4 Ways to Get the Most Affordable Smartphones

Smartphones have become an important part of American life, but affording the latest trends can come at a hefty blow to a consumer’s wallet. Thankfully there are a few ways for people to afford the latest smartphones, regardless if they are on a tight budget or have eco-friendly concerns. 

From no-contract cell phone plans to recycling programs, here are 4 simple ways to get an affordable smartphone:

1. Purchase a No-Contract Cell Phone Plan: GIV Mobile is the first affordable phone service to give away a FREE Android Smartphone with the purchase of their two-month "Unlimited Everything Plan" which starts at $35/month. Running on the reliable T-Mobile network, GIV Mobile’s plans include talk, text, and 4G LTE data, all while donating 8% of every customer’s monthly bill to charities of their choice such as Alzheimer’s Association, The Conservation Fund, PetSmart Charities and more.

2. Recycle an Old Cell Phone: Verizon Wireless rewards customers for every cell phone or electronic device recycled. The process is easy, customers can either go online to send in their device or go into a store and have their device appraised.  Within 30 days the customer will receive a Verizon Wireless electronic gift card that can then be used towards an updated smartphone.

3. Buy an Unlocked Cell Phone: Gazelle can be a great place to shop for unlocked cell phones which are not attached to any specific carrier and instead run on a GSM cellular network using SIM cards. Their flexibility makes them a smart option for international travelers or those who don’t want any type of commitment. Also, no-contract companies like PTel sell the latest smartphones and offer cell phone service plans separately, with their plans starting at only $20/month.

4. Lease Your Phone: Much like leasing a car, Sprint is offering a new option called the “iPhone for Life Plan,” which allows consumers to lease an iPhone 6 with no money down for $20/month.  After two years, the customer can choose to turn in the iPhone for a new one or the latest Apple device. While customers will end up paying almost the full purchase price of the phone in the long run, it allows those who can’t quite afford to make the investment all at once the ability to keep up with technology on a budget.