There are 31.38 million smartphone users in Canada. This translates to slightly over 80% of the entire population.
In fact, smartphones have almost become an essential item to have in the developed world.
If you are getting your first phone or replacing an old or lost one, how much should you spend on it? Unfortunately, there are no standard answers to these questions. Instead, the following considerations will help you settle on a dollar amount.
Cost vs. Durability
At times, it makes more sense to buy a high end hone that will last over the years. Think about it in this way, a slightly expensive phone will remain fully functional and in good condition for three to four years.
When you spread the costs, such a phone is actually cheaper than a mid-range phone that will give you one year of service.
When you think of it this way, it might make sense to get instant loan without documents to help you pay for it.
The other way around it is to set aside a portion of your salary for a couple of months, at which point you can get the latest phone in the market.
Function and Lifestyle
What you use a phone for can help you determine how much you should spend on it.
People that use their phones for more than just calling and messaging typically need slightly specialized and, in effect, pricier phones.
For example, if you will need to store large files on your phone, inbuilt space and additional storage options become necessary. This is not always the case, but you might have to pay a premium for this.
Camera phones have lowered in cost in recent times, but if you need a high-quality, professional-level camera, you definitely need a higher budget.
How Long You Intend To Keep It
We all know a person that is extra careful with their phones and who is comfortable retaining the same phone for years as long as it remains functional.
On the flip side, we all know people who follow trends and aim to own the latest gadget soon after its release.
The first type of phone owner can theoretically go for expensive high-end phones. The upfront costs make sense over the duration of ownership.
Ideally, the second type of phone owner should spend less on their phones since they will own them for a short duration. Unfortunately, this is hardly ever the case. The latest phone releases also incorporate the latest technology in the market. This, of course, does not come cheap.
So How Much Should You Spend?
As you can see, there is really no cookie-cutter answer to this question. Once you figure out your phone ownership needs, you are able to create a budget that suits your lifestyle perfectly.
