Are you experiencing issues with your smartphone, such as poor battery performance or slow app startup? This may be a sign that it's time to buy a new one. In this article, we'll introduce everything from preparations and precautions to actually buying a new smartphone. Upgrade to a new smartphone and enjoy a comfortable life.
There are two common ways to replace your smartphone: in-store or online. We'll introduce the advantages and disadvantages of each method, as well as the process for replacing your phone.
If you buy a new phone at a telecommunications carrier's store, you have the advantage of being able to resolve any questions you may have on the spot. You can receive explanations about the model and its functions from the store staff, so if you're having trouble choosing a smartphone, it might be a good idea to buy one at a store. You can also receive support from the store staff when it comes to transferring data, so even those who aren't confident in using a smartphone can rest assured.
The downside is that you may have to wait if the store is crowded. Another downside is that you can only buy replacements during store business hours. Store business hours may have changed due to the impact of COVID-19. Be sure to check before you go.
*1: Reference: "How to purchase in stores" (UQ mobile)
It is generally said that the advantage of purchasing a replacement online is that you don't have to wait in line at the store and you can apply 24 hours a day. If you are busy and can't go to the store during business hours, purchasing a replacement online is convenient.
Another disadvantage is that some people may be concerned about having to do everything themselves, from application to data transfer. If you're not used to using a smartphone, it's reassuring to have someone to talk to in person. However, if you have any questions, you can often get help through chat, so there's probably no need to worry too much.
There are a few things you should be aware of before buying a new smartphone. You need to be especially careful if you are changing your carrier. Below are some of the most important points to be aware of. Be sure to check them before buying a new smartphone.
If you are switching carriers at the same time as upgrading your smartphone, be sure to pay attention to the contract validity. If you are on a plan that is tied to a contract validity, you may be charged a cancellation fee if you cancel during the contract validity, which could result in unexpected expenses. However, as of March 1, 2023, major mobile phone companies such as au, docomo, and SoftBank have abolished cancellation fees. For more information, please check the website below (*3).
*3: Effective March 31, 2022, au and UQ mobile will discontinue the contract cancellation fee for the Discount Service/ fees plan that defines the contract validity. Customers currently subscribing to the applicable discount service/ fees plan will continue to be able to use the same basic fees.
Reference "Abolition of Contract Cancellation Charge for au and UQ mobile" (KDDI)
Docomo and SoftBank have also abolished contract cancellation fees. For details, please see the following website.
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/info/news_release/2021/09/21_00.html
https://www.softbank.jp/corp/news/press/sbkk/2021/20211026_02/
If you change carriers, please note that you will lose the use of your carrier email address unless you apply and pay fees (*4). It may be a good idea to obtain a free email address that can be used with any carrier before switching carriers. If you change your registration information to a free email address, you will be able to continue using it even if you change carriers.
When switching carriers, some MVNOs may charge a contract cancellation fee, and other costs may also be incurred. For example, if you are paying for your current smartphone in installments, you may have a balance remaining. You will also have to pay for the new smartphone.
In addition, some people may use "MNP" (Mobile Number Portability), which allows them to switch to another carrier while keeping their mobile phone number. While carriers such as au have abolished MNP transfer fees (*5), there may be additional fees for contract administration at the new carrier. The conditions and amounts for fees vary depending on the carrier, so be sure to check their website in advance.
There are a few preparations you need to make before buying a new smartphone. If you don't do these beforehand, you may lose important data or suffer financial losses such as not being able to transfer your Osaifu-Keitai balance. We've put together a list of preparations you should make before buying a new smartphone below, so be sure to check them out in advance.
Before replacing your smartphone, be sure to back up your data. If you have a backup, you can transfer the information from your current smartphone to your new one, so you can continue to use your contacts, app data, and more. There are various ways to back up your data, such as via SD card, computer, or dedicated app, so be sure to check the website for instructions and follow the instructions.
Make sure to prepare in advance to transfer your Osaifu-Keitai apps. However, some apps may not be transferable or may not be compatible with your OS. Check the instructions of each service provider. If you cannot transfer, we recommend using up all your data before replacing your smartphone to avoid waste.
You will also need to transfer your LINE account. Please make the following preparations.
The data that can be transferred differs depending on whether the OS is the same between the old and new smartphones or not. Please note that there is some data that cannot be transferred only when the OS is different. Please check the official LINE website to see what data can be transferred.
Let's check whether you can transfer your account. First, type "LINE Help" in the LINE search box and add the "LINE Easy Help" account. Next, tap "Check if transfer is possible" on the chat screen. After answering a few questions, you can check whether your account can be transferred.
Update all your LINE account information, including your email address, phone number, and password, to the latest information.
If you want to transfer your chat history, there are several ways to do so. For example, if you have an iPhone (iOS 8.1 or later), you can back it up using iCloud (*8). If you're transferring data between iPhones, you can also use Quick Start (*9). If you're using an Android device (LINE version 7.5.0 or later), you can back up your chats using Google Drive. Please refer to the LINE guide (*8) for detailed instructions on how to back up your data.
*6: Reference: "Safe Transfer Guide" (LINE)
*7: If the OS is different, chat history may not be transferred.
*8: Reference: "How to back up your chat history" (LINE Everyone's Guide)
Replacing your smartphone involves signing a contract and obtaining necessary paperwork. We've put together a list of things you should prepare in advance below, so be sure to check them before you buy a new one.
When replacing your smartphone, you will need to prepare identification documents accepted by your carrier, such as a driver's license or My Number card. Check the websites of each carrier to see what documents can be used and prepare them accordingly.
When you buy a new phone, you will need your current phone as well. When transferring data, you may need to use both your new phone and your current phone at the same time. Keep your current phone with you until all data transfer procedures are complete.
You should also prepare a credit card and a financial institution account. You will need these to pay for your smartphone device and usage fees. It may take some time to issue a credit card, so be sure to prepare them in advance.
Many people are probably wondering when it's time to replace their smartphone. If you continue using it until a problem occurs, you may encounter unexpected problems, such as not being able to transfer your data. We've picked out a few indicators that will help you know when it's time to replace your smartphone. If any of these apply to you, consider purchasing a new model.
The more you use a smartphone, the more it deteriorates. The average lifespan of a smartphone is said to be 4-5 years (*10). Continuing to use it for more than 4-5 years can lead to breakdowns and various other problems due to deterioration. If your smartphone stops working, you won't be able to transfer data, and there's a risk that important data will be lost. If you've been using the same smartphone for more than 4-5 years, you may want to consider replacing it.
The battery life is shorter than that of the smartphone itself, generally said to be around two years (*10). Some people may feel that their smartphone battery is running out faster. Some people may need a mobile battery when they are out for long periods of time. If battery issues are causing you stress, one option is to buy a new smartphone.
If it takes a long time to fully charge your phone, it may be time to buy a new one. If it takes a long time to charge, the battery may be worn out or broken. If your phone does not have a battery that can be replaced, we recommend buying a new one.
If your smartphone's storage capacity has reached its limit, it might be time to buy a new one. It can be stressful to have to delete old data every time you take a photo or video to free up space. Frequent deletion can also lead to accidentally deleting important data. When buying a new smartphone, choosing a model with a larger capacity can help eliminate worries about data storage.
If an app takes a long time to launch, be careful. The smartphone's internal information processing functions may be outdated or malfunctioning, causing a decline in processing power. If you have a newer model, it is likely that the original performance has also improved, so concerns about processing speed will likely be resolved.
The release of a new model is the perfect opportunity to upgrade your smartphone. Not only can you buy the latest, most talked-about models early, but older models are also discounted, making it the best time for those looking to save money. There may also be special campaigns that start in conjunction with the release of the latest model. Be sure to check the latest information and consider when it's time to upgrade.
If you're considering upgrading your smartphone based on the information we've provided, we recommend you also consider switching carriers. With povo2.0, you can complete all contracts online. au Online Shop now also allows you to purchase smartphones individually (*11). Therefore, by purchasing a smartphone from au Online Shop and using povo2.0, you can complete the entire process online, from upgrading to signing a contract.
*11: You can purchase a smartphone that is not tied to au line contract. Only devices that are in stock can be purchased.
Reference: "au Online Shop Device Purchase Guide" (povo)
povo2.0 has a basic fees of 0 yen (*12) (*13) (*14) and allows you to purchase only the amount of data you want to use. A major feature is that you can freely customize your plan from a wide range of paid Topping. You can create a plan that's perfect for you, so be sure to give povo2.0 a try.
*12: If you sign up for five lines * under the same name, a contract administration fee of 3,850 yen (tax included included) per line will be charged for the sixth line and beyond.
*This includes lines that have been cancelled or canceled by our company within the past year. Also, if you have not purchased any paid Topping for 180 days or more, your service may be suspended or your contract may be terminated.
Reference: "povo2.0 Plan Details" (povo)
*13: Domestic calls to tax included cost 22 yen/30 seconds. Some calls, such as calls to satellite phones, may incur different calling charges. See here for details.
Sending SMS to tax included costs 3.3 yen/text (up to 70 characters), but receiving SMS is free. Depending on the model, up to 670 characters can be sent; up to 134 characters will be converted into two SMS messages, and thereafter one SMS message will be sent for every 67 characters.
Reference "povo2.0 Plan Details" (povo)
*14: All procedures and support will be handled online. Please contact us via the povo2.0 app or official website.
*The names of products and services mentioned in this article are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies.
・Apple, iPhone, and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The iPhone trademark is used under license from Aiphone Co., Ltd. iCloud is a service mark of Apple Inc. TM and (C) 2022 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
・Android, Google, and Google Drive are trademarks of Google LLC.
・The iOS trademark is used under license from Cisco in the United States.
・"Galaxy" is a trademark or registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
・" au" is a registered trademark of KDDI Corporation.
・SOFTBANK and the SoftBank name and logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of SoftBank Co., Ltd. in Japan and other countries.
・"LINE" is a trademark or registered trademark of LINE Corporation.
・"Osaifu-Keitai" is a registered trademark of NTT docomo, Inc.
