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Stores making this list excel at price, selection, quality and customer service
By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
Writer
Don Reisinger is a tech writer with more than 12 years' experience. His work has appeared in Fortune, PCMag, CNET, and The New York Times, among others.
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Updated on May 24, 2023
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The best places to buy a phone should make the process easy and offer good deals and upgrades. You know you are shopping in a marketplace you can trust when you find affordable phones matched with great customer experiences. Best Buy is an excellent option for buying a new smartphone online or in stores. You can even request a new smartphone from the online store, have it set aside in your local Best Buy brick-and-mortar, and pick it up the same day. Best Buy has an outstanding selection of smartphones and cell phones, including budget phones and today’s highest-end handsets. Better yet, it’s an authorized reseller for major US carriers, so if you want to sign up for a new Verizon or AT&T account, for instance, you can do it at Best Buy without ever needing to head to a carrier location. Best Buy’s on-site staff is knowledgeable, the company gets new smartphones on the days they launch, and it often offers sales. Amazon focuses on cheaper handsets that appeal to a mass audience of people on a budget who don’t like spending $1,000 on a new smartphone. And since most devices come with free shipping, you can quickly get your hands on a new phone from the company when you order online. Interestingly, Amazon doesn’t have an exhaustive smartphone collection under the sun. Granted, the site allows you to find a slew of phones from companies like LG, Asus, and even several Chinese vendors, but if you’re looking for a brand-new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy device, Amazon is sometimes a little late to the game. But if you’re looking for affordable smartphones, Amazon is well worth a look. Walmart bridges the gap between Best Buy and Amazon. Like Amazon, Walmart is a go-to spot to find affordable, budget-friendly smartphones and basic cell phones. But it also sells brand new devices at the higher end of the spectrum, like Apple’s iPhones and Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones. And since Walmart has some leverage in its negotiations with smartphone makers, you’ll often find that its devices are available at a slight discount compared to some of the competition. Aside from that, Walmart is a top choice for convenience since the company has both an online presence and brick-and-mortar locations. And since its stores are in so many places, it shouldn’t be difficult to find what you want, when you want. The Apple Store is the place to be if you’re an iPhone fan. Apple has one of the best retail experiences in this roundup. Its stores are well-designed, its staff is highly knowledgeable, and if you want to get your iPhone fixed, going to the Apple Store is your best bet. If you buy a new iPhone on launch day, Apple’s stores have the most inventory and are the most likely to have the unit you want. Add that to an outstanding online store that ships quickly and cheaply, and Apple is to choose if you’re team iPhone. If you don’t want to spend much on a new smartphone but realize it’s time to get something new, take a look at Gazelle. Gazelle is an online marketplace that resells used devices. So, let’s say you want to buy a new iPhone. Instead of buying it new, you can go to Gazelle and get a smartphone turned in by someone else. Gazelle ensures that the smartphone works well and assigns a price based on its condition and overall value. Best of all, you can use Gazelle to get the latest and greatest smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, without ever needing to wait weeks or months for new launches to come down in price. Gazelle is one of many similar used phone sales companies. But it’s a worthwhile option for anyone seeking a good deal on ever-expensive smartphones. Although not all major wireless carriers—AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile—offer the same slate of devices or have the same plans, they generally deliver a standard shopping experience. When you walk into a carrier store, you can, in most cases, toss out any chance of getting a great deal on a new smartphone. But you can expect the carriers to offer you a variety of ways to buy the handset, including paying upfront or via monthly installments. And if you’re a new customer, you can ask the salespeople if there’s an opportunity to take advantage of cheaper pricing by signing up for a new line. Carriers are increasingly expanding their product lines, so you could also goto the location to buy accessories. And just in case you don’t want to go to a store, all major carriers offer outstanding online marketplaces that help you quickly buy your latest and greatest smartphone. J.D. Power ranks shopping experiences yearly among major carriers and smaller, prepaid wireless carriers. And each year, some, like Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and others, outrank their larger counterparts. Considering that, going to a prepaid wireless carrier to buy a new phone might be the way to go. Prepaid carriers generally offer solid prices on their plans and far more flexibility in how you structure your deals than major carriers. And although prepaid carriers typically have a more extensive stock of cheap smartphones, if you want a new iPhone or top-notch Android device, you can go to a prepaid carrier and get what you want. Be aware, however, that prepaid carriers rely on major carrier networks to deliver their service. So be sure to check which major carriers prepaid companies depend on to see if you have good coverage in your area. FAQ What is the best place to buy unlocked cell phones? Amazon is one of the best sources if you're looking for unlocked cell phones. Most major manufacturers have unlocked models of their devices, meaning you can use the phone on all major U.S. carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile/Sprint, and Verizon. Amazon has a wide range of flagship, mid-range, and budget devices, which are available unlocked. Buying them allows you to use your own SIM card and service. What is the best place to buy used cell phones? If you're on a tight budget and don't need the latest and greatest, a used phone is an excellent way to save some money. A good source for used phones is eBay. Sellers have to upload photos and should also list the device's condition. Other options for used phones include Swappa, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. What is the best place to buy cell phone insurance? A cell phone insurance plan can give you peace of mind if you want to protect your phone from drops, damage, and theft. Our roundup of the best cell phone insurance providers has a good list of options for people with multiple devices, people on a budget, families, and more. Credit cards also offer phone insurance, so you should check with your provider.Best For In-Person Pickup
Best Buy
Best For Used Models
Gazelle
Best For Prepaid
Prepaid Wireless Stores
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FAQs
Which mobile is best to buy in 2023? ›
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. ...
- Oppo Find N2 Flip. ...
- Google Pixel 7 Pro. Best Camera Phone. ...
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Most Versatile Camera Phone. ...
- Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max. Best Big Phone. ...
- Apple iPhone 13 Mini. Best Small Phone. ...
- Asus Zenfone 9. Best Small Android Phone. ...
- Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate. Best Gaming Phone.
The OnePlus 11 Series is expected to be released in early 2023. The upcoming OnePlus 2023 Series will use Snapdragon 8 Generation 2 chipset. According to the rumors, the OnePlus 11 Series would have 6.7 inches display with AMOLED display. The RAM can be 16 GB, along with a 5000mAh battery.
Where is the best place to get a cell phone? ›- Best For In-Person Pickup. Best Buy. Best Buy. ...
- Best For Budget Shoppers. Amazon. Amazon. ...
- Best For Variety. Walmart. Walmart. ...
- Best For iPhones. Apple. Apple. ...
- Best For Used Models. Gazelle. Gazelle. ...
- Best For Trade-Ins. Major Retailers. Getty Images. ...
- Best For Prepaid. Prepaid Wireless Stores. Getty Images.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Best phone overall. View now.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max. Best iPhone overall. View now.
- Google Pixel 7 Pro. Best camera phone. View now.
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G. Best budget phone. View now.
- OnePlus 11. Best fast-charging phone. View now.
It all comes down to what you want out of your software. Android is more customizable and has more features and complex options, while iOS is more straightforward, easy to use and has a higher level of security. Most apps are available on either operating system, but more Android apps are available than iOS apps.
What iPhone will stop working in 2023? ›Apple is said to drop software support for three iPhones in 2023. The iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X may not get iOS 17 update. Three old iPads will also reportedly lose software support from Apple.
What iPhone will drop in 2023? ›The iPhone 15 series is expected to arrive in about four and a half months in mid September 2023 featuring four models, just like the iPhone 14 series before it. First of them is the 6.1-inch iPhone 15, the most affordable vanilla model. Then comes the larger, 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus with a bigger battery.
Which cell phone is best value for money? ›- Samsung. Galaxy A54. Check Price.
- Google. Pixel 7a. Check Price.
- Google. Pixel 6a. Check Price.
- Apple. iPhone SE (2022) Check Price.
- OnePlus. Nord N20 5G. Check Price.
- Motorola. Edge (2022) Check Price.
- TCL. 30 V 5G. Check Price.
Buying phones online is generally less expensive because retailers and salespeople add their own commission to the prices of phones sold in physical stores. Online purchasing has its advantages, especially when it comes to the wide variety of devices available at various rates.
Who sells the most cell phones in the US? ›The latest statistics on the smartphone market share worldwide show that as of April 2023, US phone maker Apple leads the pack, with a market share of 30.44%. This means that more than three in 10 smartphone users worldwide use an Apple phone. Second on the list of the most popular smartphone manufacturers is Samsung.
What will phones be like in 2050? ›
By the year 2050, humans will no longer use smart phones. Instead, their brains will be directly connected to the internet through advanced brain-computer interfaces. When someone wants to access information, call a friend, turn on a light, or order a meal, they simply need to think about it, and it will happen.
What is the biggest phone brand? ›Largest Smartphone Companies Research Summary
The largest smartphone company in the world is Apple, with a 2022 sales of $394.3 billion and a market share of 23%. As of 2022, the global smartphone industry has a market size of $484.81 billion. 91.16% of the global population has a smartphone.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) replaced Samsung by achieving the highest-ever global smartphone shipment in the last quarter of 2022, securing around 23% market share in Q4 2022, with the launch of Apple Inc.
What are the top 5 best phones right now? ›- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: The best smartphone overall. ...
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11: The best budget buy. ...
- Google Pixel 7: Pixel perfect. ...
- Motorola Edge 30 Ultra: Best value flagship smartphone. ...
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4: The best folding phone. ...
- Nokia C21 Plus: The best smartphone for £100.
Fast software updates for many years: The biggest advantage iOS has over Android is its software updates: Apple generally supports new iPhones and iPads with iOS updates for five to six years after their release date, and all of those devices get the same updates at the same time.
What is the best selling phone right now? ›- iPhone 14 Pro Max. ...
- Nokia G400 5G is designed to deliver the best optimized 5G experience,... ...
- Galaxy Z Flip4 is pocket sized for big moves. ...
- Introducing Pixel 7 Pro, Google's best-of-everything phone. ...
- Meet Pixel 6a, the more affordable Google phone that adapts to you....
Rank | Phone | Water resistance rating (IP) |
---|---|---|
1 | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra | 68 |
2 | Samsung Galaxy S20+ | 68 |
3 | Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra | 68 |
4 | Google Pixel 5 | 68 |
- Rank 1. Samsung.
- Rank 2. Apple.
- Rank 3. Xiaomi.
- Rank 4. Oppo.
- Rank 5. Vivo.
- Rank 6. Realme.
- Rank 7. Motorola Mobility (Lenovo)
- Rank 8. Huawei.
iPhone battery durability
For most users, this represents approximately two years of use, which is why most people believe that the lifespan of a phone is two years. However when it comes to iPhones, you can expect between three to five years (maybe more) with proper care.
Information security. Information security companies unanimously agree that Apple devices are more secure than Android devices. According to a report by Forbes, 97 percent of smartphone malware targets Android phones. Android phones get malware and viruses particularly from app stores.
Can I still use my iPhone 7 in 2023? ›
2. Will the iPhone 7 still work in 2023? Even though the iPhone 7 is no longer supported by Apple's iOS updates, that doesn't mean you still can't use it in 2023. The iPhone 7 will still work on different carrier networks in the US and you'll still have access to apps on the Apple Store.
What iPhones are going away? ›As per a tech review site report iPhone 12 along with iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 13 mini may be discontinued after the launch of iPhone 15 series. As per a Tom's Guide report Apple will surely discontinue iPhone 12 as it rarely continue any iPhone for over three years.
Is it okay to buy iPhone 11 in 2023? ›Why You Should Buy The iPhone 11 In 2023. Despite being well over three years old, so much about the iPhone 11 holds up remarkably well in 2023. The biggest reason for this is its processor. Powering the iPhone 11 is Apple's A13 Bionic chip.
Should i buy iPhone 14 in 2023? ›The device also offers all the features that are available on previous models. The screen, for instance, might be smaller in size (when compared to the previous year's flagship) but the panels used are similar. The device is a good option to consider in 2023.
Will iPhone 15 be cheaper? ›Well, Apple has been producing iPhones in the country for sometime now but has never really reduced the price of the phone. Hence, it isn't expected to offer the latest iPhone 15 smartphone at a lower price.
Is iPhone 13 worth buying in 2023? ›Hence, those considering an iPhone 13 in 2023 should go for it without second thoughts. However, users who want a bigger screen or camera options could consider other options, like the iPhone 13 Pro, available on third-party e-commerce platforms, such as Best Buy or Amazon.
Which phone is best and less price? ›- Source: Google. Google Pixel 6a. ...
- Source: Google. Google Pixel 7a. ...
- Source: Samsung. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G. ...
- Source: Samsung. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G. ...
- Source: OnePlus. OnePlus N20 5G. ...
- Source: Samsung. Samsung Galaxy A03s. ...
- Source: Motorola. Moto G Stylus. ...
- Source: T-Mobile.
The iPhone SE, released in 2022, is the least expensive iPhone model that you buy. The iPhone SE is superb in its performance - it runs on the same processor as the iPhone 14 and offers decent battery life.
Which company phone is best in low price? ›- Realme Mobiles.
- OnePlus Mobiles.
- Vivo Mobiles.
- OPPO Mobiles.
- Apple Mobiles.
- POCO Mobiles.
- IQOO Mobiles.
- Nothing Mobiles.
So which is better: purchasing phones online or in-store? The answer depends on your personal preferences. With online purchases, you get more selection but less support unless you buy from your carrier's website. With in-store, you may have less selection but receive more support.
Is it better to buy a phone outright or to buy it with a plan? ›
So, does buying your cell phone outright save you money? The answer is yes – kind of. It's better if you use the pain of buying the cell phone outright to keep you from buying new phones all the time. And it's better if you use the extra money saved each month from lower cell phone bills to invest.
Is it better to buy an iPhone from Verizon in-store or online? ›With iPhones whether you buy it from Verizon online or a Verizon corporate store they're normally is no difference in cost, and the promotions are normally the same. However if you buy it from a third-party like Diamond Wireless Go Wireless, Best Buy, Costco, Etc.
What is the #1 selling phone? ›Apple Phones
The iPhone 13, which alone contributes 28% of iPhone sales—nearly one-third proportion— is the best-selling mobile phone in 2022.
We asked U.S. consumers about "Most popular smartphone brands" and found that "Apple" takes the top spot, while "ZTE" is at the other end of the ranking. These results are based on a representative online survey conducted in 2022 among 9,522 consumers in the United States.
What is the most popular phone? ›The best-selling touchscreen phones are the Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, both released in 2014. Together, they have sold over 222 million units. The best selling flip phone is the Motorola RAZR V3, released in 2004. It sold over 130 million units.
What phone can last for years? ›In general, the average lifespan of a smartphone is 2 to 4 years. According to reports, the iPhone lasts 4-10 years, followed by Samsung units, which can last 3-6 years. Huawei and Xiaomi units have an average lifespan of 2-4 years, while OPPO units have 2-3 years.
How long will a phone last? ›Modern smartphones tend to last anywhere from two to three years. Consumers can maximize the length of their smartphones by purchasing a protective cover and a screen protector. Other ways to lengthen a phone's lifespan are to regularly update the operating system software and to close unused applications.
What will be the new phone in 2024? ›The Galaxy S24 Plus and Galaxy S24 will be Samsung's "regular" flagships for the first half of 2024, which will take the reins from the Galaxy S23 series as the main heavy-hitters in the giant's portfolio.
What is the most bought iPhone? ›The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max were the most purchased models, grabbing 22 and 24% share of the total, respectively. The iPhone 14 was the third most popular with 19% of the total.
Where is Samsung most popular? ›Samsung Electronics
Around half of company's revenues come from Asia.
Are Android and Samsung the same? ›
All Samsung smartphones and tablets use the Android operating system, a mobile operating system designed by Google.
Which phone is most sold in the world 2023? ›Which mobile phone brand has the most phones sold worldwide? According to the latest available data from February 2023, the cell phone brand that sells the most in 2023 is Apple. Apple is the world's top cell phone brand with 27.1 percent of the total.
What is the fastest growing cell phone company? ›Key takeaways. Over the last two years, Mint Mobile has solidified its position as the fastest-growing mobile service provider in the US, boasting an impressive 45% year-over-year (Yoy) growth rate in 2022.
What phones will no longer be supported in 2023? ›- iPhone 5.
- iPhone 5c.
- Archos 53 Platinum.
- Grand S Flex ZTE.
- Grand X Quad V987 ZTE.
- HTC Desire 500.
- Huawei Ascend D.
- Huawei Ascend D1.
Is it OK to buy a 4G phone in 2023? 4G phones still work on 4G LTE networks for now, but eventually they will become obsolete. Consider how long you plan to keep your phone; if you plan to keep your phone for longer than a year or so, it might be a good idea to get a phone that is 5G compatible.
How can I make money on my phone 2023? ›- Take Online Surveys. Taking online surveys may seem like a waste of time. ...
- Earn Cash Back. ...
- Use an Investment App. ...
- Play Online Games. ...
- Sell Your Data. ...
- Sell Old Stuff. ...
- Sell Old Textbooks. ...
- Sell Photos.
US-based tech giant Apple Inc may exclude the iPhone SE 4 from its new product planning for 2024/2025.
Will i be able to use iPhone 7 in 2023? ›2. Will the iPhone 7 still work in 2023? Even though the iPhone 7 is no longer supported by Apple's iOS updates, that doesn't mean you still can't use it in 2023. The iPhone 7 will still work on different carrier networks in the US and you'll still have access to apps on the Apple Store.
What phones will no longer work soon? ›Some tracfones, flip phones, Jitterbugs and even older-style smartphones will no longer be able to make calls once the networks are taken down. Most of these phones, which are sometimes called “third generation” phones were launched nearly 20 years ago and will no longer work with most of the carriers in 2022.
How long will new phones last? ›Average lifespan of a smartphone: A smartphone has an average life span of 2.58 years. According to reports, iPhones last 4-10 years, while Samsung phones last 3-6 years. Many factors affect a smartphone's lifespan, including the condition of the screen, the hardware, and the battery's health.
What will happen to phones in 2050? ›
By the year 2050, humans will no longer use smart phones. Instead, their brains will be directly connected to the internet through advanced brain-computer interfaces. When someone wants to access information, call a friend, turn on a light, or order a meal, they simply need to think about it, and it will happen.
Will 4G phones go away? ›The growth of 5G networks doesn't mean 4G is going away. Mobile carriers will use existing 4G LTE networks to provide their customers' cell service well into the next decade. 5G networks will work with 4G — not outright replace it. The upshot is that 5G-capable cell phones will still use 4G technology.
How long will 4G phones be good for? ›Within the U.S., it's reasonable to assume that by the end of 2022 there will not be a single major carrier supporting 2G. The same fate awaits 3G. 4G LTE operates under a different scenario, and we can confidently say that 4G will be around for at least another decade.
Do I need 5G phone? ›Seeing as the majority of 5G plans are the same as 4G plans, and most new smartphones are 5G-ready, it's a no-brainer to say that yes, 5G is worth it. In most cases, if you're getting a new handset or deal, you'll probably get 5G included at no extra cost, and then you'll get connected to superfast download speeds.
How to make $100 in one day? ›- Take online surveys.
- Get paid to open a bank account.
- Deliver groceries and goods.
- Earn just by using the right credit card when you spend.
- Watch videos online.
- Play games online.
- Walk dogs or pet-sit.
- Become an Amazon reseller.
The average age kids get a phone is between 12 and 13. With that in mind, it's up to the parents to be the best judge of whether their child is ready for a cell phone.