They are indispensable tools. However, they can be costly. From refurbs to trade-ins, there are many ways to negotiate lower prices

Look for:

Prices for similar models regularly change between retailers. Although manufacturers generally offer their phones at the suggested retail price, third-party retailers may offer discounts based on stock level and age. Therefore, look around and use various price comparison tools like Google Shopping, Kelkoo, PriceRunner, or Price Spy.

Avoid deals that appear very cheap since they might have been UK models or are not available from the UK and could impact warranty or after-sales service.

Compare contracts or outright offers:

A phone purchased upfront is usually the most affordable method of owning it in the long run, but it’s not always. Recently released models might be cheaper in the event of an agreement with a phone operator, especially if it is part of a deal or comes with additional services, such as Spotify or Netflix, or at a reduced price.

It’s worthwhile to do the calculations using the total cost for the length of the plan compared to the price of the phone in full and the cost of the same sim-only plan. Remember that if there is a break-in to the phone, you’ll be charged each month until the contract expires.

It’s time to be just right:

A phone purchase at the appropriate time of year can result in significant savings. The best deals are typically found during the usual sales like Black Friday, Christmas, and Boxing Day, around Easter, and during the back-to-school school season in the lead-up to September.

However, different manufacturers offer discounts on their phones on various dates, based on their yearly releases of new phones. Some manufacturers, such as Samsung and Google, provide discounts and freebies when you pre-order their new smartphones before their launch, which is beneficial.

Samsung typically launches its top-of-the-line S-series phones in January, which are then reduced in summer sales. Apple’s iPhones aren’t often marked down to being a bargain. Still, they are typically the most affordable in August, before the launch of a new model in September, offering savings as high as PS150 depending on what model you choose, as per information from a price-tracking website.

Sell or trade-in your old vehicle:

Selling an old mobile is a fantastic option to recoup some of its value or receive a discount on a brand new phone. Apple and Samsung provide up to PS470 off the new phones, and Google offers up in the range of PS676 according to the type, model, and condition of the phone you exchange.

Alternately, you can offer your phone to a refurbished retailer for cash. Numerous stores buy used tech, including phones sold on the high streets and the internet, such as CeX, MusicMagpie, Envirofone, and many more. Mobile operators like EE, Giffgaff, O2, Three, Vodafone, and other companies also purchase used phones, along with Carphone Warehouse and other phone stores.

Comparison websites can assist you in finding the lowest price. Several such sites include SellMyMobile, Compare and Recycle and Compare My Mobile. Like buying an entirely new device, the timing is crucial for trade-ins for the best chance of maximizing your profit.

“We are predicting that across the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 range, the price will depreciate by about 22% between now and the launch of a new model in October 2022,” claims Denise Timmis, the brand manager of Envirofone. “That means trade-in values up to PS157 less for the iPhone 13 Pro Max and up to PS125 for iPhone 12 Pro.”

If your phone is in excellent working order and you’re willing to do some work, you may earn more money by selling it privately through eBay or other online marketplaces. Look up prices recently sold on these sites to determine the price similar phones are selling for.

Buy refurbished:

It’s not just good for the environment, but it could also benefit your wallet. Recent research from Giffgaff found that you can reduce carbon emissions by 50 kg and PS200 per year when you buy refurbished devices compared to new ones. Although the most affordable deals are available with older models, top new models are usually repaired by both the manufacturer and third-party vendors after approximately six months since the device was released. They are typically priced between PS50 and $100 less than the RRP.

“At a time when lots of people are feeling the rising cost of living, refurbished devices can be a great option,” says Ash Schofield, the Giffgaff chief executive. “You can still enjoy the fresh phone experience without spending a fortune. Our research suggests that although some people view refurb technology as a viable alternative, a lot of people aren’t getting saving.”

Many stores sell second-hand models. Straight directly from manufacturers is typically the most reliable, as they are fully restored to meet the latest standards. However, most tech stores, mobile operators, and specialist refurbishers offer models with varying conditions and prices ranging from new to worn but functional.

Find older models using lengthy software support.

The most recent phones are also the priciest; therefore, buying a smartphone older than a year, either brand new or refurbished, could save you money, but only if you pick the suitable model.

However, not all brands offer long-term software support for their phones. A few offer just three or two years of updates starting from the phone’s release date. Regular security updates are vital for smartphones’ safety, and when a model becomes no longer supported, you must avoid using it.

It is the only way to ensure that Apple and Samsung offer five years or more of support software for the latest phones, making their older models like Samsung’s iPhone 11 or Galaxy S20 still worthwhile to purchase. Google recently pledged to support the Pixel smartphones for five years, but only until the Pixel 6.

While high-end phones are most thrilling, mid-range phones have made huge improvements recently and are available for considerably less. However, not all mid-range phones are created equal, with a lot not having long-term support for the software.

The highlights include Apple’s iPhone SE (PS470) and Samsung’s Galaxy A series (from PS129), which come with up to seven years of support for software according to the model.