It's time to upgrade your smartphone, but the sheer number of options out there can be overwhelming. You're probably wondering whether you should spend more than a thousand dollars on a new phone, or if you should save some money and get a used one. In this article, I'll help you decide whether you should buy a new or used Samsung phone!
Buying A New Smartphone
This is a good choice to make the most out of your device, but it's usually more expensive. That being said, new phones have improved features, better hardware, and typically last longer than older smartphones. Plus, you can usually get a warranty on a new phone, to keep it protected in case it breaks.
If you haven't upgraded your phone in awhile, you might be surprised by how much things have changed!
Buying A Used Samsung Phone
Used phones are almost always cheaper than new ones. In addition, Samsung phones from the past few years are relatively high-quality, compared with phones from four or five years ago. Even smartphones that are a few years old still have great features and hardware, just not necessarily as good as the recent releases.
Unfortunately, you can't always get a warranty on an older Samsung phone. If it breaks, you may have to pay for the repair out-of-pocket.
What Does It Mean To Buy A Refurbished Phone?
Used phones may not be in good condition and could have worn down components. Buying a used phone labelled “refurbished” or “renewed” is a good way to avoid this problem. Refurbished devices are used, or returned devices, that have been approved by manufacturers. This ensures that your Samsung device will function like a brand new one, for a reduced price.
However, recently released phones are unlikely to be sold as refurbished or renewed. You're more likely to find refurbished or renewed phones at least 6–12 months after they've been released.
How Fast Do Samsung Phones Depreciate?
Samsung smartphones decrease in value over time. At the time of the writing of this article, Samsung's Galaxy Note 9 sells on Amazon for about $400 USD refurbished.
The base model of the Galaxy Note 9 was priced at $1000, when it was launched in late 2018. It's easy to see just how much Samsung phones can decrease in price after only a year or two.
Financing New Samsung Smartphones
Buying a new smartphone doesn't have to be an all or nothing purchase. In fact, most wireless carriers have monthly payment plans. So rather than pay a thousand dollars or more upfront, you can pay a little every month for 12–24 months.
Check with your wireless carrier to see what pricing options are available for the Samsung phone you're interested in. Check out our cell phone comparison tool to explore Samsung pricing options from every wireless carrier!
You're Ready To Upgrade!
You're now prepared to make an informed decision about your next phone. I hope you'll share this article on social media to help your friends and family decide whether they should buy a new or used Samsung phone. Feel free to share in the comments below which Samsung phone you're upgrading to!
