Things to consider when buying a smartphone in Canada

Read our guide for newcomers to see how you can pick a phone for your budget and lifestyle.

Upgrading your Smartphone

There are a number of reasons you might want to upgrade your smartphone. Common reasons include access to the newest security updates, replacing an old device due to cosmetic wear and tear, natural degradation of internal components, camera upgrades to share and preserve higher-quality images and videos, and compatibility with current operating systems and applications.

Features of Samsung Smartphones for a newcomer to Canada

Learning more about the different features you want in a smartphone and how to compare these features can help you choose the right phone.

Live Translation and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Get live translation when having conversations in a new language. Galaxy AI1 features in your device can transform your routine. For example, Live Translate allows you to communicate with others in up to 13 different languages. 2

Digital wallets

• Digital wallets such as Samsung Wallet are widely accepted among grocery stores, public transit systems, gas stations, dentist appointments and more in Canada. 3 Pay with a simple tap and don’t worry about forgetting your debit and credit cards at home.
• Digital wallets can also hold other pieces of information such as ID cards, event tickets and more.
Security
• Samsung offers enhanced device security with Knox, a multi-layered security platform that is active on your Galaxy device.
• We recommend keeping your smartphone’s software updated to help your phone continue running smoothly with security enhancements and removal of minor bugs.


Camera Quality

• In general, high megapixel counts result in higher-resolution images that come out clearer when viewing a picture digitally or in print.
• Some Samsung smartphone models such as the Galaxy S24 allow you to make advanced camera adjustments – such as aperture changes for clearer low-light photos, image stabilization to avoid blurry pictures, and a telephoto lens for improved zoom capabilities.1,4,5


Storage

• A smartphone’s built-in storage is often measured in gigabytes (GB) and usually stores a phone’s data, apps and operating systems.
• Samsung offers smartphones that range from 128-1000 GB.


Durability and quality

• Smartphone exteriors can be made up of a variety of materials including glass, aluminum and titanium.
• For example, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is designed with a Titanium frame6 and better scratch-resistance with Corning® Gorilla® Armor for everyday use. 7
• Water and dust resistance. Several are equipped with protection from water, dirt and grime. Many of the new Galaxy phones have an IP rating of 68.8,9


Extended Warranty

• Some products allow you to extend your warranty with the purchase of an additional plan or registration. Samsung Care+ provides total care service for your new Galaxy smartphone, laptop, tablet or wearable device, and helps you stay worry-free beyond the standard warranty. It even offers limited protection of physical or liquid damage, and mechanical malfunction or defects not covered by the manufacturer's warranty, for up to 2 years. 10

How to choose a smartphone that suits your lifestyle

For virtual shoppers, you can easily compare up to three Samsung smartphone models at once. The Samsung website will show each model’s features such as battery capacity, screen size, camera resolution and more. You can also learn about products through online user reviews.

For those who prefer in-store purchases, Samsung Experience Stores and retailers let you experience the look, feel and function of the product before you commit to a purchase.

Regardless of whether you shop online or in-person, Samsung support is available to advise you on which smartphone best suits your needs.

Buying a new smartphone

• Explore payment options. Cost-conscious students and job-seekers looking for a lower-cost smartphone can often choose to pay off their device in monthly installments rather than full price upfront.
• Look for deals. Some offers such as Samsung’s mobile bundles include accessories such as earbuds and tablets for a reduced price. Discounts are also usually available on key Canadian sale dates such as Canada Day (July 1st), Black Friday (mid-to-late November) and Boxing Day (December 26th).
• Trade-in an old device. Samsung’s Trade-in program accepts most popular smartphone, tablet and wearable device models purchased in Canada in exchange for savings on your purchase of a new Samsung product. 11
• Research different products. For example, you may not know Samsung’s Galaxy line offers a variety of smartphones at various price points. From the more cost-effective Samsung Galaxy A series to one of our newer models featuring Galaxy AI,1 there is a smartphone with the price and features to suit your lifestyle.

Buying a new smartphone Common Samsung smartphone accessories to suit your lifestyle

Compatible Samsung smartphone accessories can help you take advantage of your phone and mobile app features, providing you a more enjoyable experience. Accessories you may find helpful for your day-to-day life include the following:

• Wireless headphones can pair seamlessly with your smartphone for your everyday activities. From evening runs to work calls, consider compact earbuds to take with you wherever you go.
• Phone cases can add durability, style and grip to your phone, as well as provide functionality with features such as a built-in stand or card holder.
• Screen protectors are a thin film that can be applied on top of your smartphone’s original screen. This film can provide an extra layer of protection as well as anti-reflecting features.
• Digital watches such as the Galaxy Watch6, can help you track fitness data, access GPS navigation on your watch, and track your sleep.

How Samsung can help you

Samsung is here to help you buy a smartphone that suits your needs. Whether you are looking for a sleek design, strong build, enhanced security, high-quality camera, AI features1 or a basic communication tool, our range of smartphones lets you choose a device that meets your preferences.

Samsung SmartStarts is an exclusive program for newcomers to Canada. It offers practical resources and technology deals including trade-in programs, financing options and Samsung Care+ (an after-sales support program). After joining SmartStarts, new Canadians can receive a welcome voucher worth $50 and special offers on Samsung products. 15 Sign up today, and let’s help you build a future empowered by innovative technology.

1Samsung Account login may be required to use certain Samsung AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features.

2Live Translate requires Samsung account login. Availability of supported languages may vary. Languages require language pack download. Service availability may vary by language. Language availability may vary. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed. Availability and supported features may vary by country, region or carrier

3Requires A Samsung Account. Feature availability may vary depending on country. Please check the available features for the Samsung Wallet in your country by opening the Wallet application.

4Some features may require the Camera Assistant app. Camera Assistant can be downloaded from the Galaxy Store. Support for the Enhanced Zoom, Nightography, and SuperSteady features may vary depending on your Galaxy device.

5Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.

6Titanium is only applied on the device frame. Frame does not include volume and side keys.

7Compared to Galaxy S23 Ultra. Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy.

8Devices rated as IP68 are based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Water and dust resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear.

9For full list of Samsung phones with the highest level of water protection (IP68), visit https://117.p.syniva.es/ca/support/mobile-devices/galaxy-phone-dust-and-water-resistance-rating/. If a phone model is not listed, then it does not have an IP rating.

102-Year Samsung Care+ protection begins on the date you purchase the Plan and ends the earlier of: (1) 24 months from the Device Purchase Date; and (2) the date this Plan is cancelled in accordance with Terms and Conditions of the 2-Year Samsung Care+. This Plan complements and is supplementary to the manufacturer’s warranty but does not replace the manufacturer’s warranty or warranty obligations during the manufacturer’s warranty period. If Device failure is due to physical or liquid damage, this Plan provides a maximum of two (2) service requests every 12 months immediately following the Device Purchase Date to a maximum of four (4) service requests throughout the lifetime of the Plan. There are no limits for service requests due to mechanical malfunction or defects, provided they are not protected by the manufacturer’s warranty. Please refer to the terms and conditions of the 2-Year Samsung Care+ for more details.

11Terms and conditions apply. For full terms and conditions of the Samsung trade-in program, visit: https://pages.samsung.com/ca/promotions/English/SamsungTradeInProgram_TermsofUse_EN.pdf

12Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition, disease or sleep disorder. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

13GPS function requires internet connection. Can be used on LTE models without paired smartphone. Non-LTE models require Bluetooth connection to paired smartphone. By enabling GPS, your current location information may be gathered and used by Galaxy apps and third-party apps to provide location-based services.

14Requires Samsung Health app version 6.24 or later.

Galaxy Watch6 Classic must be paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with Android 10.0 and minimum 1.5GB Memory.

Sleep tracking features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or sleep disorder. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

15Some conditions apply. Offer is valid from March 19, 2024 to December 31, 2024 (the “Offer Period”). Offer available online at 117.p.syniva.es/ca or the Samsung Shop App (“Online”). Offer available to customers who have (i) completed the registration process by answering a series of questions available at 117.p.syniva.es/ca/campaign/newcomers/, (ii) received an email from SheerID Inc. (the “Service Provider”) confirming the verification process has been completed, AND (iii) received an email from Samsung containing the Offer details along with an e-voucher (the “E-Voucher”) during the Offer Period (“Eligible Customers”).