I’m in my senior year of college, and I’ll be applying for jobs in the tech space this fall. I love technology. I’ve been an Apple geek almost all my life. But I now have an iPhone 7, and as you can imagine, I’m feeling like it’s time for an upgrade.

I can’t afford the iPhone X right now, so that’s out of the question. But I have a feeling I won’t be taken seriously in Silicon Valley without at least an 8. I’ve heard that the iPhone 8 Plus has a lot of great features, too. I’m going to shop smart and try to find the best possible deal. How much should I expect to pay on an 8 Plus? How do I know I’m getting the best price?

Buying a new electronic device can be costly and complicated. When you’re considering a new Apple purchase, you should never go in without doing your homework. You’re making a wise decision by shopping around and reviewing different possibilities before you make an impulse buy, especially because your phone will likely be attached to your hip all day, every day, for the next two or three years.

You mentioned that you are an Apple geek. It happens to the best of us. Although Apple has a positive reputation and a loyal customer base, it is still a corporation, and no one is immune to its slick marketing strategies. The iPhone X has certainly been presented as the best thing since sliced bread, but as you’re already aware, it’s out of the price range for a lot of students and young professionals.

You might not be aware of how many similarities there are between the iPhone 8 and its fancy younger sibling, the iPhone X. Most of the iPhone X features that make this phone attractive to consumers — such as its DSLR-quality camera, extended battery life, large screen, and uber-sleek appearance — are available with the iPhone 8 Plus for a significantly lower price.

You’re probably already aware that the iPhone 8 Plus has a superior camera to your current 7, and for many people who live and breathe social media, that’s one of the major selling points. You’ll also have a longer battery life with your 8 Plus. Should something catastrophic happen, iPhone 8 Plus screen replacement is affordable and accessible in most major American cities.

Like you, lots of people are graduating and upgrading to “keep up with the Joneses” as they begin to apply for their first real-world jobs. The good news is that plenty of deals are available on the iPhone 8 Plus right now, if you know where to look.

Buying directly from Apple is the most expensive option and unlikely to save you much money, unless you’re willing to trade in your old phone. You can get up to $315 in store credit, which could be beneficial, depending on your budget. If you’d prefer to buy from a third-party retailer, arguably the best deals for an iPhone 8 Plus are available from U.S. carriers T-Mobile and Verizon.

T-Mobile sells the iPhone 8 Plus 64GB version for $80 upfront, payable with $230 down and $30 monthly. Verizon builds brand loyalty by offering up to 35 percent off to buyers trading in one of their old phones. And if you aren’t currently with Verizon, they have some offers for prepaid cards if you switch.