BUYING GUIDE
What will your next smartphone really cost?
Look beyond the handset price. Compare storage, support, repairs and the complete cost of a phone contract.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Choose a phone you can comfortably use and afford to keep. Compare the same storage version and add contract payments, accessories and likely service costs.
1. Choose around your everyday frustrations
Write down what your current phone struggles with: storage, battery, size, photos or a particular app. Check your actual storage use before paying for more. Try reading, typing and taking a picture with the candidate phone if possible. Compare sample photos taken in situations you care about. Avoid using a camera’s megapixel count as your only reason to spend more; first decide what result you need.
2. Check support and repair options
Look up the manufacturer’s support policy for the exact model and the remaining support period at the time you buy. Ask what a battery or screen replacement costs locally. Where an EU energy label is provided, use its battery endurance and repairability information as additional comparison points. Standardised battery results are useful for comparison, but do not promise how long your own mix of navigation, video and calls will last.
3. Compare contracts over the same period
Separate the service you need from the way you pay for the phone. Illustrative example: €100 upfront plus €35 a month for 24 months totals €940. A €500 handset plus a €15 monthly plan over the same period totals €860. Compare equivalent data allowances and include activation charges, any final payment and applicable price changes. These are invented figures, not available deals, and the lower total is only useful if both options meet your needs.
4. Price the exact version and condition
Match storage, model code, region, condition and included accessories across retailers. For a refurbished phone, ask what the condition grade means, what battery condition is promised and who handles service. Check whether a compatible charger is included or already available at home. Add any case, charger or extra storage subscription you actually need before setting your price alert. Do not give unwanted bundle extras an imaginary saving.
Before you buy
Sources & further reading
This is buying guidance, not a hands-on product test. Examples are illustrative; check the exact model and current retailer information.