How Often Should You Get a New Phone? 7 Signs to Upgrade

How often should you get a new phone? Waiting too long can be dangerous, but upgrading too often drains your bank account. So, where is the sweet spot?

People have different approaches when buying a new phone. Some replace their phone when their contract runs out, some buy as soon as a new model is released, and others hold onto their phone forever. But which is the optimal strategy? Read this post to find out!

6 Key Factors for Deciding if You Need a New Phone

1. Evaluate the Benefits of a New Phone vs an Old Phone

Keeping your phone and buying a new one both have benefits. You need to decide which advantages are more important to you.

Benefits of Buying a New Phone

• Increased functionality compared to your old phone
• More or improved features
• More space
• The kick of having something new
• Increased status or ability to show off

Benefits of Keeping an Old Phone

• Saving money by not buying a new phone
• Being able to spend this money on products you value more
• Being happy with what you have rather than chasing consumerism
• Fighting lifestyle inflation

2. Decide Between Need and Want

Do you need a new phone, or do you just want a new phone? Needing a new phone means:

• You do not have a phone right now
• Your old phone broke
• Your phone is too old to receive updates
• You are out of space even after deleting unused files or apps
• Your phone does not have a feature you need, e.g. lack of a camera

Wanting a new phone means your current phone works, but you are no longer satisfied. This could be because you see ads for newer phones or your friends have new phones. Sometimes, you may just want to try new features.

If you do not want to buy, you can rent a phone from Raylo. Read more in my Raylo review.

3. Consider Repairing Your Old Phone

If your phone doesn’t work well or is broken, you may be able to get it repaired. You can get broken screens and faulty batteries repaired easily. Costs for fixing a screen range from £100 to £200, depending on your phone. You can get your battery replaced for as little as £50.

If you have mobile phone insurance, check your policy to see if it includes repairs. Buying a new one is unnecessary if you are happy with your old phone after the repair.

4. Consider Your Phone’s Age

The average lifespan of a mobile phone is two to five years, although there are mixed data. Some sources cite an average life expectancy of two years, while others state a phone lasts, on average, five years.

A phone’s maximum age depends on which phone you buy and how you care for it. Cheap phones tend to have a shorter lifespan while more high-end phones last longer, although this is not universally true.

5. Assess Your Risk Tolerance

Which states that phones older than two years are at risk because they no longer receive security updates. Apple supports iPhones for five years, meaning you put your safety at risk if you keep your phone longer.

Without security updates, hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in your phone’s software. They can access your data, including mobile banking and social media accounts. Generally, the older a phone is, the greater the risk of hacking.

6. Compare Yourself to the Average

According to Statista, the average person buys a new phone every two years (53% of respondents). In total, 23% buy a new phone every three to five years. You don’t have to be average, but knowing this can be helpful.

7 Signs You Need a New Phone

You should also listen to your phone when considering replacing it. You’ll see some warning signs if your phone is too old.

1. Your Phone Is Slowing Down

There are easy ways to keep phones working fast, even old phones. You can:

• Uninstall unused apps
• Delete unused files
• Adjust your settings
• Update your software
• Reset your phone

But if all this does not help, it may be time to replace your phone. A slow phone causes frustration and affects several parts, including the touch screen and camera.

2. Your Phone Shuts Down on Its Own

It is annoying when your phone suddenly shuts down. This may occasionally happen during updates. If it happens frequently, it’s a sign that you need a new phone. Random shut-downs may be related to issues with the battery. You may be able to get away with replacing the battery.

3. The Power Button Does Not Always Work

If you cannot turn your phone on or off, you might use too much or too little force when pushing the power button. But more likely, it is a warning sign that you should look into buying a new phone. If you keep using your phone, eventually, you can’t turn it on anymore.

4. Apps Frequently Crash

It is normal that apps crash occasionally, which is likely caused by the app. However, if this occurs more frequently, it is a warning sign that you should replace your phone. If you cannot buy a new phone immediately, make a backup of your data to be safe.

5. The Phone Overheats

Sometimes, your phone may become hot. Causes may be installing updates or having too many apps running. However, it is a warning sign if your phone becomes hot without reason. Phones can explode after overheating, so you should turn yours off immediately.

6. You Struggle to Connect Your Phone to Other Devices

Your headphones might not connect with your headphone jack, or you might be unable to use Bluetooth. If it takes time to connect, your phone is ready to be replaced.

7. Your Phone Doesn’t Charge

Older phones may have difficulties with charging. Eventually, you might not be able to charge your phone anymore. If this is the case with your phone, buy a new charger. If the issue persists, it’s time for a new phone.

What to Do with Your Old Phone

If you bought a new phone, you may wonder what to do with your old one. There are plenty of options:

• Keep it as a second phone
• Hand it down to a friend or family member
• Sell it (learn more about selling a contract phone)
• Bring it to a recycling centre

How Often Should You Get a New Phone? Summary

Buying a new phone has many benefits, but keeping your old phone means saving money. If your old phone is broken, consider repairing it to save money vs buying a new phone. Your decision should also factor in whether you need a new phone or just want it.

The average lifespan of a phone lies between two and five years. After two years, your phone may be at increased risk of getting hacked. Also, look at the signs your old phone gives you to tell whether you need to replace it.

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