Tips on Buying the Samsung Galaxy S3

Filed under: Articles |

s3tips

Samsung’s Galaxy S3 remains one of the most popular smartphones on the market. While the company has introduced newer models over the last year, the Galaxy S3 remains a strong market contender. Offering the full array of features that consumers expect to find in a top of the line smartphone, Samsung’s Galaxy S3 continues to rival many of its competitors. But as anyone who has been shopping for a smartphone knows, the Galaxy S3 isn’t cheap, and you can expect to pay upwards of £200 pounds for a new model. That’s kept many UK consumers from upgrading from their old mobile to the full featured smartphone they desire. But that doesn’t have to be the case. If you are on a budget, there are ways of getting around the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. It just takes a little know how.

Trading Up You may have gotten tired of your old smartphone, but that doesn’t mean it has lost all of its value. If your current mobile is in good shape, you might consider trading it in and earning a sizeable credit that can be put towards the cost of a new Galaxy S3. For example, let’s assume you have a Galaxy S2 in good working condition, but you’re tempted by the added features and functionality of the S3. If you are still under contract with a carrier, you may be able to trade your S2 in on the price of an upgrade, scoring the S3 at a discount. Barring that, you may even be able to trade it direct to the manufacturer for a discount on the newer model.

Buying Used Of course, not every phone will have trade in value. If it’s too old and battered, or simply out of date, trading up may not be an option. But not to worry, a trade in is not your only option. You could consider buying a used model. Now, buying used has its advantages and disadvantages, and you need to be careful. Second hand smartphones may have been abused, or may simply be knackered. That wear and tear may not be evident at first glance. If you are considering buying a used Galaxy S3 (or any other model of smartphone for that matter), it’s best to look for a refurbished model. Refurbished smartphones have been repaired and restored, typically by the manufacturer or a licensed vendor, and usually come with a limited guarantee. This makes them an affordable option if you are on a strict budget.

‘Locked’ vs ‘Unlocked’ Smartphones can be sold as either ‘locked or ‘unlocked’. ‘Locked’ phones are typically tied to a specific carrier or network. Often, that carrier will subsidize the cost of the phone, while locking you into a multi-year contract. This helps to keep your hardware costs down, but could leave you locked into a high priced service contract. ‘Unlocked’ smartphones, on the other hand, are not tied to any network and you are free to shop for more economical service plans. Of course, without the vendor’s subsidy, you will be paying full retail on the handset and that can seriously increase your initial investment. Still, an ‘unlocked’ smartphone can save you money in the long run, particularly if you plan to travel or move to an area that your current network doesn’t cover, or simply want to avoid being tied to a specific carrier. It’s also worth mentioning that ‘unlocked’ smartphones, including the Galaxy S3, have a higher resale value, so will bring you a better return when you want to trade up.

Accessories and Hidden Costs Finally, when buying any smartphone, you have to consider the costs of any non-essential accessories. Vendors will try to tempt you with everything from designer cases to noise eliminating headphones. Don’t be swayed. Consider your usage patterns, and decide for yourself if you actually need any of the high end accessories. You can save a lot on the cost of any new smartphone by simply passing on the overpriced extras. Buying any new smartphone, including the Samsung Galaxy S3, requires careful consideration. After all, you are investing a fair amount of money in your mobile. Naturally, you will want to get as much value for your money as possible. But before you hand over your hard earned money, consider these alternatives to simply paying the manufacturer’s list price. You may find you can upgrade your mobile, enjoy all of the features of a top of the line smartphone, and still save money.