Q&A with Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst:
Do you have any advice for saving on a smart phone, considering the fact that only 24% of Americans plan to spend more on their cell phone this year?
“People who want to save money on their cell phone should consider forgoing the latest model and buying a phone that’s at least one generation old. In the present, the differences between each model are small and relatively insignificant, whereas upgrading used to be far more important in older generations when the improvements were dramatic,” said WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzalez. “Getting a phone that’s a generation behind can give you almost as good of a user experience for around half the price. Consumers might also want to consider buying phones that are used but in good condition, or seek out carrier discounts.”
What advice do you have for reducing the cost of wireless coverage, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?
“There are lots of different ways you can reduce the cost of wireless coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, the most important of which are comparing a lot of different offers and waiting to buy a phone until you can get a good promotional deal. One big way to save money is to purchase coverage from a ‘budget’ phone provider that operates on the same network as one of the larger, name-brand providers. You can get virtually the same level of coverage while saving a lot of money,” said WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzalez. “Bundling your coverage with other people can also help you get discounts, as can setting up autopay on your monthly bills. Some providers may offer you temporary relief on your bills if you’re in a difficult financial position, too, though you’ll have to call and ask.”
Why do around 2 in 5 consumers think that their phone is their most important possession?
“The reason that around 2 in 5 consumers think their phone is their most valuable possession is that few other devices can perform as many different functions. Cell phones are key for both their social use, like keeping people connected to their loved ones during the pandemic, and for business use, especially as many people have switched to remote work permanently,” said Jill Gonzalez, WalletHub analyst. “One of the most valuable features that a cell phone can provide is access to the internet even when Wi-Fi is unavailable – and in some cases, they’re the only way families can get online. Cell phones have helped fight the COVID-19 pandemic, too, by letting people use contact-tracing programs and schedule appointments for vaccinations.”
The above Q&A is also provided in audio format and can be edited as needed.
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