Online vs offline: Nowadays buying a new smartphone is not limited to choosing specifications, but it is also necessary to decide whether to buy the phone online or offline. On the one hand, online platforms promise heavy discounts and fast delivery, while the offline stores give you a chance to test the phone in hand. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and if the decision is not taken correctly, then you may have to regret it later. Let’s know what should be kept in mind.
online shopping
Online shopping has changed the entire game of mobile market. With the help of festive cell, bank offers and exchange deals, the price of the phone is reduced by thousands of rupees. While sitting at home, you can compare different models, read the review and order within a few minutes. Delivery also often occurs in 1-2 days.
But there are some problems here. Large offers are often limited to certain cards or payment apps. The stock ends very quickly during the sale. Also, you do not guess how the phone would feel until it comes in your hand. If you do not like weight, look or button placement, then you are not able to return easily. Replacement is found on getting a bad unit, but refund is not always easy if you change the mind.
Offline shopping
Going to the retail store and buying a phone has its own different advantage. Here you can take the phone in hand and test the brightness of the display, camera quality and handling. Many times only the real feel of the phone changes your decision. Also, shopkeepers often help in setup, cover or screen guards for free. In some cases, you can also get a discount immediately.
Local shops also show flexibility for old customers. However, offline pricing is usually not as attractive as online. In addition, the return and exchange policy depends entirely on the shop and is often not as customer-interest as online.
Exclusive models problems
Nowadays many companies provide some of their phones online or just offline. In such a situation, if your favorite model is online-exclusive, then you will have to buy without doing a test. On the other hand, if the phone is offline-only then the price can be higher and there will be no big discounts with online.
Investigation of warranty and reality
In general, the phone warranty is the same at both online and offline, provided you buy from the authorized seller. But sometimes some gray-market sellers are also found on the online marketplace, which sell the phone at a very low price without real warranty. Such phones can give problems later. This risk is low in offline shopping because you directly deal with the authorized shopkeeper.
Payment and EMI options
On online platforms, you get more options for bank offers, cashback and no-cost EMI. If you have the right card then you can save a lot of money. On the other hand, offline stores offer EMI from local finance companies which are better for customers who do not have credit cards.
What is better?
It depends entirely on what you give more importance to. If low price is your priority then online shopping is better for you. If you want to test the phone in hand or want personal support after purchase, then offline shopping is the right option. At the same time, in some cases the exclusiveness of the model makes it easy for you to decide.
Also read:
Vivo will explode! Dhansu features will be given in this phone with 200MP camera, know when it will be launched

