Black Friday and Cyber Monday are coming up fast, and phones and tablets are always among the most advertised deals. Sales can be a great time to upgrade or buy a gift, but the fine print matters. A deal that looks amazing in an ad can come with strings attached or be an older model than you expected.
Here are the tips we share with customers at We Fix Phones N More before they shop, plus what to do with the device you're replacing.
It's easy to get pulled toward the biggest discount. Instead, make a quick list of what actually matters to you:
Many of the most eye-catching phone deals are tied to a carrier. They may require you to open a new line, switch plans, trade in a device or stay with the carrier for a set period, with the discount applied as monthly bill credits. If you leave early, you could lose the remaining credits. Read the terms carefully so you know what you're agreeing to.
A phone bought through a carrier deal is often locked to that carrier for a while. If you like to switch carriers or travel internationally, an unlocked phone gives you more flexibility.
Check the exact model name and year, not just the brand. Also note whether the device is new, open-box or refurbished. Refurbished devices can be a good value, but you want to know what you're getting and what warranty comes with it. If you're considering a used phone, see our post on what to check before buying a used phone.
Scammers are busy this time of year too. Be careful with:
Stick with retailers you know, pay with a credit card when possible and type store addresses into your browser yourself instead of tapping links.
A new phone or tablet is at its most vulnerable before it has a case and screen protector. Plan to put both on right away, especially if the device is a gift for a child. Our guide on choosing a screen protector explains the options. Screen protectors from We Fix Phones N More come with a lifetime guarantee.
If you're giving a tablet to a young child, our post on setting up a kid's tablet covers parental controls and durable cases.
Before you retire your old device, make sure your photos, contacts and messages are backed up and moved to the new one. Our guide on moving your data to a new phone walks you through it.
Whether you sell it, trade it in or hand it down, sign out of your accounts and erase it completely. See our step-by-step guide on wiping your phone before you sell it.
If the only thing wrong with your current phone is a cracked screen or a tired battery, a repair may give it plenty more life and let you skip the upgrade altogether. Our post on signs your battery needs replacing can help you decide.
Have questions about a deal, need help setting up a new device or want to sell your old one? Stop by We Fix Phones N More at 801 County Line Rd in Horsham. We buy and sell devices, install screen protectors and handle phone repair and tablet repair for customers across Bucks and Montgomery counties. Give us a call at 215-323-4750.
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