8 clear signs you need to upgrade your phone

Main points

• Slow performance may be a sign that it’s time to upgrade your phone, especially if apps lag and switching tasks takes a long time.
• If your phone keeps crashing or freezing, it could be due to outdated hardware or software issues, indicating the need for an upgrade.
• Constantly running out of storage space or declining camera quality may be a sign that it’s time to switch to a newer device.

With the rapid advancement of technology, the lifespan of smartphones is getting shorter, while newer models offer enhanced features and functionality. Smartphone manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of innovation and always provide consumers with compelling reasons to buy a new phone.

Personally, if my phone is a little beat up and a generation or two older, I’m fine with that. Like many people, I am emotionally attached to electronics. On the other hand, foregoing an upgrade usually means you miss out on new features, which is why I plan to buy the Pixel 8a as soon as it becomes available.

So, do you really need a new device, or are you just feeling FOMO (fear of missing out) because of your phone? While it might be tempting to hold on to your current equipment for as long as possible, there are certain signs that it might be time to upgrade.

1 Slow performance

Your device takes a long time to respond

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 slow down significantly. Older smartphones may struggle to keep up with the demands of newer apps and software updates, resulting in delays in opening apps, switching between tasks, and overall performance degradation.

Over time, as you install more apps, take more photos, and accumulate data, your phone’s processing speed can slow down significantly.

There are some things you can try to speed up your phone. However, if your device still freezes after freeing up some space and clearing the device cache, consider upgrading to a device with more RAM and a higher-end processor.

2 Frequent crashes and freezes

Application closes or stops for no reason

If an app closes suddenly or the screen freezes frequently, it may indicate an underlying hardware or software issue. As smartphones age, components such as the battery, processor, and memory may begin to degrade, affecting the stability of the device. An outdated operating system and insufficient memory can cause regular crashes and freezes, disrupting your productivity or entertainment.

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

3 Poor battery life

Your phone can’t charge

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

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

4 Software is outdated and lacks updates

It’s been a while since the last update

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 devices will be more susceptible to malware, viruses, and other threats.

Google and Apple provide software updates and security patches to their devices for a limited time, usually around three to five years after a device is released. If you’re still using a phone that hasn’t received software updates 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 Storage space is limited

You don’t have enough space anymore

Not having enough storage space on your phone can be frustrating, especially if you frequently get error messages indicating that your device is full. With the proliferation of high-resolution photos, videos, and large apps, older smartphones with limited storage capacity may struggle to accommodate your digital content.

The average size of mobile applications has increased significantly over the years, not to mention the increased number of images, videos and the improved quality of both placing higher demands on storage space. Of course, you can clean up iPhone storage or free up space on Android by deleting apps, but upgrading to a new phone with expanded storage options will alleviate this issue entirely.

6 Camera quality deteriorates

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

For many users, the camera is a key feature of a smartphone, allowing them to capture precious 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.

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

7 physical damage or wear and tear

Your phone is about to crash

Many people have used phones with scratches, dents, and cracked screens for years without any problems. While cosmetic damage may not affect your device’s performance, physical damage to internal components like the charging port or headphone jack can compromise your phone’s functionality and reliability.

Repairing extensive physical damage can be expensive, and in some cases, it’s more economical to upgrade. Compare the cost of phone repair options to the price of a new device.

8 Not compatible with new accessories

Your phone does not support your peripheral device

With the release of each new smartphone, manufacturers typically launch 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, like a wireless charging pad or a virtual reality headset, it’s time to upgrade to a more compatible device.

Whether it’s 5G connectivity, improved biometric security, advanced augmented reality features or an innovative form factor, upgrading to a newer model delivers cutting-edge features and an enhanced user experience. That said, you don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest (and most expensive) equipment. There are plenty of reliable budget phones that will suit your needs.