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Many people spend more on their smartphones than on computers – a new iPhone can cost several hundred dollars or more. Most wireless carriers and manufacturers offer insurance for a premium, giving you protection if you break or lose your phone. While this may seem like a good idea, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before you buy.

Pros of Buying Smartphone Insurance

If you have experienced broken and stolen phones in the past, you may be a good candidate for smartphone insurance. Here are some of the pros of having protection for your smartphone.

• Multiple repairs. If you tend to smash or drop your phone often, insurance may be a good option.
• Lost phones. While extended warranties will not help if you lose your phone, phone insurance through your carrier often will replace your phone if lost or stolen.
• Kid’s phone. Many parents opt for insurance for their kid’s phone, especially if they are irresponsible.

Cons of Buying Smartphone Insurance

When deciding to buy smartphone insurance, you need to make sure the cost is worth the benefits. Some of the cons of insurance include:

• High deductibles. Maybe you only need to pay $10-15 a month but if you have to pay a few hundred dollar deductible to replace your phone, that is a high cost for insurance. The monthly premiums over two years and deductible can come close to the cost of a new phone.
• Refurbished phones. Read the fine print – you may only receive a refurbished, not new, phone if you need a replacement.
• Limited use. Many insurance plans have a limit on how many times you can have your phone repaired or replaced.

If you tend to be careful with your phone, you may want to skip the insurance. This can save you $100-$300 or more per year off insurance (plus deductibles) that you can put toward repairs at a local cell phone shop if needed.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Most technology becomes cheaper over time. It is less expensive to buy a big screen TV or computer now than it ever has been. But one device seems to only go up in price – the smartphone. A new iPhone or other top brand can cost a thousand dollars or more. While many people are willing to pay to have the latest and greatest phone, there are not as many new bells and whistles with each new model. If you are happy with your current phone, save money by maintaining instead of investing in a new phone.

Protective Gear

The simplest and cheapest way to make your phone last is with quality protective gear. A good screen protector and durable case can protect your phone from damage when it is dropped or put under pressure.

Replace the Battery

If your phone begins to lack in charging power, it is most likely a worn out battery. Invest in replacing your battery after a few years instead of buying a new phone.

Repair Your Phone

Even if your port needs replacement or the screen is cracked, you can still keep your phone. Bring it in for a repair at a quality cell phone repair shop. Most repairs cost a fraction of the cost of a new phone and can extend the life of your phone for another year or more.

Replacing your cell phone is not only expensive, it is a pain. Transferring your contacts, apps and media can be difficult and it can take weeks to get all your settings the way you prefer. Instead of buying a new cell phone at the end of two years, consider maintaining your existing phone and getting another few years from your phone.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Considering how much you use your cell phone, it is almost guaranteed that eventually it will come in contact with water. While a little sprinkle of rain is unlikely to damage your phone, if it lands in a pool or puddle, it may be at risk. The electronic components inside and the battery are easily damaged by water, but you can often minimize the risk of complete failure by acting fast when your cell phone is exposed to water.

Do’s and Don’t’s After Cell Phone Water Exposure

The first thing you want to do after a phone has been submerged in water is remove the battery, sim and memory card. Pat the phone dry with a soft cloth to remove excess water. Air drying with the removeable parts exposed can be the best way to mitigate any damage.

What you should not do is try to turn your phone on or push any buttons. This can push water into your phone. Also, limit moving your phone and do not try to use a hair dryer or heat to dry your phone; this can cause more damage. Wait for at least 24 hours before putting the parts back together and attempting to turn on your phone.

Fixing Water Damage

If your phone does not turn on after waiting for 24 hours, or if it turns on, but is not working correctly, bring it to a cell phone repair shop. It is possible that the phone can be fixed – it may just need a component repaired or replaced. A cell phone repair expert can determine the best options to salvage your phone, or at least the data inside, to minimize the inconvenience and cost of a cell phone water accident.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

When you spend several hundred dollars on an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or other smartphone, you want to ensure it lasts until you are ready to replace it. Many smartphones have surpassed the cost of a new computer, making them an expensive luxury. On top of being costly, they are more likely to be damaged due to the amount of mobility and use they endure. Here are four ways to help increase the life of your smartphone to get the most from your investment.

1. Buy a case and screen protector. Make sure your device is protected from accidents with a durable case and a screen protector. Do not even wait a day to head to your nearest retailer to outfit your new phone in protective gear.
2. Avoid water. While some new smartphones claim to be waterproof, enough water can still cause damage. Do not use your phone when boating, laying by the pool or while soaking in the tub.
3. Don’t walk and text. Driving and texting is outlawed in many states for safety but walking and texting can also be dangerous. Not only could you get hurt, but you are more likely to damage your phone if you trip or fall.
4. Find a local repair shop. If an accident does occur, shattering the screen or causing other damage, consider repair versus replacement. Many times, the damage can be repaired the same day at a local cell phone repair shop.

A few precautions and preventive measures can ensure you get the most value from your new smartphone. Plus, it will help keep it in good condition so that you can get the most value when you sell it when it is time to upgrade, reducing the overall cost for owning the latest in mobile device technology.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis

Everyone knows smart phones and moisture don’t mix. Yet, when your phone goes everywhere you do, it is bound to get wet eventually. A small spill on your phone or a little rain is usually not a problem; just wipe it off quickly and in most cases, no damage is done. However, if your smartphone takes a dunk in the toilet or lands in the pool, you may not be so lucky. Acting fast can save your phone from permanent damage. Here are some wet smartphone basics to help minimize damage if your phone gets soaked.

• Dry off the exterior. First and foremost, turn off the phone and wipe away all moisture from the outside of the phone. If the phone is well-sealed, this can prevent damage in some cases. Make sure to dry all ports as much as possible and leave out plugs to allow drying.
• Take apart your phone. Open the case and take out removable parts such as the battery, memory card and SIM card. Wipe all components dry with a soft, absorbent cloth or paper towel.
• Suction, not forced air, is best. If you want to try and remove water, do not use a hair dryer or forced air; it can force water further inside. A vacuum can be used, but do not put the hose too close to the phone.
• Let the phone dry. Leaving the phone and components to air dry on an absorbent cloth for several hours or overnight can remove water. Another option is to put the phone in dry white rice that can pull water out and absorb it.
• Try to turn on phone. Wait at least 24 hours; if all the components feel and look dry, assemble and try to turn on your phone; if it doesn’t turn on, try charging the battery.

If your phone doesn’t turn on or has functional issues after completing all these steps, all is not necessarily lost. Bring it to a local cell phone repair shop. Often, they can fix water damage, especially if you have removed as much water as possible first.

Posted on behalf of Cellairis