I’m a big fan of my phone. At first, I couldn’t decide whether I should buy a smart phone or an android. When I bought my smart phone, I spent a lot of time on it, between keeping in contact with my friends and family and working on my websites and emailing my clients. I’m also a bit of a social media hound, and I love a phone that can take pictures and post them quickly on the fly.
My phone never leaves my side, and when I accidentally leave it at home when I go out, I feel lost and usually actually get lost (I can’t find anything without Google Maps).
When I imagine my life without my smart phone, I imagine that it would be very disorganized, and very messy. But that’s just me. I’m an individual, and I use my smart phone for a lot of purposes.
Just because I adore my phone doesn’t mean that I think everyone needs a smart phone. Deciding weather you should take the plunge? You should buy a smart phone if you:
Don’t Have a Computer? Maybe You Need a Smart Phone
Smart phones are invaluable for keeping in touch with people electronically if you don’t have a computer. Believe it or not, there are quite a few people still out there that don’t own a laptop or a PC, and if you are one of them, a smart phone may be a good idea.
It doesn’t have to be an iPhone. You can consider an Android like the Samsung Galaxy or another model. These can be just as helpful.
Work For Yourself or Own Your Own Business? You Probably Need a Smart Phone
If you own your own business or work for yourself, you will need a smart phone. Your email, phone calls, and even social media management can’t wait while you are out of the office. You should have a smart phone to be able to answer clients, staff, and suppliers on the fly.
Don’t Buy a Smart Phone Unless You Can Afford It
This is Suburban Finance, after all, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t touch on the fact that if you can’t afford a smart phone, you shouldn’t buy one! Not only can they cost more up front, but they are almost always more expensive to keep. You will have to pay into a data plan so that you can use it to it’s full potential. It’s even more expensive if you decide to finance your phone.
Smart phones are great, but can be pointless if you don’t need one.
Do you have a smart phone? What made you made the decision to buy it.
Smartphones aren’t cheap, but they once you have had one for a few months– they move from a neat “toy” to an “essential device”. I use my phone to manage side hustles and my website, and I wouldn’t be able to do this without it. I also use it for music, to find the quickest route home, and so much more.
People should know that if they don’t have one and are thinking of getting one, you will be adding a $70/month bill to your life, probably indefinitely, if you make the jump.
I agree. I didn’t think I needed one until I had one. But some people truly don’t!
Am still in the dark ages with my dumb-phone 🙂 And saving a nice sum going by Jefferson’s number above. I think I will push a little bit longer with it till I feel absoultely necessary that I need a smart one, then spring for a nice Android gadget!
Androids are good alternatives to things like iPhones, and usually less expensive too.
I went so long without a smartphone, however, now I see it as a NEED for my business 🙂
I honestly do think it’s essential if you’re a business owner.
I also like to add that having a smartphone is great for people who get lost. You con’t know how often I’ve gotten lost walking around and/or driving and been able to find my way to where I need to go via google maps on my phone and their free navigation. I’m lost without my smart phone!
Hahaha this is mainly what I use mine for when I’m not emailing!
Your last point is a must. You really need to be able to afford it. It really is not a need, although depending on what you do it could slide from a want to a need in some cases. It is definitely not a need if you can’t afford it, at that point, it remains a want.
If you can’t afford something you should never get it, unless it’s necessity.
Smart phones have really come down in price since they first hit the market. You can further shave off some costs by going for a good quality used phone instead of brand new. There are way too many people who get rid of perfectly good phones because they want the newer models. If you go with a no contract provider, you can have a smart phone with all the bells and whistles that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket.
I know what you mean and agree. I had an iPhone3G for 3 years. Constant upgrades are not necessary!
I believe smartphones are better than androids. They do tend to depreciate much slower than their android counterparts. Aside from that, They are less prone to viruses and is much easier to use.
Androids are technically smart phones, but I do like my iPhone.
I don’t carry a cell phone but my wife has one although it’s just a normal phone with no data plans. She keeps asking if she can get a SMART phone and I tell her if she wants one to get one but she has yet to make the move. I don’t miss what I don’t have so I’m good without one.
Maybe she doesn’t really want one!
If you can afford a smart phone, I’d get one. It’s a great organizational tool and there are a lot of free apps that help you save money (Shopkick, Gas Buddy, etc)
I’m a big fan of how smart phones can organize my life, too.
Daisy!!! Great question. Our life style prohibits a smart phone. I hate being on or near my phone. Talking to Tammy is far more entertaining! We can afford it, but our Brios do the job with texts and rare calls. We run 2 bizs and a blog and have never had the need for a smart phone. We are proof that it is absolutely possible to do without. I am with CBB on this, but no one is asking for a SP around here.
Having spewed such sacrilege, I understand some do very well with their SPs and pay very little for them. I am all for that!
That’s so sweet! I love it. You have such an interesting lifestyle, Hoombahs!
I have an iPhone and I love it (expect for its $110 monthly costs)! But I’m looking for a cheaper iPhone plan now. So I’ve asked myself these same questions lately about whether its worth having an iPhone or a smartphone in general.