How to save money when buying a cell phone

If you're looking to save money when buying your next mobile device we're here to share some tips and tricks to help you out.

Research has shown that the average monthly spend on a cell phone plan with a new phone attached to the plan is about $110 a month. Buying pre-owned can save about $50-$70 per month on a cellular plan.

1. Skip the latest model

Often the features on the newer devices offer you a small bonus feature between one model to another so you may not need the latest model phone to meet your needs.

Before buying an older model pre-owned device, determine if it matters to you if your phone can download the latest software updates. And if that's important for you and the applications you run... be sure to check if the manufacturer is supporting software updates for the phone.

For example, Apple typically provides software updates for 8 years. After this time, the iPhone will still work but you won't be able to update the software, which may be a requirement of an app you're using. Therefore, it's important to know what version of software you need to operate the apps you want to use.

2. Buy Unlocked

If you want to save money by shopping telecommunication carriers/mobile plans, or you're a traveler, ensure the pre-owned device you're purchasing is unlocked.

Many older model phones in Canada (e.g., iPhone 7 / Samsung S8 and older), and newer models sold worldwide, are locked to a telecommunications carrier (e.g. phones sold in the USA). In 2017, the CRTC ruled that it is no longer legal to sell a locked phone in Canada so all phones sold after this date are unlocked. Be careful of phones from the USA that are locked to carriers!

3. Buy Pre-Owned

Buying a used device can significantly reduce the purchase price of the device. Cell phones, lose their value quickly as they age or once the box is open. If you don't need the latest cell phone technology you can save a lot of money.

There are several ways to acquire a pre-owned cell phone. You can purchase it from a friend or family member, a site like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, or shop with a pre-owned device retailer like the Cell Clinic in-store or online. CRITICAL... before purchase, reset the device to factory settings to ensure an iCloud or Googe is not attached to the phone. Get warranty! Pre-owned devices can get blacklisted (reported lost/stolen) after they are sold, which makes them useless because they won't pick up cellular. The Cell Clinic offers a one-year warranty on pre-owned devices, and a lifetime guarantee on the IMEI to protect you from having your phone blacklisted.

4. Use a cheaper carrier

You can save money by choosing a telecommunications service provider that has cheaper price options. Many cheaper plans now exist now in Canada with companies such as Koodo or Freedom, which we sell. Many telecommunication carriers such as Koodo use the same towers as the more expensive plans Telus offers, so your service coverage will not change.

5. Bring your own phone

By buying your device outright you can save money on your monthly cell phone plan/bill - typically close to $50-70 per month by not financing a cell phone through a telecommunications company at a high monthly fee for a two-year contract.

Reach out to a team member at the Cell Clinic anytime. We are happy to offer you advice on purchasing a pre-owned device to save money and protect you when buying a pre-owned mobile device.