Do you really need to upgrade your smartphone every year?

According to Apple, Samsung and many other brands, this year’s smartphones are exponentially better than their predecessors. But what would we really miss by not upgrading?

Do you really need to upgrade your smartphone every year?
upgrade your smartphone 010

Time for an upgrade?

There is no denying that mobile devices have come a long way in the past decade. Ten years ago, we were marveling at the newly launched App Store. Back then, reviewers were going wild for the iPhone 3G. When you consider that device had only 128MB of memory and a 2MP camera, it’s easy to see how far smartphones have progressed. But has that rate of progress slowed over time? Does 2018’s Samsung Galaxy provide an extraordinary improvement over the 2017 version? We decided to weigh up the pros and cons of upgrading your phone.

upgrade your smartphone 07

Love at first sight

The backstory

It’s easy to forget that this yearly upgrade cycle is still a new idea. Until smartphones burst onto the scene, manufacturers would take their time in designing new devices. It was only when Apple discovered an insatiable appetite for brand new mobile technology that the restlessness began.

upgrade your smartphone 09

RIP 2017 phone

Initially, there seemed some sense in upgrading every year. The first few iPhones were priced at $300 or less, and each new model provided a raft of new features. But as time has passed, the cycle has become habitual rather than necessary. In addition, the prices have tripled.

Notable improvements

Of course, there are some reasons why you might want to upgrade. Many of the improvements we see in phones nowadays come through software updates. To run the latest software, you need a phone with sufficient computing power. While most manufacturers will support older handsets for a few years, swishy graphics and multitasking features may slow down.

upgrade your smartphone 03

The latest software

It was only a few months ago that Apple got into trouble for reducing the speed of older devices. While many people suggested this was a cynical marketing ploy, there is a sound technical basis for the policy.

As your battery grows old, the only way to keep your phone going is by reducing the CPU speed. As older devices have less power to start with, the downward spiral can take hold at alarming speed.

upgrade your smartphone 08

Rapid decline

So, should you upgrade your smartphone?

Let’s assume that, at some point in the future, you will want to replace your current phone. When should you make the change? If you want the latest features, obviously you will need to keep upgrading every year. However, this comes at an eye-watering price when you’re switching from one flagship device to the next.

upgrade your smartphone 01

Beautiful…but expensive

In some ways, it might make more sense to upgrade between mid-range models. These phones offer the same software features and much of the same processing power at a more affordable price. Many folks are also now turning to refurbished phones for better value.

upgrade your smartphone 06

Refurbished phones are selling well

There has been some suggestion that modular, upgradable phones may provide an alternative to the constant upgrade cycle. Phonebloks led the way back in 2013 — but after the project was first subsumed and then canceled by Google, the modular idea has somewhat slipped away.

Market research suggests that a growing number of people don’t want to upgrade at all. While half of iPhone owners plan to upgrade at the end of their contract, only 40% of Android users will follow suit. Just 2–3% of smartphone owners actually want to upgrade every year.

upgrade your smartphone 02

Your phone, your decision

Ultimately, the choice is yours. But ask yourself this question: would you replace your $1,000 laptop, games console, or camera every year? Probably not.

Mark is best known for writing about apps, but he also loves the tactile, hardware side of technology. Being a professional photographer, he's pretty handy with a camera, and he's a self-confessed tweetaholic.
Join the Discussion

You Might Also Like

I haven’t tried a Tricorder.Zero™ (yet)… But I can’t stop thinking about this 7-in-1 health & fitness tracker
I haven’t tried a Tricorder.Zero™ (yet)… But I can’t stop thinking about this 7-in-1 health & fitness tracker
Okay, so I haven’t held this thing in my hands yet, but I have been down a rabbit hole obsessing over the Tricorder.Zero™—and if there’s a gadget out there that looks like it was smuggled out of the Starship Enterprise,..
20 Smart accessories to upgrade your car in 2025
20 Smart accessories to upgrade your car in 2025
Technology is transforming the way we drive, making vehicles more connected, efficient, and convenient. Whether you’re looking for better organization, safety enhancements, or entertainment options, the latest car accessories offer impressive solutions. Below are some of the most exciting tech..
Earth Day spotlight: the most sustainable tech products & technologies of 2025
Earth Day spotlight: the most sustainable tech products & technologies of 2025
Earth Day 2025 is right around the corner. And, as Gadget Flow’s self-proclaimed sustainable tech writer, I’m excited to highlight the innovations that are actually moving us forward. Sure, the headlines can feel heavy, but real progress is happening and..
How will the tariffs affect the prices of consumer tech like smartphones and laptops?
How will the tariffs affect the prices of consumer tech like smartphones and laptops?
When President Donald Trump rolled out tariffs on exports from 75 countries, experts predicted the next iPhones in the US might run you around $2,150. The Consumer Technology Association even suggested sales of laptops and tablets could plunge by up..
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 review: Powerful performance at a budget price
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 review: Powerful performance at a budget price
Buying a cheap gaming laptop means accepting trade-offs. But why does battery life always seem like the first thing to go? Gamers deserve the freedom to play where they want—not just near an outlet. And let’s be honest, AMD chips..
These gadgets for mums are that good—I’d recommend them to my group chat
These gadgets for mums are that good—I’d recommend them to my group chat
If you’re looking for the perfect gift to surprise and delight the mom in your life, you’re reading the right blog. As a real mum who reviews tech for a living, I’ve rounded up some of the top gadget gifts..