BY CHRISTINA GWIRA
Black Friday is barely here, but the cellphone wars are well underway. On September 10th, 2019, Apple revealed their new flagship phones: the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max. While I’ve never been and never will be an Apple fanatic, it was admirable to see their push for this new iteration of their beloved device. Similarly, Google has been releasing details here and there about their upcoming Pixel 4, yet still, a full feature set (as of September 11th, 2019) has not been released. Huawei has been on a marketing blitz across the internet and in the real world as well. Industrial areas in my native Brampton and close city Mississauga showcase billboards of the new, brightly colored contender in the cellphone war. It’s all a bit much and yet beautiful to see these multi-million-dollar enterprises scramble to swallow up market share. Here are some things to consider before you purchase any phone this season, irrespective of which house you rep.
Is it broken? Though I’m a tech writer as well as a web developer, I very rarely change my handsets. Not because I’m loyal to any particular phone, but because… well, I’m lazy. That period of transferring contacts, backing up photos, remembering the login to the backup of the photos etc. is all mad and long. As such, I will stay with a phone until it is physically impossible for me to maneuver the device any longer. Now, I’m not asking you to do the same (I’m a bit extreme), however, think before you shell out half a mortgage for a new camera in your pocket.
Will this add to my life/business? A new smartphone irrespective of brand is an investment. One must really look and see if this investment will add to one’s life. Take for example if you’re a budding influencer. Trading in an older phone for the new iPhone 11, which boasts of a 12-megapixel camera will surely help you in increasing your photo quality on Instagram, which can lead to better brand deals and sponsorships…if you do the work (again, another topic, for another day!). Investing in new gear like a smartphone can also be of use to us non-bloggers as well. Live easier with new technology that can assist you in your daily life, like our good friend Siri. In business, a new phone could mean better ways for you to communicate with your clients, perform tasks and run your life a lot smoother.
Do I have the money? Last, but definitely not least, consider whether you have the wherewithal to invest in a new handset.The newly released (September 2019) iPhone 11 retails at roughly $999 USD when bought outright from Apple. Converted to Canadian dollars, it would be wise to see if your pocket can stretch to match the price point for this new phone. With Cyber Monday and Black Friday deals approaching, it may make more sense to save your coins for a time when retailers far and wide and clamouring to outdo each other on their sale offerings.
In short, technology is always evolving. What is good today may be bad tomorrow, and what is seen as an advance in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) right this moment, may look like a blast from the past. However, it will be foolish to try and remove oneself completely from the siren’s call that the phone manufacturers make on now a yearly basis. Whether you’re team iPhone or Google gang like me, the process of purchasing a new phone should always be one of understanding, wisdom and glee.
Stay in the loop with exclusive news, stories, and insights—delivered straight to your inbox. No fluff, just real content that matters. Sign up today!
