The latest smartphones come with some incredible features, but they also carry high price tags, and these devices are not always built to last. The new iPhone X, for example, recently hit the market with a starting price of $1,000, and experts say it is extremely fragile.
With its all-glass design, you might be wondering if it’s worth the investment. Recent tests conducted by SquareTrade using scientific robots to drop, bend, roll, and submerge the devices, 
revealed the iPhone X as one of the easiest iPhone models to break ever made, shattering on the first drop with the screen facing down.
“Without taking some basic precautions, consumers are likely to spend more than the $1,000 they already invested in their phones over the devices’ lifespan,” says Jason Siciliano, vice president and global creative director of SquareTrade.
To protect your investment, whether you own an iPhone X or any other mobile device, Siciliano recommends the following.
Use a Case
Your new phone may have a sleek design that you want to show off, but not using a case is a big mistake. With so many designs on the market, along with options for customization, there’s no reason nowadays not to better protect your phone. The drop tests conducted by SquareTrade revealed damage that goes beyond cosmetic issues, compromising the device’s operability in various ways. Consider your hobbies and find a case durable enough to withstand your lifestyle. A screen protector is also a great idea, protecting against scratches and debris.
Get Protection
With potential repair costs on the rise, protection plans are becoming more important than ever. For example, the iPhone X has a thinner and more expensive OLED screen to replace, a smaller logic board, multiple cables, and a harder-to-remove split battery. All of this may be why Apple charges $279 for front screen replacement and $549 for other repairs.
Accidents are often beyond a person’s control. So, don’t have a false sense of security regarding drops and spills. However, protection plans can be affordable. For instance, those offered by SquareTrade cover both old and new devices, for accidents as well as common malfunctions like battery failure and charging port issues. Phones can be repaired at home, in local repair shops, or by mail. And if you have an Apple device, you might even get 
your Genius Bar bill reimbursed. For more information on protection plans for today’s most popular smartphones, visit squaretrade.com.
Being a smart consumer goes beyond buying the latest technology. It also means making your purchase last. Take smart steps to protect your smartphone.
Save on Mobile Devices
Upgrading a mobile device? Remember that you don’t necessarily have to buy new and pay a premium price.
Persistent biases still make people believe that refurbished devices were necessarily broken or had issues. However, many of these mobile phones, tablets, and accessories that come from trade-in and upgrade programs were perfectly good devices that owners sent in exchange for newer models.
Fortunately, for bargain hunters, these trade-ins and sales are becoming more popular, making it easier to navigate the market for a second-hand device.
Just make sure to turn to reliable sources where you can trust that the device is in full working condition. For example, those from MyWit on eBay undergo extensive 65-point inspections on cosmetic, functional, and radio frequency (RF) performance aspects to ensure 100% functionality. The tests verify that every function 
that a customer might use (camera, audio, SIM, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) is in excellent working order, and the RF tests ensure that wireless devices deliver consistent connection quality and do not lose available signals.
“Nowadays, refurbished devices can offer an affordable and high-quality alternative to a new device,” says David Conti, eCommerce director at MyWit. “It’s also a thoughtful option for the environmentally conscious, extending the life of devices and reducing electronic waste.”
Consider a great secret to saving on upgrades and replacements for mobile devices. Being willing to forgo the newest models can stretch your budget even further without sacrificing quality.
Source: StatePoint