Smartphone Purchasing Guide for 2023: Budget, Needs, and Resale Value

Every year, tech enthusiasts and regular consumers alike face the dilemma of choosing the right mobile phone. In 2023, as in previous years, the market is saturated with a dizzying array of choices, each claiming to be the best. In this guide, I'll share my insights on making an informed decision about your next mobile phone purchase. Whether you're a gamer, a photo aficionado, or someone with specific budget constraints, I'll help you navigate the options and considerations that will turn your mobile phone purchase into a worthwhile investment.

Define Your Budget

Before you even begin to look at specific models, it's crucial to define your budget. In 2023, and indeed in most years, you won't find a decent performing smartphone at a price below 15,000 Indian Rupees (INR). However, I recommend setting a minimum budget of 20,000 to 30,000 INR for a phone that you may use for more than a couple of years. Alternatively, if you're open to it, consider purchasing a second-hand phone that is no older than 6 months. These devices often offer great value for the price and can keep your expenses down.

Define Your Needs

Your needs will largely determine which phone brand and model you choose. As someone who prefers the Android platform, I recommend starting with that. Are you a heavy gamer, or do you prioritize the best available camera experience? Whatever your requirements, outlining them upfront will help you make an informed decision. Additionally, consider the user interface (UI) and whether the options offered by brands like Funtouch OS for brands such as Redmi, Xiaomi, and IQOO suit your preferences. UI is not just about aesthetics; it significantly impacts your overall user experience.

Chose Your UI Experience

Having a clean and minimally cluttered Android experience is important, and I find that Funtouch OS from Redmi, Xiaomi, and IQOO doesn't quite resonate with me. Therefore, I usually opt for other UI experiences. It's essential to feel the overall UI, as it can make or break your phone experience. Take the time to explore and test the UI before making a final decision.

Refresh Rate and Weight Distribution

Today's smartphones offer a plethora of refresh rates, with 120Hz being a common choice. Given the variety of options, I recommend opting for 120Hz for a truly smooth and optimized user experience. For iPhones, even 60Hz is well-optimized and suitable for many uses. Additionally, the weight distribution of your phone is important. Ensure that the phone you choose feels balanced and comfortable in your hand. Weight is a subjective factor but can significantly impact your daily use.

Brands to Avoid

Some brands are notorious for producing subpar devices. Brands like Micromax, Techno, and Itel are generally best avoided. Their products often suffer from software issues and shorter lifespans. Always be cautious of these brands and opt for more reputable manufacturers.

Offline vs. Online Purchases

Offline purchases can sometimes offer better deals, especially if you're not an affiliate of major bank alliances. I recommend checking offline stores before making a decision. For instance, I found my current phone 1,000 INR cheaper offline than online with all discounts. However, ensure that the seal and plastic packaging are intact to avoid picking up devices with minor defects. It's always best to check thoroughly before making a final purchase.

Resale Considerations

When considering buying a phone, it's wise to think about its resale value. Many customers, like myself, aim to offload their older devices as they upgrade. Online platforms like Amazon and Flipkart offer value for resale, but offline markets can sometimes provide a better deal. For example, when I offloaded my One Plus 6 (2018) with scratches and a slightly broken back panel, I received 6,500 INR from an offline market. Similarly, selling my One Plus 8T (2020) with display lines fetched a better 1,000 INR from the offline market than the 3,000 INR Amazon offered. Therefore, it's essential to leverage the best resale market for your device.

Phone Suggestions

My personal recommendation for mid-range flagships includes OnePlus, Motorola, Google Pixel, and IQOO. I personally limit my expenditure on a phone to 40,000 to 45,000 INR, but this is a personal preference. If you're open to spending more, consider high-end Android devices from Samsung or, of course, iPhones. Remember to weigh your needs against the price point and ensure you're making a decision that aligns with your budget and requirements.

Important Advice

Unboxing videos on YouTube can be entertaining, but they often feature retail units and paid endorsements. Keep this bias in mind when evaluating their recommendations. Additionally, be cautious with updates and software changes, as recent changes by OnePlus have reportedly caused issues with some models. It's crucial to keep your device backed up and to perform a factory reset before selling it to avoid data loss or security risks.

Final Thoughts

While I'm not an expert, I hope my insights and experience can help guide your smartphone purchasing journey. Enjoy your search for the perfect phone, and remember, a phone is just a tool—it's your relationship with it that matters in the long run.