We live in an age where it has become impossible not to manage our day-to-day tasks without relying on a phone. Therefore, it’s become crucial to control the phone cycle effectively to save yourself unnecessary costs or time. Ultimately, managing your access to a working phone that can not only fulfil essential communication functions but also support your growth – personal and professional – is a no-brainer. 

Because the phone is at the heart of our everyday life at the office and home, it is necessary to understand not only how to make the most of your phone, but also when you need to upgrade your phone. 

Lost in a sea of marketing advertising, most people consider a phone upgrade only to buy the latest model on the market. But in reality, there’s more to phone change than what meets the eyes. Here is a quick guideline for anybody who’s wondering whether it’s time to change their phones. 

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You can’t manage with an old phone

As a rule of thumb, smartphones are getting more and more expensive. So, it’s no surprise that most people will try to keep their phone for as long as possible to avoid unnecessary expenses. Unfortunately, because you rely on your phone for everyday activities, you can’t afford to keep a device that shows signs of malfunction. Not only could it isolate you from your social and professional networks as a result of its shortcomings, but it could also put you at risk if the components are becoming loose. When the touchscreen is getting slow, for instance, it’s a sign that you should replace your phone. A slow touchscreen can not only malfunction but also leads to unwanted operations. Crashing apps or even a phone that continually needs rebooting dramatically affects your day-to-day performance. Can you imagine trying to make a business call on a device that threatens to turn itself off without warning? You’re likely to struggle to maintain your professional reputation. Ultimately, because you use your phone all the time, you can’t afford issues that slow you down and interfere with your work or lifestyle. 

Now’s the best time for a tech upgrade

Not everyone needs to own the latest smartphone gadget. However, if you are fascinated by new technology, now’s the best time to check on Android models. Indeed, take a look at this article, What Lies Ahead In 2020 For Android Smartphones?, which highlights some of the most exciting tech revolutions to come, such as the highly expected return of folding and flipping mobile phones. Indeed, Android technology is catching up with our everyday challenges, namely trying to fit a modern smartphone into our jeans’ pockets. In recent years, screens have grown out of control, making it impossible for anyone to keep their phone safely in their pockets. Android, unlike iOS, will be leading the folding revolution in 2020.

Additionally, manufacturers are rolling out the headphone jack, which could expose the device to moisture infiltration and obstruction. Unfortunately, iPhone users need to use the stylish but rather expensive AirPods are an alternative. Android phones can offer a variety of cost-effective options using comfortable and elegant solutions. 

You need assistive technology

Every day, 250 people start to lose their sight in the UK only. Almost 8 in 10 people aged 64 or over are living with sight loss in the UK. Going blind, partially or totally, is a challenging experience. But, it doesn’t have to be an isolating situation. On the contrary, more and more mobile devices use assistive technology to help individuals carry on with their day as normal. While Android might be late to the party, iPhones have introduced technology for blind and visually impaired users since 2009. They have also developed assistive technology for users with hearing, physical and learning impairments and disabilities in later models. While discovering you need new technologies to help you with standard tasks can be stressful, you’ll be pleased to know that some smartphones might already have the right tools. Your coach for assistive technology could recommend switching for a different model or brand to make sure you’ve got everything you need. 

Solo entrepreneurs need a NEW number

If there is one time in your professional career when you need to consider buying a new phone is when you launch your independent business. Indeed, getting a business phone number will protect your family life and avoid mixing work with pleasure. After all, you want to be able to turn your phone off during the weekend or after your opening hours. Therefore, it can be a good idea to invest in a separate mobile phone for work. Alternatively, you can look for a device that can take two sim cards. 

Another important reason for a new phone is making your business look more professional. A landline number associated with your office or shop will guarantee that your customers can get in touch directly. Most clients are more likely to trust a landline number than a mobile phone when it comes to business credibility. Additionally, using your business landline, you can add your company on Google Maps. Indeed, you can use the phone to verify your business and place it on the map. 

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Is there still room for a landline?

While most business premises are expected to have a landline, solo entrepreneurs, startups and households have been questioning the need for a landline phone. Fewer British families have been using their home phone since 2012. Most Britons prefer to rely on their smartphone instead. Many are considering switching to broadband contracts that don’t need a landline, because they use fibre-optic bundles instead. When it comes to small businesses, digital networks are replacing the traditional landline number. In startups and small businesses, landlines can be not only expensive but also impractical. Indeed, landlines can be effectively replaced with VOIP solutions, saving costs and making the company digitally secure. Additionally, a VOIP solution is also available to remote workers. 

Whether you’re running a small company or at the head of a busy household, the question of changing phones has never been more relevant. Changing your phone serves a variety of purposes, from a necessary replacement of ageing technology to the helpful introduction of assistive or cost-efficient technology. Knowing when and whether a phone investment is suitable to your household or business can be hard work! Hopefully, this article can help you to weigh the pros and cons more easily.