0330 123 4609
Menu
Debating whether to upgrade? Here are the telltale signs to help you decide if you're due an upgrade.
Written by Sneha Kashyap, Content and PR Executive | Conscious Consumption and Tech Trends
Last updated on 12 December 2025
With Samsung’s foldable devices now readily available following the recent Galaxy Unpacked, and Apple’s extortionate, yet highly anticipated iPhone 17 due to hit the market this fall, a lot of smartphone users are left wondering if they should upgrade their devices. Yet, the question of when to upgrade isn’t an easy one, with each user and their device being a unique case in point. Nevertheless, there are some obvious signs you might be due an upgrade, such as recent water damage, or software and security updates stopping. In this blog, we’ll uncover more such scenarios to help you identify when you should upgrade your phone, rather than give in to the temptation of a new device simply for the sake of it.
There are key signs that indicate whether you should upgrade your phone or at least start thinking about upgrading it. Often, people choose to upgrade due to new models being released, which can be quite tempting. But if there is nothing wrong with your phone in terms of functionality and you are still able to get the latest updates, then we suggest keeping hold of your phone for longer. Especially, when in reality our demand for smartphones is detrimental to the environment in terms of how much e-waste they create.
Watch out for these key signs as they indicate you need to upgrade your phone:-
If your phone stopped receiving security and software updates, then it most likely is too old, and the manufacturer has dropped support for it. This will put your personal information and data at risk, as without regular security patch updates, your phone may become vulnerable to malware attacks; this is one of the most serious reasons why, at this point, you must upgrade your phone.
If you’ve dropped your phone a few times and it has a couple of scratches, then you shouldn’t be in a rush to upgrade your phone. On the contrary, if your phone's screen is severely broken damaged to the point where pieces of glass are falling off, causing the screen's surface to be quite sharp, then you should definitely consider getting it repaired.However, if the cost of repairs outweighs the cost of buying a new device, then obviously your best bet is to replace it with a brand new phone or a refurbished phone.
That annoying notification telling you you’ve run out of storage starting to bug you? Well, it may be time to purchase more storage or offload the data from your phone onto a cloud storage solution. Other options include buying a new phone or using a microSD card (if your phone has a slot).
Over time, your phone battery will naturally start to degrade, leading to an overall performance drop. If you find that your phone doesn’t last the full day and you need to charge it multiple times throughout the day, then you may need an upgrade. On the other hand, poor battery life doesn't always mean you need a new phone immediately. It could be resolved by fitting a new battery into your phone. But anyway, take it as a warning that poor battery life means replacement, either of the battery itself or an upgrade to a new phone.
Contact with any liquid might render your phone unusable and might cause malfunctioning buttons, microphone, or irreversible screen damage. In this case, we highly recommend upgrading to a new phone or buying a refurbished phone.
When it's time to upgrade your phone, it's definitely crucial to find a balance between tech advancements, personal needs, and environmental responsibility. By making informed decisions and prioritising longevity over upgrades based on the latest products, you can ensure that you save money while also maximising the use of your device before deciding to recycle it.
As you can imagine, there is an abundance of mobile phones to choose from, from the latest releases to the ever-growing variety of refurbished phones, which are as good as new, just cheaper and better for the environment. Phone upgrades in general are easy once you've decided to go ahead, but here are a few frequently asked questions and answers that will make it a breeze for you.
How often should I upgrade my phone? Most people upgrade their phones every 2 to 3 years, but the ideal timing depends on your needs. If your device no longer gets software updates, struggles with performance, or the battery doesn’t last like it used to, it may be time to upgrade. For average users, upgrading every 3 years strikes a good balance between staying current and getting the most out of your phone.
Can my current provider give me lower monthly costs? If you're looking for a new phone on a contract, the SIM plan and device cost will comprise your monthly payments. The easiest way to reduce these costs is to choose the most optimal SIM plan that will bring the monthly payments down, or you can haggle your next contract playing the "I've been your customer for ages" card.
Can I upgrade with a different provider? Yes! Once your contract is up, you own the phone you bought outright, so there are no strings attached, and you can choose a different provider for your next contract.
Can I upgrade my phone early? Yes, but how early depends on which provider you are with, as some companies may expect you to pay off the rest of your contract or at least a fee before you upgrade. Moreover, some providers allow you to upgrade a few months before your contract expires and may even give you a discount to keep you as a customer.
What’s the difference between an upgrade and a new mobile phone plan? An upgrade is when you get a new phone with your current provider or a different one. A new mobile phone plan is when you keep your phone, but instead, you opt for a SIM-only contract. Essentially, a new mobile phone plan means that you have finished paying off the cost of your phone and choose to open a new contract just for your SIM.
As you can probably imagine, frequent phone upgrades come with a lot of environmental consequences that are often overlooked. Unfortunately, each new phone requires the extraction of raw materials such as metals and rare earth elements, leading to pollution, and the loss of natural resources. Additionally, phones that are not recycled and properly disposed of contribute to e-waste , which causes even more issues for the environment and the communities surrounding landfills.
The good news is that we can play a huge role in the reduction of e-waste and the mountain of problems that come with it. If we consciously try to reduce how frequently we upgrade our mobile phones and tech gadgets, we can extend their lifespan and mitigate the environmental impact that comes with upgrading.
The energy-intensive production and transportation processes associated with phone manufacturing further exacerbate carbon emissions and climate change. As consumers, therefore, we need to:
Invest in products that are modular in order to conserve the resources needed to create new devices.
Buy refurbished; this will reduce the environmental footprint associated with smartphone production.
Recycle our mobile phones and other tech!
For most people, the cost of a new phone is one of the main factors to consider and opting for a refurbished phone can significantly lighten the load on your bank account! Since refurbished devices are the ones that have been returned to the manufacturer or a company like Compare and Recycle, tthey are sold at a fraction of the cost of a new smartphone, allowing you to enjoy quality tech without breaking the bank. Refurbished phones are thoroughly inspected, repaired if necessary, and then resold for a lower price. This makes them a great option for budget-conscious people who still want to enjoy the latest tech.
So there you have it — everything you need to know about when to upgrade your phone. Whether your device is slowing down, no longer receiving updates, or simply not meeting your needs, the right time to upgrade varies for everyone. Understanding your mobile contract, whether you're on a SIM-only plan or a full contract, can help you make a smart decision. From choosing a refurbished phone to scoring the best phone deals, there are plenty of ways to upgrade affordably and efficiently, all while making sure your new phone fits your lifestyle and budget.
The iPhone used to define innovation. Now every new model feels the same. Is Apple’s story running out of pages?
See which Apple, Samsung and Google phones hold their value best over the first and second year on the market.
With Pixels becoming a decent contender for your upgrade choice, we’ve crunched the numbers to reveal depreciation patterns of Google Pixel phones.
