I had some questions about this on another thread.
To save money on phones, do this:
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Buy a phone from 2 or 3 years ago. They get updates now for 5+ years, so you can easily keep it for another three years. I've never spent more than $190 on a phone this way, and I buy Samsung flagships. I'm currently using an S22. In fact, I've spent $500 on 3 phones in the last decade — less than the cost of a single iPhone!
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Skip the case. To each their own, right? If you need one, get one. I don't bother. I never drop my phones (knock on wood), it saves me $20, $30, even $40, and it's less plastic in a landfill somewhere. Just be normally careful.
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I use Tello. I was on Mint for $15/month (at 5GB), but I switched to Tello for $10/month (at 2GB) since I never use more than 2GB of data anyway. I have WiFi at work and home.
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When you're done with the phone eventually, recycle it at an ecoATM since they'll pay you a few bucks for it. Even if it's just around $15, at least your now very old, already pretty heavily used phone is being properly disposed of.
Just some tips!
A Few Tips to Save Money on Phones & Plans, Too
byu/fastflarejim inFrugal
Posted by fastflarejim
4 Comments
Sign up for a plan with a $0 phone.
I’ve spent $0 on a phone in the last decade. Yes, you could argue it’s subsidized by the plan or you’re locked in with a plan that’s not that great.
A case is worth its weight in gold. Especially a good klutz proof case. You said the keyword “I never drop my phone”. Many people DO (unintentionally) drop their phones.
My cases have taken a beating. The phone not so much.
Speaking from very recent experience…if you’re going case-less, at least spend the $10ish on a screen protector.
Sincerely, someone who also never drops my phone (until today!)
Skipping a phone case is the worst advice I’ve ever heard.