Questions to Ask Before You Buy a New Smartphone

Questions to Ask Before You Buy a New Smartphone

by Bev Bachel

I dropped my smartphone and shattered the screen a few weeks ago. Yikes! Even though I wasn’t itching to buy a whole new phone — mine wasn’t even six months old — I did consider it. I wondered if my hard-earned cash might be better spent on a completely new device rather than a new screen.

While I ended up opting for a new screen, I did so only after doing my homework. In the process, I was reminded once again that buying a new phone isn’t about finding the perfect phone, but about finding the perfect phone for you.

Here are three questions that can help:

No. 1: Are you a talker, a typer, a reader or a watcher?

When I bought my Samsung Galaxy several years back, I used it mostly to read work-related emails and texts from family and friends. By the time I was ready to upgrade, I was using it mostly to read books and watch Netflix. Understanding my evolving needs led me to choose an iPhone next.

No. 2: Do you carry your phone in a pocket or a purse?

While I love my larger screen, my new smartphone doesn’t always fit in my pocket. That’s not a big deal for me because I almost always carry a purse, but it is for most guys I know — and might be for you.

No. 3: What apps do you need for work?

Most of us use our phones for both work and play. Increasingly, workplaces require apps for productivity — whether it be a customer relations management tool, an expense management tool, or even a presentation app. So make sure your new phone — whether Android or iOS — can be easily loaded with the apps you’re required (or would like) to use to stay on top of your workload.

Freelance writer Bev Bachel lives in Minneapolis and uses her phone to talk, text and email friends and family around the world. She’s the author of What Do You Really Want? How to Set a Goal and Go For It!

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Mobile Technology & Smartphones: "Questions to Ask Before You Buy a New Smartphone"