No contract smartphones inevitably cost more money than choosing to take out a cell phone contract, but many people still choose them thanks to their many benefits. Here's a guide to the pros and cons of buying your smartphone without a contract.
Pros Of No Contract Android Phones
1) Cost: When you buy a no contract smartphone, you'll be paying a big chunk of cash upfront, but you could end up saving money over time. Although some cell phone providers will give you the phone free, this is on the condition that you'll be paying them a monthly service charge for as long as two years. You do the math - is the monthly charge multiplied by the contract length cheaper or more expensive than buying a no contract phone outright?
2) Upgrades: When you're not stuck in a contract, you can upgrade your phone whenever you like. The world of smartphones changes very quickly. If you're the kind of person who always likes to stay up to date with the newest gadgets and don't want to wait two years for your contract to end, then no contract smartphones could be for you.
3) Avoid Extra Charges: When you sign up to a contract, there are often a number of hidden charges. For example, you'll be charged if you leave your contract early, if you go over your monthly allowance, and you'll be stuck with what you signed up to for the length of your contract.
4) Availability: No-contract smartphones are available to a greater number of people thanks to the fact that they don't require a credit check, you don't need to be over 18 to buy a phone, and you don't even need a fixed address. They're also a good idea for parents wanting to give their child a phone.
Cons Of No Contract Droid Smartphones
1) Cost: Although no contract smartphones can work out cheaper (as mentioned above) they can sometimes cost you more. Usually the cost of making calls and sending messages is greater to those who don't take out a contract with the service provider. You'll also have a far greater upfront cost as you'll have to buy the phone outright. If you'd rather spread the payment over a period of a year or more, then a contract may be better for you.
2) Data: Smartphones are designed to connect to the internet. If you usually connect to Wi-Fi, that's fine. However, if you often connect to 3G or 4G then you'll find it's all too easy to run up a massive bill. You may be better off with a contract instead, as long as you check the terms and how much data you're allowed to transfer.
3) Limits: Some users may be limited as to what they can do when they're not on a contract. You may not be able to make international calls, for example, or may miss out on customer loyalty perks from your provider.
4) Running Out: You have to pay in advance for all of your usage, which means you run the risk of running out of credit if you don't keep on top of things. This could be frustrating if you try to make a call only to find out there's no money left!
Pros Of No Contract Android Phones
1) Cost: When you buy a no contract smartphone, you'll be paying a big chunk of cash upfront, but you could end up saving money over time. Although some cell phone providers will give you the phone free, this is on the condition that you'll be paying them a monthly service charge for as long as two years. You do the math - is the monthly charge multiplied by the contract length cheaper or more expensive than buying a no contract phone outright?
2) Upgrades: When you're not stuck in a contract, you can upgrade your phone whenever you like. The world of smartphones changes very quickly. If you're the kind of person who always likes to stay up to date with the newest gadgets and don't want to wait two years for your contract to end, then no contract smartphones could be for you.
3) Avoid Extra Charges: When you sign up to a contract, there are often a number of hidden charges. For example, you'll be charged if you leave your contract early, if you go over your monthly allowance, and you'll be stuck with what you signed up to for the length of your contract.
4) Availability: No-contract smartphones are available to a greater number of people thanks to the fact that they don't require a credit check, you don't need to be over 18 to buy a phone, and you don't even need a fixed address. They're also a good idea for parents wanting to give their child a phone.
Cons Of No Contract Droid Smartphones
1) Cost: Although no contract smartphones can work out cheaper (as mentioned above) they can sometimes cost you more. Usually the cost of making calls and sending messages is greater to those who don't take out a contract with the service provider. You'll also have a far greater upfront cost as you'll have to buy the phone outright. If you'd rather spread the payment over a period of a year or more, then a contract may be better for you.
2) Data: Smartphones are designed to connect to the internet. If you usually connect to Wi-Fi, that's fine. However, if you often connect to 3G or 4G then you'll find it's all too easy to run up a massive bill. You may be better off with a contract instead, as long as you check the terms and how much data you're allowed to transfer.
3) Limits: Some users may be limited as to what they can do when they're not on a contract. You may not be able to make international calls, for example, or may miss out on customer loyalty perks from your provider.
4) Running Out: You have to pay in advance for all of your usage, which means you run the risk of running out of credit if you don't keep on top of things. This could be frustrating if you try to make a call only to find out there's no money left!
