Your smartphone is the center of your digital life. When is the right time to upgrade your smartphone? This is a question that many tech-savvy consumers have and for a good reason. Around the world, we have seen many people showing their excitement for their brand-new smartphones. Whether it is the release of a newer phone version or simply someone upgrading their phone for no apparent reason, many know how difficult staying loyal to just one device is.
It’s not that we don’t love our devices but because we crave something new and improved from technology companies worldwide. While reading this article, I want you to remember that you should be using your phone as a tool to help you with your everyday life. If you are looking for a new device but aren’t sure if now is the right time, these tips will help you decide when is the best time to upgrade to the next smartphone.
When a New Feature is Released
There are a few good reasons to upgrade your smartphone. The biggest is when a phone company releases a new feature that you need. That might be taking photos in low-light situations or getting more battery life.
Maybe the latest phone doesn’t have any apparent benefits over your old one, but it could have some subtle improvements that make it worth considering, like better battery life or a better camera. That’s why it’s essential to read up on the latest smartphones when they come out, so you know what the newest features are and whether they might benefit you.
You Want Better Security
Newer smartphones have more advanced security measures than older models, protecting you from hackers and identity thieves. If you have an older phone, the best way to avoid these problems is by updating your software regularly. But if you’re in the market for a new smartphone, one of the most significant benefits is that it comes with the latest version of its operating system already installed.
You Need More Storage Space
If you’re constantly deleting photos and apps just so that you can take more pictures or install more apps, it’s probably time to upgrade your phone. Luckily, most smartphones now come with at least 64GB of internal storage, and many newer models even have microSD slots that allow you to expand your phone’s storage capacity.
Your Battery is Dying Too Quickly
All batteries die eventually. This is simply a fact of life. But if your phone is already struggling to make it through the day after only a year or two of use, it might be time for an upgrade. There are ways to extend the life of your battery (such as turning down the brightness), but if these methods aren’t working for you anymore, then it might be time to upgrade.
Your Phone is Too Slow
This is a common reason for upgrading. The more apps you install and the more you use your phone, the slower it will be over time. If you’re noticing a lot of lag, it might be time to move on. But before you do, try a factory reset and clear out all your old stuff first. You’ll lose everything that isn’t saved in the cloud or on an SD card, but your phone will be as fast as it was when you first bought it.
If you’re on your phone a lot, you probably notice when it starts to slow down. This can be due to software updates gone awry, apps that are just not optimized for your device, or a hardware issue.
If the slow-down is due to hardware or software you can’t get a workaround, it’s time for an upgrade. If it’s something you can get a handle on, try closing out apps and clearing up space before you take the plunge. If that works, wait until the next upgrade cycle and see if your next phone can run more efficiently.
You Want a New Operating System
A new operating system is one of the most compelling reasons to get a new phone. Manufacturers release a major OS update each fall, and carriers often cannot get those updates to existing phones until after the holidays. If you have an older model, you might miss out entirely on some of the newest features.
If your current phone is running Lollipop 5.0 or older, for example, you won’t get Google Now on Tap unless you upgrade to Marshmallow 6.0 or newer, which isn’t likely to happen if your phone is more than two years old.
When Apps Start Breaking
If you start to notice apps not working correctly or crashing more often than usual, this is a good sign it might be time to upgrade your phone. This usually happens when an app has been updated and no longer supports the operating system you have on your phone. If this happens frequently, it’s probably because the operating system on your device is outdated and can no longer support the newest versions of apps.
Your Smartphone is Damaged
If your current phone is damaged and you’ve already used up your insurance claim, you should probably get the next model. After all, the longer you wait, the less likely it will be that your phone can be repaired. It’s also possible that your carrier will give you a discount on a replacement if your phone is damaged but not completely unusable.
The downside of this is that you’ll have to pay for a new phone even if you’re still under contract, so make sure to ask about any discounts if that’s the case.
Your Hardware Is Malfunctioning
The most obvious reason to upgrade your phone is that your hardware is malfunctioning or seriously slowing down. If your phone is malfunctioning, whether it be a cracked screen, non-functioning buttons, or water damage, the battery won’t hold a charge, or it dies too quickly, it’s time to upgrade. If your phone is older than three years, it’s time for a new one.
Your Operating System Is Out Of Date
This is an easy one to check. Go to Settings on your phone, tap About, and then Software Update. If you can’t update your phone anymore, that could signify that it’s time for a new device.
Most smartphones are supported for about two years before the manufacturer stops issuing updates (but some last three or four years, and Google Pixel and specific Android One devices get OS updates for five or six years).
This means that after two years, your phone may not be able to receive all the security patches it needs to protect against malicious attacks and other threats. At this point, you should probably start considering an upgrade.
When you Want a Better Camera
If you’re the type of person that loves to take photos with your smartphone, then you should strongly consider upgrading your phone when the next flagship device is released if it has a better camera than your current phone.
Even if you are not someone who takes a lot of photos with your phone, you can still benefit from having a better camera because not all camera improvements are just for taking better pictures.
Some camera features can be used to make your life easier. For example, newer models have facial recognition, making unlocking your phone quicker and easier.
It’s also important to keep in mind that cameras on smartphones are still improving rapidly, and you don’t want to be left behind.
When It’s Time to Switch Platforms
First and foremost, I think it’s important to point out that a smartphone is very much a personal device. It’s an extension of your personality and how you want to be represented. If you’re going with an iPhone, you’re signaling to the world that you value security and simplicity over everything else. If you’re going with an Android phone, you’re saying that you love customization and options over everything else. If you want to switch from iOS to Android or vice versa, I think the time for making that change is whenever Google or Apple releases a new flagship phone on each platform.
When Bigger Is Better
When it comes to mobile phones, bigger is better. But is bigger always better? What size should your phone be? How big is too big? There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the size of your mobile device.
Each newer version of the device will improve upon what came before it. You want to buy a new phone when there are features that you need. That way, you have plenty of time to comprehend the qualities and give them a go entirely.
In the end, there’s no correct answer when it comes to determining when you should upgrade your smartphone. It’s a personal decision that depends on your needs and wants and what you can justify financially. However, by considering this information, you’re sure to have a better idea of what you are looking for in a new smartphone. This will enable you to make a better-informed decision when it comes time to upgrade your device.