Q&A for How to Buy a Cell Phone

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What kind of cell phone should I get?

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 19 years, with locations in over 20 cities.

Mobile Kangaroo

Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Answer

When buying a phone, you should always think about the features that are important to you and what your budget is. Be sure to include a good phone case and screen protector in your budget.

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Question

How long will the process take at the store?

Community Answer

Time spent at the store depends on if you want to set up a contract or make a data plan. If the store is busy, it could take an hour or more. If you just want to purchase a phone and do a pay-as-you-go plan, it could take as little as 15 minutes.

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Question

Which carrier is the best in the US?

Community Answer

It very largely depends on your location in the US. Most of the Eastern United States is well-covered, while the Midwest and West have quite a few dead zones.

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Question

Would I be able to buy a 2 year contract phone in the USA and use it in Europe?

Community Answer

While some carriers offer free international service in Canada and Mexico, all major carriers require you to purchase international service outside of North America, which can be quite expensive.

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Question

What is the difference between buying a phone at a phone store and using a retailer like Target?

Community Answer

The phone store will focus on one carrier only, have more phones in stock, and be able to answer any questions you have more thoroughly. The only con I could see is that they also focus more on 2-year contracts or financing the phone. In stores like Target, it's more often focused on prepaid phones from lots of carriers. You'll have fewer phone options, but more carrier options.

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Question

Can I do all this online instead of going into the store?

Community Answer

Yes.

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Question

How do you get a phone number?

Community Answer

You are given a phone number when you set up a wireless plan for your phone.

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Question

What happens to my pictures and text messages on the old phone if I buy a new one from the store?

Community Answer

If you have an iPhone, you can backup your iPhone with iCloud using your Apple ID. Then when you set up your new iPhone, enable iCloud and sync it with your latest backup. It will most likely ask you, "Would you like to set up as a new phone?" or "Sync with latest backup".

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Question

How much would I have to pay upfront?

Community Answer

It really depends on the phone and your payment choices. If you choose to buy a more advanced phone, it would cost more. It also depends on whether you plan to spread out the payment over a few years or just at the store. Depending on the brand, if you have another phone to trade in for your new one, you can get a discount.

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Question

How do I know my iPhone is backed up to the cloud?

Community Answer

You have to go and back it up in the settings page. You will see Back up or iCloud and you click it then you should be able to back it up. Then you get a new iPhone and you press back up information and you should get all your stuff that you backed up.

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Question

Which carrier is best?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

The best overall carrier is T-Mobile. They provide the best service, features, and customer service. They also offer plans at more affordable rates than many of the other major carriers.

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Question

Can I keep my old phone number (from a landline)?

Drew Hawkins1

Community Answer

Yes, you may be able to port your old phone number to your new cell phone, even if it's a landline. Contact your cell phone carrier or ask the representative if they can work to port your old number to your new phone so you're able to keep the number.

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Question

To upgrade my iPhone, do I just need my Apple ID?

HENRY WALKER

Community Answer

No, you would need credit card information, your Apple ID, and a carrier that you choose.

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Question

If I buy a brand new phone at Target, is my new phone number included? And is the SIM card already in it?

Henry Walker

Community Answer

No, you will need to purchase a cell phone plan with a carrier. Then you will get your SIM card from them.

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