Smartphone trends are fleeting and can be tricky to follow. This is why finding the right phone can be challenging for those who do not keep up with the latest technology. The sheer number of brands, models, and features, can also make smartphone buying an overwhelming experience. Consequently, buyers make hasty decisions, overspend, and choose a phone that does not serve their needs. So, here are a few mistakes to avoid when buying a phone:

Relying on advertisements
TV commercials and online ads cannot tell you everything you need to know about a smartphone. Brands develop marketing strategies to highlight the best features, making it unrealistic to completely rely on their ads. Brands may spend a lot of money to get celebrities to talk about their phones. Potential buyers often get influenced by these ads and get phones without checking the detailed specifications, objective reviews, and drawbacks, which cannot be found in advertisements.

Inadequate research
Avoid impulse purchases when it comes to expensive gadgets like a smartphone. You should always base the smartphone buying decision on research. You need not be an expert to learn about the phone’s features. You can find detailed specifications by checking independent websites that review gadgets; these websites can also rate the phones or assign an overall score to help you compare different products. You should also visit online sellers’ websites and read the comments left by buyers. User reviews and ratings can help you understand what to expect from a smartphone. Additionally, check other details like the processor, battery life, camera, weight, and accessories.

Not understanding your requirements
This is the most common smartphone buying blunder. It is important to understand what you need from a phone. You should determine whether you want a new phone primarily for work, photography, socializing, or other purposes. If you play a lot of games, then you should go for a phone with a larger display and good battery life. If you take a lot of photos and videos, then opt for a product that comes with adequate storage. If you work with confidential data, then check out phones that promise security mechanisms and protection from data theft. Recognizing your precise requirements can help you prioritize the features you need and choose the right smartphone.

Giving in to the pressure
Vendors and salespersons can often guide people in the direction of a popular brand or model that may not be ideal for the user. They can also exert pressure to make a sale, making you buy a phone you haven’t yet studied or checked out. Avoid being talked into a purchase, even if you like the phone they suggest. You can tell the salesperson that you need time and look up the phone’s features before deciding to buy it.

Opting for brands
Many people believe that a brand name can promise quality, and while that can be true for some products, fierce competition has introduced new players that offer gadgets with the exact same features at different price points. Bigger brands can also offer overpriced products. This is why going with an expensive phone only for its brand name might not be the best choice.

Buying the latest model
Newly-launched products are usually exorbitantly priced while only offering slightly different features when compared with the last model. If you can get the required features in an older version, you can save a lot of money and avoid making an expensive smartphone buying blunder. However, do not go for an outdated operating system.

Ignoring the operating system
Choosing the right operating system is an important smartphone buying decision as it indicates the overall functionality of the gadget. For smooth functioning, you should opt for an up-to-date OS.

Prioritizing camera quality
Camera quality is an important feature for people who take many photos with their phones. However, it might be better to evaluate comprehensively as most flagship phones offer superior camera features. But the image quality of the pictures on your phone will be lower than that of a professional camera. You should look at the phone as a tool that serves multiple purposes beyond photography. So, the phone’s longevity would be a bigger factor to consider.

Focusing only on display size
Huge phones may not always indicate a proportionate display size as the screen might not extend to the edges. Further, choosing a smaller display could hold you back from enjoying games on the phone. Also, display size does not indicate better durability, storage, RAM, and overall functioning. This is why all the specifications and features should be important smartphone buying considerations.

Overlooking headphone connectivity
You should be able to choose between phones that provide a headphone jack and those which have a USB port. Pick the one you believe would be convenient and will work best with your exisiting earphones. Ignoring this feature in phones can make you spend on connectors/adapters, compatible headphones, and Bluetooth headsets later on. Additionally, inconvenient placement of jacks and USB ports can ruin your auditory experience on the phone.

Another habit to avoid is paying for phone plans without doing any research. Many smartphone owners make this common mistake. The plan you purchased might sometimes be contractual, and you’ll be stuck with it until the course runs out. Researching a competent 5G phone plan and sticking to reliable carriers like Verizon can benefit you. The brand offers unlimited nationwide 5G plans for as low as $35/month per line.

Spending enough time evaluating different products and not rushing the process can help you avoid most of these smartphone buying mistakes.