Hello, fellow Kenyans! Today I want to talk to you about a topic that is very close to my heart: smartphones. Yes, those shiny gadgets that we can’t seem to live without. We use them for everything: calling, texting, browsing, gaming, banking, shopping, you name it. But how often do we think about the quality of the smartphones we buy? How do we know if we are getting the best value for our money? How do we avoid falling into the traps of shady dealers and fake products? These are some of the questions that I will try to answer in this blog post.
I have been a smartphone enthusiast for a long time, and I have seen many people make mistakes when buying a new smartphone. Some of these mistakes are common sense, but others are not so obvious. In fact, some of them are downright hilarious. Let me share with you some of the most common mistakes we make as Kenyans when buying a new smartphone, and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Buying a smartphone without doing your research
This is probably the most common and the most costly mistake that people make. They walk into a shop and buy the first smartphone that catches their eye, or the one that the salesperson recommends. They don’t bother to compare prices, features, specifications, reviews, or anything else. They just trust their gut feeling or their friend’s opinion.
This is a recipe for disaster. You might end up buying a smartphone that is overpriced, outdated, incompatible, defective, or even fake. You might also miss out on better deals and offers that are available elsewhere. You might regret your purchase later and wish you had done your homework.
The solution is simple: do your research. Before you buy a new smartphone, spend some time online and offline to gather as much information as you can about the smartphone you want. Check out different websites, blogs, forums, social media platforms, YouTube channels, etc. that review and compare smartphones. Read user comments and feedbacks. Watch videos and see how the smartphone performs in real life. Visit different shops and compare prices and warranties. Ask questions and seek clarifications from the salespeople. Don’t be shy or lazy to do your research. It will save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run.
And don’t forget to have some fun while doing your research. You might discover some interesting facts or funny stories about smartphones that will make you laugh or wonder. For example, did you know that the first smartphone was invented in 1992 by IBM and it was called Simon? It had a touchscreen, a stylus, a calendar, a calculator, a fax machine, and a game called Scramble. It also cost $899 which is equivalent to about $1,600 today. Talk about being ahead of its time!
Mistake #2: Buying a smartphone that is beyond your budget
Another common mistake that people make is buying a smartphone that is way beyond their budget. They get tempted by the latest and greatest models that have all the bells and whistles. They think that having a fancy smartphone will make them look cool and successful. They ignore their financial situation and take loans or use credit cards to buy a smartphone that they can’t afford.
This is a bad idea for many reasons. First of all, you will end up paying more than the actual value of the smartphone due to interest rates and fees. Second, you will put yourself in debt and risk damaging your credit score and reputation. Third, you will have less money to spend on other important things like food, rent, education, health, etc. Fourth, you will feel stressed and unhappy because of your financial burden.
The solution is simple: buy a smartphone that is within your budget. Don’t let peer pressure or marketing hype influence your decision. Be realistic and honest with yourself about how much you can afford to spend on a smartphone. There are many good smartphones in the market that are affordable and suitable for your needs. You don’t need to break the bank to own a decent smartphone.
And don’t worry about what other people think of your smartphone choice. As long as it works well for you and meets your expectations, it doesn’t matter if it’s not the latest or the most expensive model. Remember what they say: “A fool and his money are soon parted.” Don’t be that fool.
Mistake #3: Buying a smartphone that is not compatible with your network
This is another mistake that people make when buying a new smartphone. They don’t check if the smartphone they want is compatible with their network provider or their SIM card. They assume that all smartphones work with all networks or SIM cards.
This is not true. Different smartphones have different network bands and frequencies that determine which networks they can connect to. Some smartphones are locked to specific networks or regions and cannot be used with other networks or SIM cards unless they are unlocked. Some smartphones have dual SIM slots while others have single SIM slots.
The solution is simple: check the compatibility of the smartphone with your network or SIM card before you buy it. You can do this by looking at the specifications of the smartphone on its official website or on its packaging box. You can also ask the salesperson or call your network provider to confirm the compatibility. You can also test the smartphone with your SIM card before you buy it.
And don’t be fooled by some of the tricks that some sellers use to sell incompatible smartphones. For example, some sellers might show you a smartphone that works with your SIM card, but then switch it with another one that doesn’t when you pay for it. Or they might tell you that the smartphone is unlocked, but then charge you extra for unlocking it. Or they might sell you a smartphone that is compatible with your network, but not with your SIM card size. Always be careful and vigilant when buying a smartphone from an unfamiliar source.
Mistake #4: Buying a smartphone without checking its battery life
This is another mistake that people make when buying a new smartphone. They don’t check how long the battery of the smartphone lasts on a single charge. They assume that all smartphones have good battery life or that they can easily charge their smartphones whenever they want.
This is not true. Different smartphones have different battery capacities and power consumption rates that affect their battery life. Some smartphones have batteries that can last for days while others have batteries that can barely last for hours. Some smartphones have fast charging or wireless charging features while others don’t. Some smartphones have removable batteries while others have non-removable batteries.
The solution is simple: check the battery life of the smartphone before you buy it. You can do this by looking at the specifications of the smartphone on its official website or on its packaging box. You can also read reviews and watch videos that test the battery life of the smartphone. You can also ask the salesperson or other users about their experience with the battery life of the smartphone.
And don’t forget to take care of your smartphone’s battery once you buy it. Follow some simple tips to extend its lifespan and performance, such as:
- Avoid letting your battery drain completely or overcharging it.
- Use the original charger and cable that came with your smartphone.
- Avoid exposing your smartphone to extreme temperatures or humidity.
- Turn off or reduce the brightness of your screen when not in use.
- Turn off or limit the use of apps and features that consume a lot of power, such as GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.
Mistake #5: Buying a smartphone without checking its warranty and after-sales service
This is another mistake that people make when buying a new smartphone. They don’t check what kind of warranty and after-sales service the smartphone comes with. They assume that all smartphones have good warranty and after-sales service or that they don’t need them.
This is not true. Different smartphones have different warranty and after-sales service policies and conditions that vary depending on the manufacturer, the seller, and the country. Some smartphones have warranties that cover only certain parts or defects while others have warranties that cover everything. Some smartphones have warranties that last for a few months while others have warranties that last for years. Some smartphones have after-sales service centers that are easily accessible and reliable while others have after-sales service centers that are far away and unreliable.
The solution is simple: check the warranty and after-sales service of the smartphone before you buy it. You can do this by looking at the terms and conditions of the warranty and after-sales service on the official website or on the packaging box of the smartphone. You can also ask the salesperson or other users about their experience with the warranty and after-sales service of the smartphone.
And don’t forget to keep your receipt and warranty card safe once you buy your smartphone. You might need them in case something goes wrong with your smartphone and you need to claim your warranty or get it repaired. Also, follow some simple tips to avoid damaging your smartphone and voiding your warranty, such as:
- Avoid dropping, scratching, or cracking your smartphone.
- Avoid spilling liquids or exposing your smartphone to moisture or dust.
- Avoid using unauthorized accessories or software with your smartphone.
- Avoid opening or modifying your smartphone without professional guidance.
Conclusion
Buying a new smartphone is not a simple task. It requires a lot of research, planning, and decision-making. It also involves a lot of money and risk. Therefore, it is important to avoid making mistakes that can cost you time, money, and satisfaction.
I hope this blog post has helped you to learn about some of the most common mistakes we make as Kenyans when buying a new smartphone, and how to avoid them. If you follow these tips, I’m sure you will be able to buy a smartphone that is perfect for you.