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General discussion

Are used cell phones worth it?

Jan 3, 2015 1:38PM PST

I have been shopping for a smartphone for myself. I thought I could pick my phone and then my carrier, but it's not that easy. Certain phones only work on certain networks. I looked at used phones on Craigslist, there are more than 3000 ads in my city alone. But I have been told that there is none or hardly any savings when it comes to getting a service plan. Someone at Best Buy told me that a plan would cost more if I brought in my own phone, because the carriers subsidize the cost of a new phone. The AT&T store told me that I would only save about $15 a month on the service. So a $300 used smartphone spread out over 24 months service would cost me $12.50 a month, not much savings. Plus if I get a new phone with a contract, then halfway through I get to upgrade to the next new model. Any thoughts on this?

Burt

Discussion is locked

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all carriers have entry level phone
Jan 3, 2015 2:17PM PST

Tried Tracfone's monthly billing system? you can start with a pay by minute plan and then upgrade to a monthly billing if you want. I think they give a free phone when you start, or $10-20 with some starting minutes.

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I does not worth
Jan 30, 2015 8:16PM PST

I am 100% sure it is better to buy new one if it is so easy and have a lot of benefits than all people will but used phones!

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Savings are relative
Mar 30, 2015 3:40AM PDT

If $300 is meaningless to you then your answer is clear. Do not bother with a used phone. But if you can get a $600 phone for $300 saving $300 then that is a 50% savings. Apply that to anything else you buy and that is significant difference. $300 means nothing to Jerry Jones or Mark Cuban. But if you are pulling in minimum wage that is a significant chunk of your check. I can eat at Chickfila twice a month on that $12.50 or weekly at McDonalds.