A new mobile phone can be very expensive, with most big-brand handsets costing well over $1,000. The good news is, if you’re due for an upgrade, there are ways you can save on a new device.
Whether you’re after the newest Samsung Galaxy, iPhone, Google Pixel or something else, our tips will help you get the most bang for your buck.
1. Purchase directly from the phone maker on a repayment plan and combine with a good-value mobile plan
Opting for a mobile phone plan and device bundle from one of the big three telcos may make the cost of a new iPhone seem more palatable because you’re only paying monthly, but you will end up paying the same amount for the device over the period you choose to pay it off. In addition, you will also most likely end up paying more than necessary on a mobile plan from one of the big three providers (Telstra, Optus and Vodafone).
An alternative that some people may not even know about is buying a device directly from the brand on a payment plan. Yes, Apple, Samsung and Google offer payment plans on their devices so you can get a new device and pay it off monthly, interest free (over the course of 12, 24 or 36 months) and you can pair it with a more affordable mobile plan from a smaller provider. If you want the cheapest plan available, we have a guide on the best mobile plans under $20 and best mobile plans under $30.
2. Trade in your old phone
If you want to get a new phone, it’s worth looking at how much you can get back by trading in your old one. Depending on the condition of the phone, you may be able to get up to a few hundred dollars back, which you can then use to help pay for a new device. If you’re interested, Apple, Samsung and JB Hi-Fi are examples of stores that accept trade-ins.
3. Opt for last years model instead of the newest one
The newest devices are always the most expensive, so if you’re willing to opt for a slightly older device, you should be able to save a fair bit. While it can be tempting to get the latest model, the technical differences between it and the model it replaces are usually minimal. So, if you want to save some money, it’s generally worth opting for the older device. Prices of older models also typically drop when new versions are released, so waiting for this can also help you save.
4. Consider buying a refurbished device
Refurbished devices are products that have been previously owned or have been returned to the retailer (due to minor defects or buyer's remorse). These products are then inspected and repaired (if required) and tested to ensure they meet a set of standard requirements before being put back on the market.
Refurbished devices are generally sold for significantly cheaper than RRP and while it may seem risky, if you know what to look for and you buy from a reputable reseller, it can be a great, cost-effective way to buy a new phone. If you want to look into refurbished device prices, Amazon, Apple and eBay are some of the biggest sellers and their products generally come with warranty. If you’re curious and want to learn more about refurbished tech, we have a guide that explains everything you need to know.
5. Wait for the device to be discounted during a big sale
If you’re willing to be patient and wait for a big sale to come around, you can often get a decent discount on a smartphone. While the best discounts are generally on older devices, we have seen some discounts on the latest flagship devices in the past. The big sales where we tend to see the best discounts on smartphones include Black Friday, Boxing Day and Amazon Prime Day.
