Cell Phones without Contracts vs. Contract Cell Phones
If you are reading this article then you are no doubt interested in the differences between cell phones without contracts and those for which contracts are needed. You are not alone. You may think that you already know all there is to know, but there may be some points that have either never been mentioned or that you may not have even considered before. Let’s take a moment to consider the differences between the two options.
The no contract type of cell phones and services are also known by a couple of other names; prepaid cellular and pay-as-you-go plans are just a couple of those monikers. Let’s compare the differences between the cell phones without contracts versus those that require a contractual agreement.
One major benefit of the prepaid option is the elimination of the age restriction. Did you realize that those under the age of 18 cannot enter into contracts for cellular phones? If a minor wants a cell phone for her birthday, then this is definitely the way to go. But, you may be thinking that you could simply put the minor under your own contract. Well, think about it more thoroughly. If, for some reason, you feel the need to take that phone away, you are then obligated to fulfill the contract you signed regardless of whether that phone is in use or not.
If the phone is lost—and we know how pre-teens and teens can be when it comes to being careless with their belongings—then it is not as devastating as losing a phone that is contracted. There’s the cost of replacements, sure, but think also of the charges that you could incur if someone finds and uses a phone that you have under contract. With a prepaid phone you have the option of transferring your credit to a new phone and not worrying about any form of identity theft.
We have discussed a couple of the lesser-known advantages of cell phones without contracts, but what about the drawbacks? Of course there are drawbacks, as with anything else. While there are no commitments and extra bills to worry about with the pay-as-you-go option and the phones are often less expensive, you will find that the phones themselves are not necessarily up to the same standards as those offered with plans. If you choose to go the non-contract route then you will be trading fashion for utility with these phones. You will not find a Smartphone on the prepaid market, unfortunately. No one offers a prepaid iPhone, either. This is the major drawback that keeps a number of consumers away from the prepaid options. If you can be happy without a fancy phone with a lot of bells and whistles, if all you need is a way to communicate in emergencies or when necessary, then the prepaid option may be the way to go. Do not overlook it as viable simply because the phone isn’t the best available on the market.