8 clear signs it’s time to upgrade your phone

As technology advances at a rapid pace, the lifespan of smartphones is getting shorter, with newer models offering enhanced features and capabilities. Smartphone manufacturers continue pushing the boundaries of innovation, always offering consumers compelling reasons to buy a new phone.

Personally, I’d be fine having a phone that’s a little dinged up and a generation or two old. Like many people, I get emotionally attached to my electronics. On the other hand, forgoing an upgrade often means you miss out on new features, which is why I plan to purchase the Pixel 8a as soon as it drops.

So, do you really need a new device, or do you just have FOMO (fear of missing out) when it comes to phones? While it can be tempting to hold onto your current device for as long as possible, there are certain signs it may be time for an upgrade.

1 Slow performance

Your device takes forever to respond

Unsplash/ Pawel Czerwinski

One of the most common signs that it’s time to upgrade your phone is sluggish performance. Over time, as you install more apps, take more photos, and accumulate data, your phone’s processing speed can decrease significantly. Older smartphones may struggle to keep up with the demands of newer apps and software updates, leading to delays in opening apps, switching between tasks, and overall slower performance.

There are a few things you can try to speed up your phone. However, if your device is still stalling after you free up some space and clear the device’s cache, consider upgrading to a device with more RAM and a superior processor.

2 Frequent crashes and freezes

Apps close or stop for no reason

If apps suddenly close or your screen frequently freezes, it could be a sign of underlying hardware or software issues. As smartphones age, components such as the battery, processor, and memory may start to degrade, impacting the device’s stability. Outdated operating systems and insufficient RAM can contribute to regular crashes and freezes, disrupting your productivity or entertainment.

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You can try to fix crashing apps by reinstalling them and clearing the cache, but if all your apps keep crashing, then there’s something wrong with your device.

3 Poor battery life

Your phone can’t hold a charge

While there are ways to extend your phone’s battery life, battery degradation is inevitable with prolonged use, and your phone’s battery capacity will eventually diminish over time. If you find yourself constantly reaching for the charger or your phone dies quickly even after a full charge, it may be a sign that the battery is nearing the end of its lifespan.

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Most smartphone batteries are designed to retain around 80% of their original capacity after 500 charge cycles, which typically translates to a lifespan of two to three years for the average user. Go into the settings to check your Android’s battery health or use the built-in Battery Health tool for iPhone.

4 Outdated software and lack of updates

It’s been a while since the last update

Thai-Nguyen/ Unsplash

As smartphones age, manufacturers may discontinue software support for older models, leaving them vulnerable to security threats and compatibility issues. Without regular security updates and patches, your device becomes more susceptible to malware, viruses, and other threats.

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Google and Apple provide software updates and security patches for their devices for a limited time, typically around three to five years after the device’s release. If you’re still using a phone that hasn’t received a software update in years, it’s likely running outdated software that lacks the latest security patches and optimizations. Upgrading to a newer phone ensures you have access to the latest features and security updates.

5 Limited storage space

You’re running out of room

Aging Gracefully/ Flickr

Running out of storage space on your phone can be frustrating, especially if you frequently receive error messages indicating your device is full. With the proliferation of high-resolution photos, videos, and large apps, older smartphones with limited storage capacities may struggle to accommodate your digital content.

The average mobile app size has increased significantly over the years, not to mention the increase in the amount of pictures, videos and the improved quality of both have placed greater demands on storage space. Of course, you can clear up your iPhone storage or free up space on Android by deleting apps, but upgrading to a newer phone with expanded storage options will alleviate this issue altogether.

6 Deteriorating camera quality

Your photos don’t look as good as everyone else’s

For many users, the camera is a key feature of their smartphone, allowing them to capture cherished moments and share them with others. However, as smartphone technology advances, so do camera capabilities. Older smartphones may have outdated camera sensors, lenses, and image processing algorithms compared to newer models, resulting in lower-quality photos and videos.

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Your camera doesn’t actually degrade over time, but the cameras on newer phones are improving, which might make your photos look inferior by comparison. If everyone else’s photos and videos look better than yours, either learn how to improve your smartphone photography skills, or get a phone with a higher-resolution camera.

7 Physical damage or wear and tear

Your phone is literally falling apart

Many people carry phones with scratches, dents, and cracked screens for years with no problems. While cosmetic damage may not affect the device’s performance, physical damage to internal components, such as the charging port or headphone jack, can impair the phone’s functionality and reliability.

Repairing extensive physical damage may be expensive, and in some cases, upgrading is more economical. Consider the cost of your phone repair options compared to the price of a new device.

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8 Incompatibility with new accessories

Your phone doesn’t support your peripherals

With each new smartphone release, manufacturers often introduce proprietary accessories and peripherals designed to complement their devices. However, older smartphones may lack compatibility with these accessories due to differences in form factor, connectors, or wireless protocols. If your current phone can’t take advantage of the latest accessories, such as wireless charging pads or virtual reality headsets, it’s time to upgrade to a more compatible device.

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Whether it’s 5G connectivity, improved biometric security, advanced augmented reality capabilities, or innovative form factors, upgrading to a newer model can provide access to cutting-edge features and enhanced user experiences. That said, you don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest (and most expensive) device. There are plenty of reliable budget phones that may meet your needs.