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tips-for-teens-phoneSamsung and LG have both announced their latest flagship phones for 2016. Both of these phones are new, shiny, and have the latest technology. Other than that, they’re almost like last year’s phones, which they too were new, shiny, and had the latest technology. So the question is: To buy or not to buy?

Reasons to buy a new phone:

  • Latest Technology: Both of these phones are mind-blowingly awesome when it comes to their technology. The Samsung S7 is water-resistant and comes with Samsung Pay which allows you to make mobile payments anywhere a magstripe card is accepted. The LG G5 is basically the closest thing to a Lego phone since you can swap out certain pieces of the phone to make it fit your needs. Both of these phones are Virtual Reality (VR) ready. So, if mobile payments and/or VR sound like something you need to have, then you might want to consider upgrading.
  • New Phone: If you have a phone that is: two or more years old, has a broken screen, scuff marks, or broken buttons, then you might consider treating yourself to a new phone. If you broke your screen, it can be replaced, but sometimes it’s not worth it, financially, to further invest in your ageing phone.
  • Bragging Rights: Duh.

Reasons Not to Buy a New Phone:

  • Wait for Greater Technology: Technology never stands still. It’s always changing and improving with each passing year. So, if this year’s phones don’t meet your expectations, wait for next year’s phones. It’s almost a guarantee that they will be an improvement from this year.
  • Wait for Offers: Sometimes phone manufacturers or cellular companies offer lower prices or special promotional items with your purchase if you buy a new phone at a certain time. Typically, these are offered in the summer when school is over, in the fall when school starts, and Black Friday until the end of the year.
  • Your Phone is Amazing: If you didn’t drop your phone or it’s only a year old or so, it’s still an amazing phone. It’s probably VR compatible, so if that’s something you’re interested in, look for a VR headset. The bottom line is, as stated above, technology never stands still. Is it necessary to upgrade every year for minor-ish improvements? I argue no, upgrade every two years or more instead.
  • Your Phone Loves You: Your phone is an amazing friend. It’s been there for countless selfies. It’s there when you need someone to talk to. In fact, you’re probably reading this on your phone.

This same concept applies to all brands of phones. No matter how tempting the upgrades are each year, make sure you stop and ask yourself, “To buy or not to buy?”

Luis Dominguez
Student Social Media Intern
1st Nor Cal Credit Union