With the pace of technology rapidly advancing, it’s normal to wonder how often you should upgrade your smartphone. Newer models packed with cutting-edge features are released every year, so you may feel pressured to frequently change phones in order to keep up. However, upgrading too often can be an unnecessary expense. When determining your ideal upgrade cycle, there are several factors to consider.
How Often Do New Phones Come Out?
Most major smartphone manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Google release new flagship phone models on an annual basis. Apple generally reveals its latest iPhone every September, while Samsung’s Galaxy S series and Google’s Pixel phones arrive in the spring or summer. In addition to these main flagship releases, some iterative updates like the iPhone S models also come in between major generational upgrades.
Beyond the major brands, other phone makers may follow slightly different schedules but generally stick to releasing new models every year. For instance, OnePlus unveils numbered flagship like the OnePlus 10 in the spring and follow up with a “T” model in the fall. Overall, you can expect exciting new phones throughout the year, with the biggest changes happening in the fall when brands compete for holiday sales.
How Often Should You Upgrade?
Just because new phones come out annually doesn’t mean you need to upgrade that frequently. Here are some factors to consider when deciding when to get a new phone:
- Every 2-3 years: Upgrading every 2-3 years allows you to take advantage of noticeable improvements in camera quality, battery life, processor speed, and other key features. Jumping from a phone that’s 3 or more years old to a current model will feel like a significant upgrade.
- When you’re no longer satisfied: Don’t upgrade just for the sake of having the latest model. Wait until your current phone’s performance, battery life, or features no longer meet your needs.
- When there are issues: Sometimes unexpected issues like rapid battery drain, storage filling up, or system crashes are a sign it’s time for an upgrade.
- When security updates end: Software and security updates are important for protecting your data and privacy. Once your phone stops receiving updates, it’s risky to keep using it.
- For better cellular connectivity: Getting a 5G capable phone allows you to access the fastest data speeds, so upgrade once 5G coverage is widely available in your area.
- For major new features: Game-changing additions like dramatically improved cameras, foldable screens, or satellite connectivity may convince you to upgrade sooner.
Ultimately, the ideal upgrade cycle depends on your budget, how well your current phone meets your needs, and whether any new features that come out feel like must-haves to you personally.
How Long Do Phones Typically Last?
With proper care and maintenance, most modern flagship smartphones can remain functional for 3-4 years. However, their performance and battery life will degrade over time. Here are some estimates for how long phones tend to last under normal usage:
- iPhone: 3-4 years
- Samsung Galaxy: 2-3 years
- Google Pixel: 3-4 years
- OnePlus: 2-3 years
The lifespan can vary based on factors like how heavily you use the phone, charging habits, and exposure to drops or water that cause physical damage. Taking good care of your phone by using a case, avoiding overcharging the battery, and getting repairs as needed can help extend its usable life.
Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Phone
Here are some clear indicators that your current smartphone may be ready for retirement:
- It’s more than 3-4 years old
- The battery life has noticeably diminished
- It runs very slow even after restarting and closing apps
- The storage is constantly full even after deleting apps and photos
- The camera quality lags behind current models
- It’s stopped receiving software and security updates
- It’s physically damaged from drops or water exposure
- New apps and software features don’t work on the outdated operating system
- You keep running into annoying issues and glitches
If you notice a combination of these factors, your phone is showing its age and you’ll benefit from upgrading to a newer model with better performance and features.
How Do Phone Companies Encourage Frequent Upgrades?
Phone manufacturers would love for you to upgrade to the latest model as soon as it’s released. Here are some ways they try to incentivize customers to upgrade frequently:
- Releasing new models every year
- Highlighting camera, battery and performance improvements
- Introducing new attention-grabbing features like foldable screens or satellite connectivity
- Offering trade-in deals to discount the new phone
- Shutting down software updates and support after 2-3 years
- Promotions like free storage upgrades or headphones with purchase
- Monthly payment plans that let you spread out the cost over time
- Celebrity endorsements and buzz-building marketing campaigns
Being aware of marketing tactics designed to fuel the upgrade cycle can help you make a more informed decision about when the timing is right based on your own needs.
Cost Comparison of Upgrading Phones
Upgrading your phone every 2-3 years usually costs $300-1000 depending on whether you opt for flagship or budget models. Here’s a cost breakdown:
| Upgrade Cycle | Type of Phone | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Every year | Flagship (iPhone, Galaxy, Pixel) | $800-1200 per year |
| Budget | $300-500 per year | |
| Every 2 years | Flagship | $400-600 per year |
| Budget | $150-250 per year | |
| Every 3 years | Flagship | $250-400 per year |
| Budget | $100-170 per year |
As you can see, upgrading budget phones less frequently can save you hundreds of dollars per year. Even with pricier flagships, holding onto them for at least 2-3 years helps make the costs more manageable.
Making Your Phone Last Longer
To get the most life out of your smartphone, here are some tips:
- Use a protective case and screen protector
- Be careful not to drop your phone or get it wet
- Keep the phone clean and free of dust
- Avoid exposing your phone to extreme heat or cold
- Charge the battery properly and don’t overcharge
- Close out apps you aren’t using to optimize performance
- Update to the latest software and security patches
- Restart your phone every few days
- Replace the battery if it can no longer hold a charge
- Clear out storage space regularly
- Get repairs done as soon as damage occurs
If you take good care of your smartphone, chances are it will serve you well for at least 2-3 years. And performing regular maintenance along with software updates will help optimize its performance.
Selling or Trading In Your Old Phone
Instead of stashing your old phone in a drawer when you upgrade, consider selling or trading it in to recoup some of the cost of your new device. Here are some options:
- Sell to a buyer through Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace or other platforms.
- Trade in the old device to your carrier for credit toward a new phone.
- Take advantage of phone buyback programs from retailers or manufacturers.
- Donate gently used phones to charities like CellPhonesForSoldiers.com.
Make sure to factory reset the device and remove SIM and memory cards before selling or trading in your phone. Doing so will allow you to get the best value for your used smartphone.
Switching Phone Brands When Upgrading
When getting a new phone, you don’t necessarily have to stick with the same brand. There are pros and cons to switching from iOS to Android or vice versa when you upgrade.
Pros:
- Get to try different features and innovations
- May be less expensive to switch brands
- Prevents you from getting bored
Cons:
- Learning curve to get used to new operating system
- May lose access to apps or data
- Accessories may not be compatible
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Don’t feel locked in if you’ve become curious about exploring other phone ecosystems.
Bottom Line
On average, keeping a smartphone for 2-3 years before upgrading is reasonable for most users. Jumping to a new model every year is overkill for many people unless you have a specific need for cutting-edge features.
The right upgrade cycle boils down to your budget, how well your current phone works, and whether new innovations seem worthwhile. If you take good care of your device, you shouldn’t feel pressured into upgrading at the pace phone companies would like you to. Focus instead on your own needs to find an upgrade schedule that provides the features you want at a cost you can afford.