Upgrading your phone: 7 essential device and plan considerations for 2023

Looking at upgrading your phone and plan this year? These are the key things you need to think about before you get started.

Thinking about upgrading your phone and your plan sometime soon?

Phone plans can change quite regularly, so it's worth comparing them at least once a year to ensure that you're getting the best deal.

So today, we're taking a look at some of the main things you should think about before you sign up for your next plan and replace your handset.

1. Bonus perks

If you're considering upgrading to a new phone soon -- but don't need a new one immediately -- it may be worth looking at what sort of bonus gifts are doing the rounds.

Sometimes, you can score some great extras and get more bang for buck when you're upgrading to a newer phone.

For example, Optus is currently offering a deal where you can snag the latest Galaxy Watch6 (40mm variant) for $0 when you buy a Samsung Galaxy Z Series on an eligible SIM plan and remain on a watch plan for 36 months. The offer ends on 27 September 2023.

You can find a comprehensive guide to Optus plans right here on Finder, too.

2. Payment options

Depending on your individual circumstances and budget, purchasing a new handset outright isn't always feasible.

So it's worth looking for a provider that offers you a range of different payment options.

To point to one example, Optus allows you to pay for your handset interest-free over time when you stay on an eligible mobile plan. Depending on the specifics, this can usually be split over 1, 2 or 3 years, with the repayments scaled accordingly.

You can also choose to pay for it outright if you prefer, too.

3. Data allowance and connectivity

Given today's online world, it's crucial to have a healthy data inclusion for your phone plan.

Just as importantly, you need to have good connectivity from your provider to ensure that you can use that data effectively.

Optus currently has a range of phone plans available with a range of different data inclusions to suit a variety of needs.

With the right data and connectivity, you'll be empowered to use your phone for a whole range of different purposes.

4. Call, text and international roaming inclusions

Unlimited calls and text within Australia have become increasingly common for mobile plans, but it's always worth checking to make sure that they are included.

Optus currently offers a selection of plans with unlimited calls and texts. Optus also offers international roaming in its Optus Choice Plus plans for $5 per day with 5GB of data and unlimited standard talk and text in over 100 Zone 1 destinations.

5. Your intended purposes for your phone

Now, when you're selecting a new handset it's quite important to think about how you plan to actually use your device.

Is your usage limited to calls, texts, and a bit of browsing online? Maybe you don't need the latest devices on the market.

However, if you're thinking about your phone as a multimedia device, it's worth looking at something that offers a bit more power.

For example, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has a large, foldable screen and impressive processing power.

In tandem, this makes it an excellent option for streaming videos or playing games online.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 also allows for easy access to multimedia options via its large flipscreen. In addition to its main screen, it also allows you to check your notifications at a glance via the external Cover Screen, too (though certain applications may not support App Continuity).

With the right device in your hands, you'll be able to meet your multimedia needs.

6. Storage space

Photos tend to be the biggest consideration when it comes to phone storage.

But if you're also looking to store games, videos, movies, TV shows, music or anything else on your phone, you want to make sure that you've got the necessary space.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Flip5 are available with storage sizes ranging from 256GB up to 1 Terabyte (on the Z Fold5).

Consider what storage size is right for you as you'll need to pay more for the additional space.

7. Screen and camera specs

Given the drastic speed that mobile phone screen quality and cameras have evolved, it's no surprise that they tend to be one of the biggest considerations for modern phones.

So it's important to look for a device that offers you a good mix of screen and camera quality. After all, you want to be able to review shots properly after you've taken them!

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 offers a 50-megapixel camera, that allows you to capture shots using 3 separate lenses. You can then check your shots on a 7.6 inch screen, allowing you to see your handiwork in fine detail.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 features Flex Cam mode, allowing for easy, hands-free selfies. it also features two lenses on the back, allowing you to capture high-quality shots.

Samsung Galaxy Z specs breakdown

Here are the chief specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5.

Model	Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5	Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Screen Size	7.6 inches (when unfolded)	6.7 inches (when unfolded)
Internal Processor	Snapdragon 8 Gen2	Snapdragon 8 Gen2
RAM	12GB	8GB
Storage Space	256GB - 1TB	256GB - 512GB
Battery Capacity	4,400mAh	3,700mAh
Camera Specs	50MP/3 x Optical Zoom lens	12MP

Discover the full range of Optus plans for Samsung products today