Friday, 29 June 2018

Have you switched carriers specifically for a new phone?

Essential Phone

Wireless carriers aren't shy about their desire to get you to switch. The marketing is built to convince you that whatever other wireless service you're using isn't as good as another's, but the arguments themselves can change depending on the carrier. One might try to convince you to switch because of pricing. Another might try and win you over with all the "extra stuff" you can get with your wireless bill. And still, others might just try to lean into their network performance as a way to convince you they're worth a shot.

Whether or not any of this works, though, is definitely a personal decision.

Switching carriers isn't the easiest thing in the world to accomplish. Some even make it hard just so you won't do it. But, sometimes those promotions are just too good to pass up. And if your area is covered by all of the major wireless networks, then your choices are certainly plentiful. Some folks don't have that luxury, though, so they might be stuck with just one or two options.

There is another way a carrier might try to win you over. Device exclusives. It doesn't happen as often these days as it used to, thankfully, but it's certainly still a thing that happens. Right now if you want to get your hands on a Google Pixel 2 or Google Pixel 2 XL from a carrier in the United States, you'll need to opt for Verizon. You'll need to go with Sprint if you want an Essential Phone from a carrier. AT&T and T-Mobile both have their own options, too.

Saving money on a monthly bill, or getting the best possible network coverage, or even getting extra services at no additional cost are all alluring reasons to switch. But a smartphone seems even better. If you really want a new Google Pixel smartphone, then maybe Verizon might be an option after all.

It can go the other way, too. The OnePlus 6 has sold ridiculously well since its launch earlier this year, and it's a device that doesn't work on Verizon's network -- even in 2018. I've heard a lot of people hope that that particular decision changes at some point in the future, because support for all of the major wireless networks would be great. But, it's definitely a thing to consider, right? If you want a OnePlus 6, well, Verizon isn't an option for you.

With all of that in mind, I'm curious: Have you ever switched carriers, either for an exclusive or because the device you wanted didn't work on your network at the time, strictly to get a new smartphone? If so, when, which carriers, and which phone did you go with? If you've done it before, would you ever do it again? Let me know!


Have you switched carriers specifically for a new phone? originally posted at http://phonedog.com

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