Do You Really Need to Constantly Upgrade Your Phone?

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Whether you keep seeing people with sleek new gadgets or it’s the ads that draw you in, you aren’t alone in wanting to upgrade your phone. But do you need to do it each time a new device comes out? Sure, a new phone would be nice. But if you want to save money and think practically, it’s a good idea to think carefully before you pull the trigger on a brand-new device.

It Isn’t Really Something You Need to Do to Keep Up

Lots of people are tempted to upgrade their phones because they fear to look out of touch. However, recent research suggests that if you do this, you’re actually in the minority. Most Americans now upgrade their phones every three to five years. Plus, if you stay a model year or so behind, you’re likely to save a significant amount of money. When new models come out, they often are over $1,000, although that price drops sharply after a year or so on the market.

Most Phones Function Just Fine

Before you decide to buy the latest upgrade, make sure you compare features. In many cases, they’re likely to be similar. Businesses make money buying old phones because the technology isn’t that outdated. While some manufacturers include new updates that are drastically different, in many cases, the differences between model years are very small. Unless a new model has a feature you really want, like VR capabilities or a virtual assistant, you may be better off keeping your current phone.

Is Your Battery Life Slowing Down?

Of course, while many people want to upgrade simply for the sake of upgrading, it’s a whole other story if your phone is starting to lose function. If your battery life is starting to slow, it might be time for a new phone. If you’re determined to keep your old one, you may be able to replace the battery yourself. There are lots of places online that sell new phone batteries. However, in some models, working on a phone voids the warranty, so this probably only a good idea if your phone has no warranty or if you’re proficient in battery replacement.

Unless you have plenty of disposable income, you may want to think again before upgrading your phone. By waiting for a little and continuing to use your current phone until it starts showing noticeable signs of wear, you’re likely to save yourself a considerable amount of money in the future.

Here’s another article you might enjoy: Bigger or Smaller: Where Are Smart Devices Going Next?