The recent iPhone 17 launch had people queuing overnight outside Apple Stores, eager to get their hands on the latest shiny piece of tech.
Me? I was perfectly content lying in bed, scrolling on my trusty iPhone 12 Pro Max, which, for the record, still looks and works great. Sure, there’s a tiny crack on the screen protector and the once-sleek phone case has seen better days, but it still does everything I need it to do.
And clearly, I’m not alone. When we ran a poll in our newsletter recently, most of you said you wouldn’t rush to upgrade if your phone still works. That’s telling. It shows a shift in how we think about our money: that spending for the sake of “new” isn’t always the smartest move, especially when the tech we already have is more than capable of doing the job.
So, if you’re wondering whether you should stick with your current phone or trade it in for the latest model, this guide will help you figure it out, and show you how to save hundreds along the way.
Why I’m Skipping My Phone Upgrade (and Saving Thousands)
- The hidden cost of habitual upgrades
- The 2-year vs 4-year cycle explained
- When does upgrading actually make sense?
- How to make your phone last longer?
- Smarter alternatives to buying a new phone
- In summary
The hidden cost of habitual upgrades
We often think of a phone upgrade as a single number, the price of the device itself. But the real cost is much sneakier. It’s the monthly plan you sign up for, the accessories you buy, the insurance you tack on “just in case,” and even the resale value you give up by switching too soon.
How the numbers really stack up
Here’s a classic scenario.
Meet John. He’s on a typical 24-month telco contract. His monthly bill is around $98, which includes the cost of his new phone. When his contract ends, he upgrades to the latest model and locks into another 24 months.
Now compare that with Sarah, who decides not to upgrade immediately. She switches to a SIM-only plan for $15 a month and keeps using her phone for another two years.
Over the next 24 months, here’s what they each spend:
- John: $98 x 24 = $2,352
- Sarah: $15 x 24 = $360
That’s a whopping $1,992 difference just by not upgrading. Even if John’s new phone was “subsidised” by about $700, Sarah is still ahead by roughly $1,300. And that’s before we even talk about accessories, screen protectors, or insurance.
The 2-year vs 4-year cycle explained
There’s a reason most contracts run for 24 months: telcos and manufacturers know that’s just long enough for a new phone launch to feel tempting, even if your current one is still perfectly good.
But phones today are built to last far longer than they were a decade ago. Batteries degrade more slowly, software updates run for up to 7 years, and performance rarely drops off overnight. Which means that the 2-year upgrade cycle isn’t a technical necessity—it’s a marketing one.
And breaking out of that pattern is where real savings start to appear. Let’s take a look, assuming you buy a phone outright for $1,500 each time and trade in your old one when you do:
| Upgrade Cycle | Resale value | Net cost per phone | Phones bought in 10 years | Total spent in 10 years |
| Every 2 years | ~50% ($750) | $750 | 5 | $3,750 |
| Every 4 years | ~25% ($375) | $1,125 | 3 | $3,375 |
On the phone cost alone, you save about $375 over 10 years.
But remember Sarah’s example earlier? Combine that with the $1,300 saved on plans every two years, and now you’re looking at a potential savings of $2,000+ over a decade—money that could go into investments, travel, or literally anything more useful than another phone you don’t really need.
When does upgrading actually make sense?
All that said, there are times when upgrading is genuinely the smart move. The trick is knowing the difference between need and want.
Your battery can’t keep up anymore
If your phone is dying before lunchtime, even with light use, it might be time to consider your options.
But here’s the thing: a new battery often costs a fraction of a new phone. For iPhones, for example, a replacement usually costs around $105–$175 according to QCD’s service pricing page—with exact pricing depending on model, age, and additional repair needs. That one fix could buy you another year or 2 of use, far cheaper than a $1,500 upgrade.
The software is no longer supported
If your phone stops receiving security updates or the latest apps refuse to install, that’s a real issue. It’s not just about missing out on features. It’s about your data being more vulnerable to security risks.
Most newer devices now promise 5 to 7 years of software support, so if your phone is nearing that age, it’s reasonable to plan for a replacement.
It no longer meets your essential needs
If you rely on your phone for work—say, you need 5G for mobile hotspots, or specific camera features for your job—then upgrading might be worth it. Just make sure it’s solving a real problem, not satisfying a passing itch.
In reality, most of those “upgrade-worthy” signs don’t appear right after your 24-month contract ends. Thanks to more efficient processors, longer software support, and better battery optimisation, a modern smartphone can comfortably last about three to four years before an upgrade truly becomes necessary.
That’s the sweet spot where you’ve extracted maximum value from your device without clinging to outdated tech. It’s a much more wallet-friendly rhythm than the two-year treadmill most telcos push.
How to make your phone last longer?
The good news? With a little care, most smartphones can last well beyond their typical two-year contract. Here are some practical ways to stretch your phone’s lifespan without sacrificing performance.
Look after the battery
Battery health is usually the first thing to decline, but small habits can make a big difference. Avoid letting your phone overheat, don’t drain it to zero regularly, and consider enabling “optimised charging” if your phone supports it.
Even partial charges (e.g. from 30% to 80%) can slow down battery wear over time.
Clean up your storage
Performance issues are often just a storage problem in disguise. Delete unused apps, offload photos to the cloud, and clear cached data regularly.
Many phones now even have built-in “storage cleaner” tools that do this for you.
Don’t be afraid of repairs
A cracked screen or a dodgy charging port doesn’t have to mean “new phone time.” Often, these repairs cost a small fraction of what a replacement would.
And if you plan to resell later, keeping your phone in good condition pays off.
Use accessories wisely
A decent case and a screen protector cost less than lunch these days, and they could save you hundreds in repairs. Think of them as an investment in your phone’s longevity.
Smarter alternatives to buying a new phone
Even if you decide it’s time to move on from your current device, you still don’t have to pay full price for brand-new tech.
- Stick with SIM-only: The simplest way to save money is to keep your existing phone and move to a cheaper plan.
- Buy refurbished: Certified refurbished phones often come with new batteries and warranties, but cost significantly less.
- Delay your upgrade: If you can wait a few months after a new model launches, prices often drop, or telcos offer better deals.
In summary, make your phone, not your wallet, work harder
There’s nothing wrong with upgrading, just as long as you’re doing it for the right reasons. But upgrading too soon, just because the latest model is out or your contract says you can, is where people quietly lose thousands over time.
Like I mentioned in the intro, I’m still rocking my iPhone 12 Pro Max long after my contract ended. Why? Well, the battery is still at a decent level. My camera still captures great photos. I get decent network connections all around Singapore. And there are no noticeable performance issues.
If your phone is still doing its job, there’s no need to rush. With a bit of care, the device in your hand right now can keep going strong for years—and your wallet will thank you for it.
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About the author
Having been writing for a little over 10 years, KC has flexed his pen in a variety of industries—think automotive, fitness, entertainment, and finance. He’s ultimately on a mission to prove that any topic, no matter how serious, can be made fun.
Off-duty? It’s all about food, drinks, parties, and gaming marathons.