Let’s face it. Smartphones are a necessity today. Our lives revolve around our smartphones and the Internet of Things.
In fact, for most people, a smartphone is indispensable–as vital as breathing. As exaggerated as those sounds, it’s actually true. Others, however, might not see eye to eye with you when it comes to having a smartphone.
That said, the majority of people can’t function without a smartphone. Smartphones are necessary for a variety of reasons, such as having access to social media at all times and being able to work while you’re out and about.
However, owning a smartphone might not be possible for individuals in lower-income homes, although there are government programs that offer financial assistance. As more and more people start living digitally, there’s no reason to doubt that smartphones will only become more important in the coming future.
Traditional mobile phones were only used for making phone calls and sending text messages. Smartphones have changed it all, but for the better. You can now connect to the internet, such as AT&T internet plans, through your smartphone and perform various tasks from anywhere in the world.
In this article, we’ll be looking at what smartphones offer us that has made them so necessary in 2022.
Table of Contents
Smartphones in the Workplace
The workplace is getting more and more digitized. This is one of the main reasons why smartphones are no longer just an option, but more of a requirement.
With an increase in the number of companies utilizing cloud technologies for online platforms that allow employees to stay connected and store information, it makes it evident that improved security and protection is a must.
Invocations like two-factor authentication, makes it possible. This allows employees, including those that work remotely, to access digital platforms in a more secure manner by entering a one-time key or code for using it on a smartphone.
For instance, if you are keen on working remotely, you will inevitably need to use a smartphone. Apart from security, smartphones are also essential for staying connected with your colleagues through messaging tools such as Skype or Zoom.
Smartphone for Travel
Smartphones can also be considered vital if you travel frequently. For instance, you could be going to a theme park in which you can purchase a seasonal pass through a specific app and you’ll need to present it each time you visit the park.
This allows travelers to bypass extensive waiting lines and simply show the seasons pass to enter. This is something the Disney World management has down. They have their own app through which you can reserve and further pay for contactless dining in, access MagicBand features, navigate the pale, all through the same app.
Apart from such apps, there are other types of apps that make travel much easier. For instance, if you’re booking a flight, the airline might give you the option to download the boarding pass through the app. This allows you to skip the lengthy check-in lines.
More and more industries are slowly offering their apps to make it easier for consumers to shop, eat, book tickets, etc.
Smartphones for Vaccine
Vaccine mandates tend to vary in every county, with each country opting for different strategies, and some even forbid them by law. In fact, some countries even make it necessary to have vaccination mandates when entering malls, offices, or private venues.
For instance, you’ll need to present proof of vaccination when trying to enter concerts, universities, or in any other similar scenarios. This makes it possible for people as you no longer have to carry your vaccination proof in paper everywhere you go.
In fact, you might even need to present this when booking your travel hotel. Therefore, a smartphone is a requirement when it comes to vaccine mandate.
Smartphones for Healthcare
There’s yet another important use of smartphones – healthcare. This has made the need to have smartphones even more important.
Healthcare apps, for example, allow people to get in touch with a physicals without having to leave home. These kinds of types could be essential for individuals who have ongoing health issues but aren’t always able to visit a doctor in person.
You can also use these apps on your laptops as well.
How Much Does a Smartphone Cost?
Although you can say that having a smartphone has become a necessity for most people, affording them might not always come as easily. Here are some extra cost that could come alongside purchasing a smartphone:
- Cost of purchasing the phone
- Chargers, and Bluetooth earpieces
- Monthly service
However, if you do want to buy a smartphone, then here are some ways to buy one within your budget:
- Buy a used smartphone
- Opt for prepaid service
- Choose the most reasonable smartphone service plan
- Share the cost through a family plan
You could also choose to lease a smartphone if you want to save money. This allows you to upgrade to a new phone every other year. Leasing a smartphone is the same concept as leasing a car.
Once the lease term comes to an end, you can choose a new phone, keep the current one, sign a new lease, or simply buy the phone itself.
Final Thoughts
If you know you’ll be using a smartphone on a regular basis, you might not give it a second thought as to how essential it is for your everyday life. Whether you view it as a necessity or not, the dependence on them will only grow both at home and in the office.
Affording a smartphone is possible, if you stay within your budget and look for a reasonably priced phone plan.