Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever—even smartphones can’t stand the test of time. While we all probably want to stick with the same phone forever, it’s not always possible. Eventually, there will come a time when your phone needs to be replaced, whether it’s because it’s outdated, damaged, or not performing to your needs.
We understand how daunting and stressful it can be to think about upgrading your phone. It’s more than just buying a new phone; it’s also having to transfer all your photos, videos, apps, and other personal data. To help ease your anxieties and ensure you’re prepared, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about phone upgrades and how often you should upgrade your phone.
In this article, we’ll be delving into the best time to upgrade your device, key signs you should look out for, as well as the new phone models hitting the refurbished market. Buying refurbished is becoming a popular choice, especially if you want to stay up-to-date with the latest tech on the market.
Despite popular belief, refurbished phones aren’t just second-hand devices for models that have been out for years. It’s possible to get even the latest models refurbished soon after their launch, like the latest Samsung flagship or Apple’s newest iPhone.
Along with being cost-effective and shaving down prices for better deals, refurbished is also the way to go if you’re an eco-conscious shopper. Buying refurbished reduces electronic waste, greenhouse gas emissions during the supply chain process, and more.
The Best Time To Upgrade Your Phone
The best time to upgrade your phone will depend on a variety of factors, including your current phone’s performance, your budget, requirements, deals, and personal preference. Below, we’ve outlined different factors you should consider to determine when you should upgrade.
Current phone performance
When deciding when is a good time to upgrade your phone, taking into account your current phone’s performance is essential. If your phone’s performance isn’t impacting your phone usage, you can wait to upgrade. However, if you experience any of the following indicators, you should consider getting a new device.
- If you’re experiencing any problems with your phone’s battery, it’s a warning sign that it’s time to upgrade. These include your battery draining too quickly, not holding a charge, or having issues charging.
- If apps and games take longer to load, multitasking becomes sluggish, or apps start crashing unexpectedly, this is a sign you may need to upgrade.
- Constantly running out of storage space is also a sign that you might need to upgrade your phone and storage to a bigger model. Low storage can slow down your device and make it harder to install software updates.
Software updates
When your smartphone stops receiving operating software updates, that is a key sign that you should consider upgrading. After a phone stops receiving updates, not only does it miss out on the latest features and optimisation, but it also loses new security patches and fixes, which can be a liability.
The length of time a phone receives software support will depend on the model and manufacturer. Google promises seven years of support for its flagship Pixel phones, while Apple promises 5 to 7 years of support for its iPhone devices.
Technological advancements
When significant technological advancements are made in the smartphone field, that’s a tell-tale sign it's time for an upgrade. For example, the leap from 4G to 5G networks. If your device only supports 4G connectivity, it’s time to upgrade.
Other technological advancements are also important to consider. These include battery life, cameras, artificial intelligence, and faster processors. They can make a sweeping change and improve your user experience.
New Phone Models Hitting The Refurbished Market
New phone models arrive on the refurbished market as regularly as the brand-new market. Whenever a new phone model is released, it can take a few weeks to a few months for it to become available refurbished or preowned.
Whether you’re looking for an iPhone or one of the flagship Android devices, there are a few new phone models that have recently been released in the refurbished market to keep an eye out for. These include:
- Apple’s iPhone 15 series range includes the base model, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max. The iPhone 16 series is also expected to be available refurbished soon.
- Samsung’s foldable models, like the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4, are expected to grow in popularity in the refurbished market in 2024 as the new Fold 5 and Flip 5 are released. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a space-efficient design offering more screen space.
- The OnePlus 11, released in early 2023, has hit the refurbished market. It features the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display.
- Google’s latest Pixel flagship devices and Pixel Fold should now be available in the refurbished market. They're great choices if you want an Android device running the stock operating system.
All the phone models released in 2023 and early 2024 should be hitting the refurbished and second-hand device markets. Buying them refurbished is a great way to score a good deal and shave money off the original price.
How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?
How often you should upgrade your phone depends on personal preference, and what you need the phone for. If you’re someone who loves to stay up-to-date on cutting-edge technology, upgrading every 1-2 years is ideal.
Statistics show that the average phone user upgrades every 2-3 years. This timeframe also coincides with when the smartphone industry makes its most significant technological improvements, such as improved cameras and processors.
If you’re an eco-conscious shopper and want to contribute to sustainable practices, it’s possible to extend the lifespan of a phone to 4-5 years (or even more) before upgrading.
For users that play intensive games or use heavy apps, we recommend upgrading every 2-3 years. This ensures your device is always up-to-date with the latest updates and can handle any game you’re able to run.
If you’re just using your phone for streaming videos, checking emails, and light web browsing, you can wait four or more years to upgrade.
Upgrade Your Phone For Less With OzMobiles
If you’re looking to upgrade your phone for less, buying a refurbished device is the best choice for saving on costs, even on newer models like the Samsung Galaxy S24. At OzMobiles, we stock a range of refurbished phones, including the latest Galaxy devices and Apple’s iPhone 15 series.
At OzMobiles, we pride ourselves on having the best deals on refurbished phones. So, if you find a better deal elsewhere, we’ll beat it by $10* (terms and conditions apply). All the smartphones we sell also come with a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return policy.
When you shop with OzMobiles, you can also have peace of mind with our quality assurance. All the devices we sell go through comprehensive testing and repairs (if required) as part of our refurbishment process. We restore all the phones we sell to like-new condition and ensure they’re fully functional and running optimally.
If you’re looking to upgrade your device, contact the OzMobiles team today. We can help you find the right phone to suit all your needs. We can also answer any queries you may have, including about our refurbishment process.
