Whether your current smartphone suddenly falls into the toilet or it simply becomes too old to continue performing its necessary functions, sooner or later it will need to be replaced. Since there are so many phones being bought and sold these days, it’s usually pretty easy to get your hands on a new model. The only question is whether you should order a new device online or purchase one from your nearest electronics retailer. The answer largely depends on how rushed you are and how well you know exactly what type of phone you’re looking for. Price isn’t a factor because it’s usually the same manufacturer’s suggested retail price in physical and online stores – and worst case scenario, you can buy online and pick it up in store if it’s cheaper.
If you’re not in a particular rush to replace your current device and you know exactly what type of new model you want, ordering online is a hassle-free option. However, given how big the industry is today, it can be difficult to know exactly what type of phone you want or need. If you need help making a choice as quickly as possible, shopping for your next phone in person is the best alternative.
Online shopping is convenient and may have more stock
As with so many other products these days, shopping online is usually a smooth and easy way to get a new smartphone. You can visit an electronics retailer’s website or buy directly from the manufacturer, and they will offer you a large catalog of models to choose from. This can be especially handy if you have a previous relationship with a particular provider, as you should be able to migrate services to your new device using your existing account.
Online shopping comes with some potential headaches, however. The first and simplest quirk is, of course, shipping. Depending on the price of the device and accessories you order, you may be able to get free shipping, but even then you’ll still have to wait days or even more than a week for the phone to actually be delivered to your door. Plus, if the phone doesn’t suit your tastes, you’ll have to go through the even more heinous process of mailing it back for a refund. This also assumes that you already know how to configure a smartphone yourself; If you don’t have experience with the brand or operating system, for example if you’re migrating from Android to iOS, it can be difficult to get everything working.
In-store purchases are faster and can provide setup help
If you desperately need a replacement phone, you probably don’t have time to wait for shipping. It would be best to visit your local electronics retailer, like Best Buy, or a physical store of your favorite supplier.
Shopping in person is also a good idea if you’re not sure exactly what type of phone you want, as an associate will be happy to help you find what you want and guide you through the features and specifications of each model within your budget before making a decision. For example, if you really care about camera features, display quality, and ruggedness, holding a phone in your hands and testing everything in person is the only way to discover the differences between devices.
Of course, not everyone likes dealing with people, and when it comes to buying smartphones, this reluctance can be understandable. Smartphone sellers have a reputation for being greedy for sales, sometimes trying to sell you a reliable budget phone over a more expensive model with accessories and service packages. Fortunately, this isn’t always the case, but it can happen and be intimidating. Additionally, some carriers don’t have as large a physical presence as others, so you may have to travel through several cities just to find a store where you can get the service you want.
In person is better if you’re in a hurry and don’t know what you want
The optimal route to purchasing your next smartphone depends largely on your comfort level and experience with smartphones, as well as your rush to buy a new one. If your current device is on its last legs but functional and you are confident in choosing and setting up a new one, online shopping is the best choice. You’ll have more options without having to deal with sellers or find a retailer.
On the other hand, if you’re not sure what you need or need help getting started, it may be best to find a nearby retailer and shop in physical stores. Yes, an overzealous salesperson might try to convince you to spend more, but as long as you’re firm about what you’re looking for, you can usually deter more obnoxious sales practices.
