How to Save Money on Your Next Phone

Let’s be honest: buying a new phone can feel like buying a small car.

Between $1,000 price tags, flashy marketing, and “limited-time” deals, it’s way too easy to overspend.

But good news: you don’t need to drain your wallet.

A little strategy goes a long way — and we’re breaking it all down for you.

Here’s your simple guide to saving money on your next phone (no stress required).

1. Start by Knowing What You Actually Need

Before you scroll through 97 phone options online, pause.

Ask yourself what you actually care about in a phone.

Think about:

• Storage: Using cloud storage? You probably don’t need 512GB.
  
  
• Camera: Do you need pro-level lenses, or just good selfies?
  
  
• Battery life: If your phone constantly hits 2%, get something bigger.
  
  
• 5G support: Most phones have it, but confirm anyway.
  
  
• Durability: If you drop your phone weekly… prioritize this.
  
  
• Carrier compatibility: Make sure it works with your network.

A quick list helps you stay focused (and avoid the expensive shiny-object trap).

2. Compare Prices Across Retailers and Carriers

Here’s the secret nobody tells you:

The same phone can have wildly different prices depending on where you shop.

• Carriers offer trade-in credits or “free” phone promos with new lines.
  
  
• Retailers offer straight discounts or bundles.
  
  
• Manufacturer sites sometimes throw in free accessories.
  
  
• Some “free phone” deals lock you into long, pricey monthly plans.

Instead of juggling tabs, Goji puts phone deals from all over the place in ONE spot, so you can compare instantly.

3. Consider Buying Last Year’s Model

This is where the real savings live.

When a new iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Pixel drops, last year’s version usually gets a big price cut — with small differences in performance.

The truth?

• Chips get a little faster.
  
  
• Cameras improve slightly.
  
  
• Battery life changes… maybe an hour.

But the price difference? Huge.

If you want premium performance without the premium price, this is your move.

4. Don’t Sleep on Refurbished Phones (Seriously)

We get it — “refurbished” used to sound sketchy.

But today’s refurbished phones are basically VIPs that’ve been pampered back to perfection.

Refurbished =

• Fully inspected
  
  
• Professionally cleaned
  
  
• Tested
  
  
• Restored to like-new condition

Look for:

• Grade A or Mint condition
  
  
• Warranty options
  
  
• Certified testing

Goji sells certified refurbished phones in Grade A and Mint condition, fully tested and ready to go — for way less than new.

Why pay full price when you can save big instead?

5. Trade In Your Old Phone for Extra Savings

Your old phone might be more valuable than you think.

Turn it into money you can put toward your next device (or spend it on food… we won’t judge).

With Goji’s Trade-In, it’s super simple:

1. See Your Savings

Get an instant online quote to see exactly what your device is worth. No haggling. No guessing. Just quick, transparent savings.

2. Ship Us Your Device

Accept your quote and we’ll send you a complimentary prepaid shipping label. Just pack your phone safely, drop it in the mail, and you’re good to go.

3. Pick Your Payment

Once we inspect your phone, choose cash or store credit. You’ll get paid within one business day.

Trade-ins = the easiest way to lower the cost of your upgrade.

6. Check Coverage Before You Pick a Phone + Carrier

Imagine this: you get a shiny new phone…
…and your service at home is terrible.

Yeah. Hard pass.

Before you buy a phone tied to a carrier, check:

• Do they actually cover your area?
  
  
• Is your signal strong at home and work?
  
  
• Is data fast where you spend most of your time?

👉 Goji’s coverage map + speed test makes this super easy.
Because a great phone needs a great network behind it.

7. Avoid Common Phone Shopping Traps

Look out for these sneaky money pits:

• “Free” phone that requires a 3-year carrier contract
  
  
• Extra monthly charges that slowly creep up
  
  
• Extended warranties with huge markups
  
  
• Paying for more storage than you need
  
  
• Overpriced cases + accessories

If it sounds too good to be true… it probably is.