Tips & Tricks for Saving on Smartphones

These days, we use smartphones to do everything from paying bills to shopping for groceries to video chatting with our doctors. If you need a ride, you book it through the Uber or Lyft app. At many restaurants, ordering takeout requires using an app on your phone — do they even use landlines anymore?

Our increasing reliance on these multi-tasking devices means owning one has become a necessary item in our household budgets. With the latest devices costing hundreds of dollars plus the monthly bills for cell phone service, it can really add up.

To help you save money on this essential expense, AARP Foundation is breaking down how to save on new devices, find deals on used phones, and shop around for the best cell phone plans, including programs offered especially for older adults or those living on a limited income. Some cell phone providers even offer free smartphones to those who qualify.

Tips for Buying New or Trading in a Phone

Whenever a new cell phone comes out, cell phone carriers often try to get you to upgrade to a new phone you must pay off each month. But that isn’t your only option.

It pays to look closely at each carrier’s fineprint for switching to the latest model. Sometimes, they may make it worth your while to trade in your existing phone because they want to sell your old model to their customers.

You may also be able to upgrade to a new-to-you model for free if you stay with your carrier — moving from an iPhone 7 to an iPhone 8, for example, when the iPhone 11 is the new kid on the block. It’s all about taking advantage of the deals on offer.

Here are some other factors to consider:

Cell phone carriers usually promote the best deals around holidays — waiting for the next promotion can pay off.

It may cost more at checkout, but buying what’s called an unlocked phone may be a better value in the long run because it gives you the freedom to move to a carrier with the most affordable plan.

Trade-in promotions from carriers or manufacturers are one option, but also consider dedicated trade-in sites at Best Buy or through Gazelle, who may pay you more money for your old phone.

Whenever you trade in your phone, the better condition it’s in, (e.g. no cracked screens), the more money you’ll get for it. Finally, check out the smartphone options from Lively, a wireless service provider tailored for older adults. Lively offers simple cell phones with flexible and affordable plans.

What to Know About Buying a Used Smartphone

You’re already saving money by not opting for the latest and greatest cell phone model. When money is tight, opting for a used or refurbished smartphone may save you even more.

What’s the difference between used and refurbished? Used phones are typically sold as is, like when you buy one through a posting on Facebook Marketplace or Craiglist. Going this route can be risky because there’s no guarantee the phone works. Instead, look for used phones on trusted marketplaces like eBay or Amazon, where the sellers have been verified.

You can find refurbished phones at retailers like Best Buy and directly through phone manufacturers like Apple or Samsung. These phones usually look brand new, have a fresh battery, and come with a limited warranty.

You can usually find the most selection and best prices in January because more people trade in their old phones around the winter holidays.

When purchasing refurbished phones, make sure you:

• Know the phone will work on the carrier of your choice.
• Understand what’s included in the warranty.
• Ask about a return policy.

One last tip, if your cell phone carrier keeps calling to get you to upgrade, ask them about the refurbished phone options they have in stock and what it costs to switch to one.

How to Save on Cell Phone Service

To get the best deal, you’ll need to do a little digging about the cell phone networks in your area. First and foremost, you want to find one with the best coverage where you live to avoid having dropped calls.

You can find this out on the carrier’s website or by calling the carrier, but sometimes, the best thing to do is to ask your neighbors what their reception is like on their network and choose the same one.

Senior Discounts

You may be surprised to learn that cell phone carriers like AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon offer discounts to older adults. The qualifying age varies by plan and the offers vary by region, so a good place to start is by calling your current provider — or searching its website — to inquire about possible savings based on your age.

Cheaper Carriers

You can also save when you go with a smaller carrier like Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile, or Cricket Wireless. These carriers lease capacity from the bigger name networks and pass the savings on to you. Mint Mobile customers get service through the T-Mobile network, for example. Again, check their coverage in your area and whether you can use your phone on their network.

Benefit Programs

If you’re receiving benefits from programs like Medicaid, SNAP (formerly called food stamps), Supplemental Security Income, or other government programs, you may qualify for special benefits.

Q Link Wireless and Assurance Wireless are two providers offering free unlimited monthly data, talk, and text through the Affordable Connectivity Program, which went into effect at the end of 2021. Some of these providers also offer free smartphones to new customers.

Search for participating providers in your area — you can usually apply online or call them directly to learn if you qualify.