Cost of living: How to save hundreds of dollars on phones, laptops, iPads and headphones

Whether you’re in the market for an iPad, phone or even a new laptop, you need not break the bank. This is how to save hundreds.

The price of just about everything is rising, from snow peas to smartphones.

But if you’ve just dunked your phone, dropped your laptop or need to buy a tablet for your child, you might find yourself with little choice but to shell out more money.

How much you spend on new tech is within your control, though, and we have plenty of smart ways to see you secure the technology you need at a price you might prefer.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON A PHONE

Perhaps your iPhone suddenly met a tiled floor or your Samsung went to sea. There are many reasons to upgrade your smartphone and, mercifully, quite a few ways to ensure you don’t pay top dollar for it.

Firstly, it’s worth checking out the new generation of mid-range handsets on offer, which cost between $400 and $800 rather than crashing through the $1000 barrier.

The Google Pixel 6a is a budget-friendly smartphone with 12-megapixel camera.

Google’s new Pixel 6a, for example, uses the same speedy chip as its Pro phone, and also comes with two rear cameras and a fingerprint sensor but costs $550 less.

Samsung’s A Series smartphones also deliver significant savings, and Apple’s newest iPhone SE starts at $719 — a whopping $980 less than the iPhone 13 Pro.

Secondly, refurbished and ex-demonstrator smartphones are also a great way to save cash. Sellers including OzMobiles, Reebelo, and even Kogan list second-hand handsets that have been certified or repaired and come with a warranty.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON A TABLET

There is often little wiggle room in the price of tablets but there are still ways to get the technology at a discount.

If you’re a teacher, a student, or you’re buying items for one, it’s worthwhile checking if manufacturers offer an education discount before paying full price.

Apple offers university students, teachers and school staff discounts on iPads as well as MacBooks, iMacs, and computer monitors.

A shopper inspects an iPad inside an Apple Store.

Samsung’s education pricing goes even further, offering up to 20 per cent off not just tablets but smartphones, monitors, smartwatches and home appliances. Users need to set up an account using their .edu.au email address to unlock the savings.

Budget phone carrier Boost Mobile also sells refurbished tablets from its partner, Alegre. Its online store features plenty of older model iPads sold at hundreds of dollars cheaper than current editions.

And tablet computers are a regular feature of loyalty programs. If you have Qantas Frequent Flyer points, for example, the airline features a comprehensive range of iPads and, if you don’t have enough to cover the entire purchase, will let you top up your purchase with money.

Alternatively, if you’d rather purchase a new model tablet and pay it off in modest monthly instalments, carriers including Telstra package Apple and Samsung tablets in 12, 24 and 36-month plans.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON A LAPTOP

It’s easy to panic if your laptop has kissed its motherboard goodbye but there are ways to save on even this large purchase.

While not widely known, Amazon Australia operates a Renewed store on its website with pre-owned goods that have been tested and refurbished and come with a six-month warranty. The site currently has laptops from top brands HP, Dell, Lenovo, Apple, and Acer.

Apple offers discounts on its MacBooks in its refurbished store online. Picture: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/AFP

Those looking to invest in a Mac could also check out the Certified Refurbished section on Apple’s website, however, that features both MacBook Pro and Air laptops, including recent releases.

A refurbished 14-inch MacBook Pro with 14-core GPU from 2021 sells for $2699 on Apple’s website, for example; a saving of $400 on a new model.

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON TECH ACCESSORIES

Whether you need headphones, a Wi-Fi extender, or a tough case to protect your phone, there are ways to unearth discounts to extend your tech’s reach.

Amazon Australia’s Outlet features overstocked items and offers discounts on a wide range of goods including headphones, earbuds, modems, extenders, wireless chargers, and an array of phone cases.

eBay also regularly launches generous discounts on tech accessories across its site on Tuesdays, and its subscription service offering larger discounts can now be unlocked for a monthly $4.99 charge rather than a larger annual fee.

Those looking for particular items can also search for it on OzBargain, a popular billboard for sharing discounts and promo codes. Those who sign up can receive alerts when their favourite items go on sale.

Originally published as Cost of living: How to save hundreds of dollars on phones, laptops, iPads and headphones