.

The Same Quality Of Phones, But At a Lower Cost

Refurbished is not the same as "used and broken." Certified refurbished phones are cleaned and tested and carry a warranty. Companies like Apple and Samsung sell refurbished devices directly, which are much cheaper than new ones.

My friend found a refurbished iPhone 13 for half the usual price. It functioned and glimmered like new, and she received the case for free, too. Just be sure to purchase from a trusted seller — whether that’s the brand’s official site or a reputable retailer — so you don’t get scammed.

Older Models: Still Got It

This year’s best deal is last year’s flagship phone. Just like Google or OnePlus make budget versions of their flagship models. The Google Pixel 8a, for example, has a top camera and a silky experience but is much cheaper than the Pixel 9.

I recently switched to an older Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G. It is fast, takes impressive photos, and was $200 cheaper than the newest model. It also receives software updates, so I'm not deprived of some security patches or new features.

Your previous phone is likely worth more than you can imagine. Sites like Swappa, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace allow you to sell directly to buyers. Someone may buy it for parts even if it is cracked or slow.

I sold my old iPhone 8 for $150 online. It had its flaws, but the buyer was planning a DIY project. That money went directly toward my new phone. If your phone isn't functioning, see whether your carrier offers trade-in deals—it occasionally accepts broken devices in exchange for recycling credits.

Are you considering a contract already? Get Set with SIM-Only because it's cost-effective.

Phone contracts are a two-for-one deal that includes the device and a data plan, but they're surprisingly expensive. In the long term, buying a phone outright (upfront or in instalments) and pairing it with a SIM-only plan is cheaper.

A $1,000 phone could be $50/month on a two-year contract. But getting the phone outright and a $20/month SIM plan would yield you a $600 savings after 24 months. Carriers such as Mint Mobile or Visible provide firm data deals without millions of dollars in contracts.

Ask Friends And Family

Well, sometimes luck is on your side. A cousin might hand theirs down when upgrading their phones. When my sister got a new OnePlus for work, she passed me her old one. It wasn't the latest model, but it was free and ran perfectly for two years.

Check with friends. Someone in your circle might want to offload a still-good phone. It might be a few years old but can be a worthy stopgap while you save up.

Budget-Savvy Brands You Should Buy

There's a lot of junk in the cheap phone world. Avoid brands that have a reputation for value. Best for camera and speed: Google Pixel 8a. Then there's another winner: Samsung's Galaxy S20 FE 5G — stylish, dependable, and under $400.

Then, if you're an iPhone person, the iPhone SE is the most affordable way to get Apple's software updates. It's not as glitzy as the iPhone 15 but sprightly and petite.

Skip The Extras

Telephone providers such as upsell instances, display guards, and insurance policies. But you don't need all that. Get a fundamental case for $10 online , skip the extended warranty (going cheap for two or more years is very good), and do free cloud storage instead of paid backups.

The last time I bought a phone, I saved $200 by not adding on accessories. Instead, I put the money toward an upgrade in storage.

Shop Secondhand Stores

Thrift shops, pawn shops and electronics resellers occasionally offer hidden gems. I found a nearly new Motorola phone at a flea market for $80. It wasn't the top-of-the-line model, but it handled calls, texts and apps like a champion.

Just make sure to test the phone before you purchase it. Look at the screen, battery life, and buttons. If it's carrier-locked, see if they will unlock it for you.

Use Apps To Save

Rakuten or Honey automatically hunts for discounts when you shop online. I combined a 10% off coupon and a sale on a refurbished Pixel 6, saving $70. Companies like Newegg or Gazelle will also give you instant trade-in credits for recycling your old device.

Your Next Phone Awaits

Getting a new phone doesn't have to involve debt or buyer's remorse. "But you can save a lot of money by timing your purchase, going for refurbished or older models, and avoiding overpriced contracts." Remember that the best phone isn't the latest one; it's the one that meets your needs and budget.

Now, go forth and upgrade responsibly. Your wallet (and your future self) will appreciate it.