Is It Necessary to Have A Smartphone In 2022?
The answer to this question is yes for an increasing number of people.
For a lot of people, having a smartphone is as important as having food and water. But some people might not see the appeal. CNBC says that Warren Buffett used a flip phone for a long time before he finally got an iPhone in 2020. This brings up an important question: Will you need a smartphone in 2022? There are many good reasons to make smartphones a requirement, but not everyone can afford one.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Pew Research says that about 85% of Americans have a smartphone.
- Smartphones are sometimes needed for things like online security, getting into beaches and other recreation areas, and taking public transportation.
- It may be hard for low-income families to buy a smartphone, but there are programs that can help them pay for one.
- Since more and more people are living their lives online, it makes sense that smartphones will become even more important in the future.
Having a smartphone and using it
About the same number of men and women own smartphones, but people under 65 are more likely to have one. 96% of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 have a smartphone, but only 61% of adults 65 and older do. Smartphone users also tend to live in cities instead of the suburbs or the country, have at least a bachelor's degree, and make at least $75,000 a year. So what do people actually do with their phones?
Here are some of the most common uses:
- Checking Facebook and Twitter
- Using apps to play games or use other apps
- Talking on the phone or sending texts
People can also use smartphones to pay bills, check their bank account balances, manage their budgets, send money to friends and family, and shop online at their favorite stores. The average person checks their phone every five minutes, and 75.4% of Americans say they are addicted to their phones. But does that mean they have to be there?
The Case for Making Smartphones a Must
It's easy to say that smartphones aren't necessary and are more of a luxury. After all, people lived without them for a very long time. Still, that doesn't take into account a lot of changes in how people work and live.
Using smartphones at work
The first reason why smartphones should be a requirement instead of a choice is that the workplace is becoming more and more digital. As more companies store information in the cloud and use online platforms to keep workers in touch, there is a need for stronger security measures. Two-factor authentication (2FA), also called multi-factor authentication (MFA), and other innovations make this possible. MFA lets employees, even those who work from home, securely access digital platforms by entering a code. A smartphone is a key part of using MFA.
Employees who want to work from home or who are self-employed and work from home will probably need smartphones. Aside from security, smartphones can also help you stay in touch with work through tools like Zoom and messaging apps.
A Smartphone is Affordable
You could say that a smartphone is a necessity for a lot of people, but it's not always easy to get one. Smartphones can have a number of downsides, such as:
- How much does it cost to buy the phone itself
- Extras like Bluetooth earbuds and car chargers
- Insurance protection plans
- Service every month
In 2020, the average cost of a cell phone plan was $113 per month. In 2021, the average price of a smartphone sold around the world was $363, and high-end phones can cost $1,000 or more (Apple's iPhone 13 Pro costs $1,599). If you don't have a lot of money, those numbers can be scary. So, it's important to ask not only if a smartphone is necessary for 2022, but also how the average person will be able to pay for one.
- Some of the best ways to save money on cell phone service are:
- Getting a used phone instead of a new one
- Choosing prepaid phone service instead of a plan with a contract
- Choosing the cheapest service plan for a smartphone
- Using a family plan to split the cost with other people
Leasing a smartphone could also save you money and give you the chance to get a new one every year or so. Leasing a phone is a lot like leasing a car in this way. When the lease is up, you can choose a new phone, keep the one you have and sign a new lease, or buy the phone outright.
If you want to buy a phone that you will own, you may be able to get financing for it. You can get it from stores like Best Buy, cell phone service providers, phone makers like Samsung and Apple, or platforms that let you buy now and pay later (BNPL). Instead of a traditional installment loan or credit card, BNPL gives you a point-of-sale installment loan. If you want to buy a phone on credit and save money on interest, you might want to look into any of these options.
How many people own smartphones?
The Pew Research Center found that in 2021, 85% of Americans had a smartphone, which is up from 35% in 2011.
What do people do with their phones?
Making phone calls, texting, using social media, playing games, and using apps are the most popular things to do on a smartphone. You can also use them to send money, shop online, pay bills, check your bank account, send emails, and manage your budget. Through the Global Positioning System, they can also be used to check weather reports and get directions when traveling (GPS).
Where do phones help the most?
They have become an important part of the workplace, especially for independent contractors and others who work from home. They can be used to get special access to travel and recreation, to get health care, and to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
How much do phones cost?
In 2021, the average cost of a smartphone was $363, but high-end phones can cost more than $1,000. On top of that, your cell phone plan will cost you an average of $113 per month in 2020.
Conclusion
If you use a smartphone often, you might not think much about how important it is to your everyday life. Whether or not you think smartphones are necessary, it's clear that people are becoming more and more dependent on them at work, at home, and while traveling. It is possible to buy a smartphone, but you may need to plan ahead to find a phone and service plan that fit your budget.
Article post by: Sushma Gtech.
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