As Christmas approaches, some privacy and tech experts are warning consumers of the lure of cheaper phones in exchange for pre-installed apps that collect your data and can’t be deleted.

The collection and use of personal data – or data mining – is so lucrative, companies are trying to find new ways to access your information, movements and habits.

Most people are familiar with the settings on their phones and are able to turn off certain tracking and listening devices, but some phones don’t give you those options.

In some cases, cheaper phones with all the bells and whistles may be available, but tech blogger Kevin Andrews warns they can come at a much greater cost to your privacy and information.

“I think it’s a great example of how the price tag doesn’t always reflect the cost of the device.”

He says the phones appeal to a variety of people who may not have a lot of options. He cites students, newcomers, seniors, or families who are buying a first phone for a child as examples.

However, Andrews says the trade offs are high.

“In order to set up the phone and use it, you have to say ‘yes’ to some of these invasive types of technology, so it’s hard to really recommend something like this to somebody unless you really know what you’re getting into.”