First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Buying a New Phone

Buying a new phone can feel like speed dating with shiny rectangles. So many choices, so much hype, you’re not totally sure what’s the best option. Understanding how to buy a new phone doesn’t have to feel overwhelming and stressful. With Goji, we will walk you through it, without all the technical stats that no one understands anyway.

Why Buying a New Phone Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

You don’t need insider knowledge to pick well. We will keep it simple, translate the buzzwords, and focus on the stuff that matters in real life. Like battery life at 6 p.m., and if you’ll run out of space for photos at your friend’s dog’s birthday.

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a New Phone

Start-to-finish, no drama. We’ll walk you through the information for buying a new phone to help you understand what actually affects your day. Let’s do this.

Step 1: Determine Your Needs & Budget

Start with your actual day-to-day use, not the brochure.

• Photos first: sharp portraits, steadier night shots, easy sharing. Brunch photos, approved.
• Entertainment: smooth streaming, roomy storage, clear speakers. Couch, meet mini theater.
• Work and calls: reliable signal, long battery, solid video calls. Commute proof.
• Gaming: fast chips, higher refresh rate screens, cooler temps. Thumbs happy.

Now set your spending goals: 

• Total cost vs. monthly: a $799 phone over 24 months is about one or two takeout nights per month. Add taxes and fees.
• Data needs: light scrollers can save money with smaller data buckets, heavy streamers usually do better with unlimited.
• Set a ceiling: pick a top number for the phone, plan, and add-ons, then stick to staying under it. Future you will thank you.
• Pro tip: budget for a case, a screen protector, and any one-time fees in your first bill.

Step 2: Decide on Carrier vs. Unlocked

Locked phones stick with one carrier. Payments are easy, promos are shiny – but switching later can (possibly) be tricky. Most carriers will unlock it for free once it’s paid off, you just have to ask.

Unlocked phones work on multiple networks. You can shop plans, travel with less hassle, and switch when prices change.

Not sure which network fits your life. Use Goji’s coverage map to check your neighborhood, workplace, campus, and weekend spots.

Rule of thumb: if you like flexibility, an unlocked phone plus a plan you can swap is a strong combo.

Step 3: Choose Between New, Used, or Refurbished

Phones come in three newness options:

• New: latest model, full warranty, highest price.
• Refurbished: inspected, tested, cleaned, often with a warranty or return window, lower price.
• Used: sold as is by an individual or marketplace, cheapest, more homework.

On Goji, every refurbished phone listing clearly shows the phone’s information and condition,so you know exactly what you are getting. Start in the phone marketplace. All of our refurbished phones are in Like New Condition. 

Our Grade A phones not only look great (no screen scratches, no visible dents or dings) they are also tested and certified:

• Run through professional diagnostics
• Verified clean via IMEI traceability
• Certified fully functional: buttons, cameras, speakers, battery, and connectivity all checked

Money saver: last year’s flagship can often beat this year’s budget phone on camera quality, chip speed, and build.

Step 4: Compare Phone Models & Features

Focus on what you feel every day.

• Battery life: aim for all day use. Bigger batteries and efficient chips help you reach bedtime without outlet hunting.
• Camera quality: look for optical stabilization and strong low-light results. Translation: fewer blurry night photos and better indoor shots.
• Screen: higher refresh rates make scrolling feel smooth, games look cleaner. OLED panels add rich contrast.
• Storage: 128 GB works for casual use, 256 GB is safer for photo and video fans. Cloud backups help, local space still matters.

Prioritize the top phone features that actually matter - to you.

• Everyday picks: long battery, good main camera, bright screen.
• Power picks: faster chip, extra storage, higher refresh rate.
• Gold star tip: skip the hype and pick the phone features that actually matter to you.

Step 5: Compare Plans, Pricing, & Payment Options

Match your phone to your habits.

• Prepaid vs. postpaid: prepaid is pay-as-you-go with clear pricing, postpaid often bundles perks and financing.
• Unlimited vs. tiered data: unlimited is simple for heavy use. Light users can save with smaller data tiers.
• Single line vs. family plans: groups usually pay less per line. A family plan doesn’t have to be a literal family. It can be your gym crew, your friend group, or your pickleball roster. Get creative with it.   
• Perks: hotspot, international data, and streaming bonuses are nice, but check the real value.

Compare phones and plans side by side in the plan marketplace. View total monthly cost, taxes and fees, and any promos in one place.

Budget tip: don’t forget the phone bill and the phone payment. Add them together to compare the true monthly cost. If it still leaves room for taco night, you nailed it.

Step 6: Make the Purchase

Do it the easy way. Buy through Goji. One cart, clear pricing, zero chaos.

• See the real price: view the full monthly total, taxes, fees, and promos before you tap “buy.”
• Pick how to pay: pay in full, or choose monthly installments when offered.
• Trade-in, if available: check your current phone’s value, then apply the savings at checkout.
• Ready for fast setup: many plans support eSIM after purchase, so activation can be quick. 

Step 7: Set Up Your New Phone

Your new phone is here!!! Cue happy dance. Unbox, plug in, hop on Wi-Fi, and keep your old phone close. First things first, what type of SIM card do you have?

• eSIM: digital SIM from your carrier. Scan a QR code, activate, and you are done. No tiny tray to lose under the couch. Read more about eSIMs
• Physical SIM: a small card you insert into the phone. Still common, keep the tool (or a paperclip) handy.

Now, let’s get you scrolling:

• Back up the old phone: iCloud or Google Drive.
• Transfer data: use the built-in transfer tool during setup.
• Sign in to essentials: email, banking, two factor apps, and photos.
• Update software: grab the latest update before you roam free.
• Nice to have: set up contactless pay, then enjoy a snack run with just your phone.

Step 8: Protect Your Investment

• Case and screen protector: cheap insurance against slippery mornings.
• Insurance and warranty: compare carrier plans, AppleCare, or trusted third party options.
• Security essentials: set a strong passcode - not 1234 - turn on fingerprint or face unlock, and enable Find My iPhone or Find My Device.
• Back that thing up: automatic cloud backups keep your photos and chats safe.

FAQs: Common First-Time Buyer Questions

Can I buy just a new phone without a plan?

Yes. Buy unlocked, then pick a plan that fits your usage. Use Goji to compare plans once you have the phone.

Is a refurbished phone safe?

A good refurb goes through testing, cleaning, and grading, plus a return window. On Goji, listings show the condition and the exact specs, so you can buy with clarity.

What if I change my mind? Can I return the phone?

Most sellers offer a return period. Check the window, restocking fees, and condition rules before you open the box or peel protective films.

Can I use my old number with a new phone?

Usually yes. Port your number during checkout. Have your current account number and PIN ready to avoid delays.

What’s the difference between eSIM and regular SIM?

An eSIM is digital and activated by QR code; a physical SIM is a small card you insert. Both connect you to the network. Many newer phones support eSIM, and some support both.