Technology is one of those big-ticket items where the cost is likely to run into the hundreds. But if you are a savvy shopper, then you could save yourself a pretty penny. With a little help from Carphone Warehouse, we break down what to buy in January – and what to avoid.
What tech should I buy in January?
It goes without saying that you shouldn’t buy things just for the sake of buying them. Even if you see what looks like an amazing deal.
But if you are in the market for some new tech, then what does it make sense to buy in January?
Carphone Warehouse’s research into the price of tech in 2020 found that, on average, shoppers could expect to spend around £500 on a new electrical item.
But there are times of the year when different products are cheaper. January is one of these times, as it is usually when the sales that start in December are rounded off.
It is also the month where the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) takes place. This is when lots of manufacturers announce the next-generation of models, and the older-generation models get a price cut.
So here’s a rundown of the best tech to buy in January.
TVs
New TVs are typically launched between April and June, and it takes around eight months for their prices to reach their lowest point. Which is just when January rolls around.
If you are not fussed about having the latest model, then you will find that TVs very much benefit from this previous-generation product price drop.
Another top tip is that 55-inch models are the most popular size and are therefore more likely to be discounted in the holiday sales.
Cameras
Some of the lowest prices on cameras also roll around in January.
The month before or the month after major trade shows are when you can make the biggest savings in last-gen tech. So the Consumer Electronics Show and the holiday sales can make a big difference to the price.
Smartphones
To get the best deals on smartphones, you need to be aware of when the big names release their latest handsets.
Apple typically unveils the next-generation iPhone in September, while Huawei and Samsung tend to release new products in March or April.
However, you may still want to buy in January. Smartphone discounts do often crop up in the winter sales. Plus the Mobile World Congress (MWC) is held in February. As we have already covered, the month before a big trade show often yields price cuts for last-generation tech.
What should I avoid?
While there are lots of tech options available in January at discounted prices, there are some products where it would make sense to wait.
Laptops
Intel and AMD create the core processors for many laptops. They typically launch their new products in July. This means price drops on older-generations will happen in the middle of the year instead.
This is also co-ordinated with the ‘back-to-school’ sales. So you are more likely to find cheap deals on laptops around this time of year. As a result, January is not the best time to buy.
Games consoles
The best time to buy games consoles is in the run-up to Christmas. The next generations of consoles such as Xbox or Playstation tend to be announced in the autumn.
You can also expect the previous generations of this sort of tech to be included in the Black Friday sales.
How do I know I am getting a good deal?
Whether you are planning to buy in January or not, it is always worth doing some research beforehand. Try to read reviews ahead of time and think about what it is you want from the product.
You can also use price checkers, like PriceSpy or PriceRunner, to see what the price of your chosen model has been throughout the year. That way you can get a good feel of whether or not you are getting a genuine bargain.
Finally, consider purchasing your product on your credit card. This will give you an added layer of protection through Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. It makes your credit card provider jointly liable for anything that could go wrong with your purchase.
Just remember to pay off your balance in full at the end of each month in order to avoid any costly interest charges.
