Many consumers are faced with a familiar scenario: their cell phone battery starts to fail after about a year of use. With a new launch imminent on the horizon, the decision seems obvious: you need to buy a new device. However, after the investment, the surprise is that the newly acquired model is very similar to the previous one and will invariably end up facing the same challenges.
This cycle of consumption is continuous and is often driven by a perception that being out of date can be a problem. Every year, the market is flooded with new smartphones, laptops and headphones, fueling the idea that updating is essential.
However, for those who have been professionally analyzing these products for more than a decade, the reality is different. The frequency with which devices are changed is, in most cases, greater than necessary, and the problems that lead to these changes can be solved without spending a lot on completely new equipment.
There is no need to give in to the pressure of changing devices every time a brand or operator announces a launch. This guide, based on years of testing and the experience of numerous technology experts, aims to help identify real problems, optimize the use of current devices, and make more informed and satisfying purchases when an upgrade is really needed.
When the time for replacement really arrives for your electronics
The ideal interval for replacing a device varies significantly between users. Whether it’s solving a slow laptop or discarding a cell phone that no longer receives security support, the decision shouldn’t be automatic every few years. Before assuming the need for something new, it is essential to reflect on some important questions:
Does your device interfere with your daily activities?
This is, without a doubt, the first indicator to pay attention to. Sporadic slowdowns may not be critical, but if the laptop constantly freezes during important video calls or if the cell phone has difficulty opening applications and connecting via Bluetooth, the search for a solution becomes urgent.
Does the device receive the latest system updates?
Devices such as cell phones, tablets or notebooks that are no longer compatible with new software versions lose functionality and, crucially, no longer receive security fixes. “When your device stops receiving operating system or security updates, or both, that’s the first sign to consider switching,” explains Anshel Sag, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. Application incompatibility is also a strong indication.
Large companies such as Apple, Google and Microsoft publish information about the compatibility of their software with different models. Consulting these lists can indicate whether your device is still ready for the latest updates.
Is it possible to repair your current equipment?
Before discarding and purchasing, it is prudent to check whether the device’s problems can be diagnosed and repaired. Luis De Los Santos, senior manager of remanufacturing operations at Back Market, an electronics retailer, says most situations are reversible.
“So many people came in saying, ‘My speaker doesn’t work,’ and they just had to clean it,” says De Los Santos, referring to his previous experience at a manufacturer. “Or ‘My phone isn’t charging’. We cleaned the charging port and it went back to normal. Maintaining, cleaning, having good charging habits and taking good care of your belongings prolongs the life of your devices.”
Replacing the battery, a common reason for changing cell phones, can be done for a much lower cost than a new device, with several official and third-party options available. This can provide additional years of use for a fraction of the price.
Repair is not always the best option in the long term. Spending $90 on a battery to extend its use for two years is different from investing $400 in repairs for a seven-year-old laptop. If the repair cost approaches a significant percentage of the value of a new, comparable device, it is essential to consider whether the money would be better spent on an upgrade.
What are you looking to achieve with a new device?
A newer device is generally faster and takes better photos. However, many of these improvements are incremental and, in many cases, unnoticeable to the average user. Before upgrading, it’s crucial to ask yourself whether the new device will allow you to perform tasks that the old one couldn’t.
For example, the AirPods Pro 3 brought not only greater comfort and better noise cancellation, but a significant new feature: heart rate monitoring. This made it possible to track exercises consistently, something that was not done before due to the lack of affinity with smartwatches. The simultaneous translation capability, absent in most older models, is another example of functionality that justifies the change.
These are true functional innovations, not just a marginal spec increase that makes tasks slightly faster. That’s why many people only change their headphones “when they break or are lost”, as Sag points out, who still uses his Sony WH-1000XM3, even with the launch of the WH-1000XM6.
A worthwhile upgrade actually unlocks something new. It could be a cell phone camera with a much higher zoom, allowing you to record photos that were previously impossible. Or a screen with integrated privacy, which eliminates the need for films. Maybe a phone like the Google Pixel 10 that opens the door to MagSafe accessories for Android users. Or a notebook that allows for multiple external monitors, or headphones with health and translation features that integrate into your routine.
If a new device only speeds up what was already done, the upgrade can probably wait. But if it makes something desired possible that wasn’t possible before, then the investment may be worth it.
“If you’re someone who really loves photography, the camera will have a greater meaning,” says Amanda Michel, US marketing director at Back Market. “We noticed that when talking about technology, people started talking about their lives. ‘I’m a designer, so this is important to me.’ They were looking for something that worked for them, not the latest thing for its own sake.”
Strategies to maximize your investment
In times of tighter budgets, the search for the best cost-benefit is essential. It’s not just about finding the lowest price, but about purchasing a durable product and considering the trade-in value of old appliances.
Firstly, make sure that the desired device meets the aforementioned criteria, offering modern specifications, speed, useful features and, crucially, guaranteed software support for a long period of time. Brands like Google and Samsung are transparent about support times, promising, for example, seven years of updates for the Google Pixel 10. Apple, although less explicit, has a track record that suggests around seven years of support for new iPhones.
Additionally, researching and comparing prices is essential. If your intention is to buy the latest MacBook, it’s worth checking how its features and price compare to Windows laptops. The same logic applies to iPhones, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy and headphones. Prioritizing products with at least a year’s warranty for basic repairs is also a smart move.
Advantages of investing in used or refurbished products
It is not mandatory that a new device be the hottest launch or fresh from the factory. You can save significantly by opting for older or refurbished models without sacrificing the features and performance needed for a genuine upgrade.
For example, when considering exchanging an iPhone 11, it is possible to opt for the current iPhone 17, at a high cost, or purchase a refurbished iPhone 15 for approximately half the price on reliable platforms such as Back Market. This choice also guarantees access to modern features, such as the Action button and Dynamic Island, without the cost of a high-end model.
Buying from a trusted refurbished products website does not mean receiving a worn-out item. Back Market, for example, collaborates with refurbishment companies that perform detailed inspections, evaluating battery health, performance and cleanliness. “We ensure that they test all necessary hardware components and that the battery life meets our standards,” says De Los Santos. Cleaning and deleting old data are also crucial steps.
For those who prefer a new product, but with a reduced price, the strategy is to wait or opt for models from one or two previous generations. The iPhone 16, for example, is still sold by Apple at a discount. Additionally, many last-generation models go on sale for a short period after the launch of their successors, a trend seen in MacBooks, iPads and Apple Watches, which is much appreciated by consumers.
“When Apple launches its next device, we also see an increase in interest in the previous model,” comments Michel.
If you still have doubts about which type of device is ideal, consider the user profiles below:
- Younger or older users: For a young person’s first cell phone or a gift for an elderly person who uses the internet for basic tasks, a refurbished or previous generation device is more than enough.
- People focused on essential use: Those looking to minimize screen time and use their phone mainly for communication do not need the most expensive models.
- Minimalists: Users who prefer simplicity will not notice much difference between a two-year-old device and a new one, and will be satisfied with the first option.
- Buyers on a budget: When price is the priority, opting for older or used models is the best choice.
However, there are situations where additional investment is justified:
- Content creators and photographers: For those exploring camera settings and making advanced edits, annual cell phone improvements are beneficial. Professionals who produce for platforms like TikTok and Instagram also benefit from more modern equipment.
- Heavy cell phone gamers: While casual games work on almost every recent device, those who are serious about titles like “Fortnite” and “Call of Duty” can benefit from the newer models. Some AAA games are exclusive to newer generations of iPhone, for example.
- People who love technological innovations: For those who can afford to spend and like to try out all the innovations, buying new releases is the natural option. Programs like iPhone Upgrade, which allows you to have the latest iPhone annually, are designed for this audience.
Maximizing value when exchanging old equipment
In addition to getting a good price when purchasing, it is crucial to maximize the return on the old device. Many operators and stores offer credit for the exchange at the time of purchase, but it is worth exploring other possibilities before accepting the first offer.
Taking the iPhone as an example, Apple offers up to $560 in credit for an iPhone 16 Pro, but third-party resellers may offer higher amounts depending on storage capacity. Sites like Gazelle, It’s Worth More and Back Market can pay between US$467 and US$680 for the same model, depending on the condition and unlocking of the device. The lesson is clear: just as you research before buying, you should also research before selling, always looking for the best value for your used car.
Conclusion: Smarter purchasing decisions for your appliances
The next time a new phone, laptop or headset comes out, the question shouldn’t just be “is it better than what I already have?” It is essential to question whether the current model is still supported, whether it is worth repairing and whether it meets all your needs. If the answer is yes, it is likely that you already have everything you need.
If the answer is no, evaluate all available options that meet these criteria, not just the latest and most expensive release. “I think we’ve reached a point where people update their equipment when they need to, and not when they want to”, points out Sag, highlighting the change in behavior.
Being a smart and selective consumer not only saves money in the long run, it also brings important sustainability benefits by extending the life of devices or opting for refurbished products. The ultimate goal is to make a conscious purchase that brings satisfaction and real utility, rather than impulsive spending.
Profiles of experts who contributed to this content
- Anshel Sag, vice president and principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, a technology consulting and analysis firm.
- Amanda Michel, general manager and director of U.S. marketing at Back Market, an electronics retailer.
- Luis De Los Santos, senior renovation operations manager and laboratory specialist at Back Market.
CNN’s credibility in product analysis
CNN Underscored’s editors and writers ensure that all products featured in their articles are rigorously evaluated. The team has decades of experience researching, testing and recommending products across categories, from fashion and food to electronics and healthcare. The commitment is to use this expertise to help readers make the best financial choices and live better lives.
For this report, Mike Andronico, senior technology editor at CNN Underscored, used his extensive 13 years of experience evaluating technology products, his experience as a consumer and enthusiast, and insights from interviews with technology and retail industry experts to provide clear guidance on when to consider upgrading electronic devices.