Avoid These Costly Mistakes When Buying Phones, TVs, and Gadgets

Whether you are gearing up for early Christmas shopping or simply treating yourself, purchasing new phones, TVs, and gadgets, especially from online giants like Amazon, can quickly turn into a costly affair. Many consumers unknowingly make simple yet expensive mistakes, from being dazzled by unnecessary TV specifications to overlooking vital phone features and falling prey to deceptive pricing tactics.

These errors can lead to losing thousands of pounds. However, with a bit of savvy shopping, you can avoid these pitfalls and make informed decisions.

Phone Shopping Mistakes

Ignoring Official Refurbished Schemes

When buying a new phone, many people think their options are limited to purchasing either a brand-new device from a store or a used one from platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. However, a third option often goes unnoticed: certified refurbished schemes.

Companies like Apple and Samsung offer certified refurbished programs where they restore used or unboxed phones to like-new condition. These devices come with significant discounts, a one-year warranty, and all necessary accessories. For example, Apple’s Certified Refurbished section offers savings of up to £310 on iPhone 14 Pro Max models.

Third-party marketplaces like Back Market also provide refurbished phones. While you might not find the latest models, the savings on slightly older devices are worth considering.

Buying a Used Phone with Fake Parts

Purchasing a used phone directly from an individual can save money, but it comes with risks. The device might have been repaired with counterfeit parts, affecting its performance and resale value. Apple provides a feature in the iPhone’s settings that reveals whether a device contains genuine parts, a crucial check before finalizing any purchase.

“Genuine Apple parts are designed to fit precisely within the device and provide optimal performance, safety, and reliability,” Apple explained.

Overlooking the Phone’s Software Version

Operating systems like iOS and Android receive regular updates that introduce new features and security patches. A phone too old to receive these updates is vulnerable to cyber threats. Before buying a used phone, ensure it can still receive software updates. For instance, only specific iPhone models will support the upcoming iOS 26 update.

“Free security updates are one of your best defenses against hackers. Don’t leave the front door to your digital life unlocked,” advises Sean Keach, tech editor at The Sun.

TV Shopping Mistakes

8K? Not OK

The allure of 8K TVs can be tempting, but the reality is that most content is not available in 8K. The difference in resolution between 4K and 8K is often imperceptible unless viewed on an extremely large screen. Moreover, the lack of 8K content makes such an investment premature.

Opting for a 4K TV is a more practical choice. They are affordable and compatible with most streaming services that offer 4K content, ensuring a future-proof purchase.

Plug-in Power

If your TV is slow, it might not be necessary to buy a new one. Often, the sluggishness is due to a budget processor. A cost-effective solution is to use a plug-in streaming device like the Apple TV 4K or Amazon Fire Stick, which can significantly enhance your TV’s performance.

Choosing the Wrong Type of TV

Before purchasing a TV, consider your needs carefully. Ensure it has enough HDMI ports for all your devices and check the refresh rate if you plan on gaming. A TV with a higher refresh rate offers smoother motion, crucial for fast-paced games.

Amazon Shopping Mistakes

Falling for Fake Deals

Amazon is known for its deals, but not all are genuine. Some sellers inflate the original price to make a discount appear more significant. Tools like CamelCamelCamel allow you to track the price history of Amazon products, ensuring you get a true bargain.

Not Using Price Alerts

Set up price alerts for items on your Amazon Wish List to be notified of discounts. This strategy is especially useful if you don’t need the item immediately and want to secure the best price.

Ignoring Amazon’s Hidden Discounts

Amazon offers several discount schemes, such as the Amazon Renewed store, which sells professionally inspected refurbished gadgets with a one-year guarantee. Prime members can also benefit from the Buy More & Save store, offering discounts on bulk purchases.

By being aware of these common mistakes and taking advantage of available resources, consumers can save money and avoid the pitfalls of impulsive gadget shopping.