Many people love their cell phones and the thought of upgrading is not a pleasant one. They like their phone’s features and ease of use. They don’t want to have to get used to another phone. However, there are times when upgrading a cell phone is the best option.
First, the cell phone user wants to make sure his phone line is available for an upgrade. Most companies will allow a user to upgrade a phone every two years or so. The service provider’s store may have models available for upgrade, but the user may have better luck with the company’s Web site. Often, service providers have Internet offers and phones not available in stores. These phones may also be available for a much better price than in the stores.
Next, the user will want to think about the reasons why he wants to upgrade his phone. Many people like to have the latest features and technology, while others mostly use their phones to make and receive calls. Even if this is the case, technological advances may require an upgrade once in a while so that users will have phones that will work with network changes. Some older phones just won’t work because of equipment upgrades.
Is the phone still in good physical shape? If it is battered and the covers are held together with cellophane tape, it’s certainly time for an upgrade. Users may also notice the keypad on their mobile phone may begin to stick or not work properly. This is also a signal that an upgrade is in the user’s near future. Frequently-used keys are apt to wear out, and when this happens, it is time to get a new phone.
Another reason to upgrade is shortened battery life. A cell phone battery often costs nearly as much as a phone upgrade, so if the battery will no longer hold a charge for any length of time, the user may consider getting a new phone. It may be cheaper than getting a battery.
A cell phone user always needs to make certain the phone he is upgrading to will meet his needs. If ease of use is her primary concern, for instance, then she should look for a phone with fewer internal features, such as an mp3 player, and look for a keypad with larger buttons and a larger display. Flip phones do have the advantage of having the keys hidden when the phone is closed and this may be a consideration if the user finds she is pressing the keys on her phone inadvertently. This is another primary reason to upgrade: the current phone has some characteristic that makes it annoying or difficult to use. An upgrade should solve this problem.
A user should also be aware of the size of the phone. Small phones could pose problems for the user. For example, someone with vision issues may not be able to easily use a phone with a small display. Or, a woman who carries a large purse may find her phone becoming lost in the depths, unless she has a special case or pouch for it. By the same token, a larger phone (sometimes called a "phablet") may not fit into a small purse or pocket, so the user will need to consider that angle, also.
Many web sites have phone reviews and reading these can be helpful for those looking to upgrade. Being an informed user is the best way to make sure upgrading the cell phone is a good experience and results in a product the person likes and enjoys using.