6 Tips for Choosing a Prepaid Phone That Fits Your Needs
A prepaid phone lets you pay for the service you need in advance and with no contractual obligation. Often, users can choose services and limit a la carte in order to find the best deals for them. With that in mind, let’s explore six tips to consider before you choose a prepaid phone.
1. Locked or Unlocked?
Locked phones are only usable with one carrier. Unlocked phones are usable with any carrier, and switching is as easy as swapping out the old SIM card for a new one. Many carriers sell locked prepaid phones at a discount, but the early savings may not be worth it long term. You may have to pay more for an unlocked phone initially, but you’ll enjoy the freedom of switching to the carrier offering the best deal.
2. Consider Network Coverage
Determine which networks offer the best coverage in the areas you live and work in. This is especially important when choosing a prepaid plan offered by one of the major carriers. Some prepaid phone companies are resellers in that they purchase minutes from the major carriers in bulk and then resell them to their customers. With those, your prepaid plan may give you access to a range of networks. Still, it’s a good idea to check which ones and coverage in your area.
3. Read the Terms on Rollover Minutes
Ideally, you should purchase as little minutes and data as you need each month. When picking a plan, read the fine print to determine what happens to minutes you don’t use. In some cases, you simply lose those minutes. In others, they roll over, but only if you purchase the service for another month. Often, if you skip a month, you’ll lose any rolled-over minutes. It’s another way that prepaid carriers try to incentivize your loyalty.
4. Cell Phone vs. Smartphone
If you only need basic talk functionality, a prepaid cell phone plan may be significantly cheaper. It costs more to add data for web, text, videos, and so forth. You might even find a smartphone option that is on a prepaid plan.
5. Burner and Prepaid Phones Aren’t the Same
The term “burner” refers to a phone that a person intends to use temporarily and then never again. In common usage, the term is often user-specific and has no bearing on the phone itself. You could, for instance, purchase a prepaid phone that you can re-up but never choose to do so. Nevertheless, some brands market and sell phones specifically as burners. That means you can’t continue the coverage after the initial service period ends.
6. Save With Bulk Purchases
One month of service is a standard term for prepaid phones, but it isn’t your only option. You can get a reduced rate by purchasing three or even 12 months in advance.
A Flexible and Cost-Effective Alternative
A prepaid phone plan is cheaper than a traditional contract plan and avoids a long-term commitment. Still, not all prepaid plans are the same, and researching the right phone for you can save you even more money while helping to avoid inconveniences.
