Smartphones have helped to transform modern life over the last few years, with features that mean you can do hundreds of tasks on the go without having to carry endless items. And, despite the cost of having some fancy tech in your pocket, smartphones can help you to save a bit of money too…

Joe Linnington, mobile expert, has put together a list of tips to keep more money in your pocket using smartphones.

Music

Smartphones have helped to transform the music industry, enabling us to access millions of songs when with just one device, even when on-the-go. According to a survey by e2save^[1], listening to music is the most common smartphone activity, and data from Spotify^[2] has revealed that users stream an average of 40 artists every month. Even if you purchased just one song from 40 artists online every month, it would cost you close to £40, compared to approximately £10 a month for a Spotify or Apple Music membership, which would allow for unlimited listening.

TV and film

Film and TV are other areas where smartphone users are able to save a lot of money. Before the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video existed, being able to watch your favourite TV shows and films when you wanted was an expensive business. Buying boxsets on DVD, Blu Ray, or iTunes could cost upwards of £30. Nowadays, a subscription to a service like Netflix is as little as £5.99 per month for unlimited viewing. With the average Netflix viewer streaming 1 hour and 33 minutes^[3] of audio visual entertainment every day, that’s great value for money. And with a casting dongle such as a Chromecast, you don’t even need a smart TV to enjoy smartphone streaming on a big screen.

Dating

According to a recent survey, the average Brit spends a total of £60^[4] on a night out. Before the existence of smartphones apps, meeting new people meant either a night out, or a monthly subscription with a dating site. Thanks to the likes of free apps like Tinder and Bumble however, finding someone who catches your eye couldn’t be easier, or cheaper. Users have the potential to connect with thousands of others, without parting with a penny.

Banking

Most of use online banking regularly, and managing your money on the go has never been easier, with all major banks and building societies having their own mobile app. This means you can see transactions, and manage direct debits and transfers at the click of a few buttons. This access allows you to keep on how much you’re spending much more easily than before smartphones existed, hopefully keeping you out of the red.

International Calling

Many contracts now come with unlimited minutes and texts, but those are limited to your friends and family also in the UK. If you ever go over your text or call quota or need to make an international call, apps like WhatsApp, Skype and Facetime are a great way to ensure you don’t rack up huge phone bills. Likewise, if you’re on holiday, using these apps will keep additional charges to a minimum, provided you’re connected to WiFi.

To view e2save’s full range of phones, visit https://www.e2save.com/