A phone is an essential part of everyday life. But buying a new phone can be expensive and knowing when it’s time to upgrade your old handset can be tough.
In this article, Canstar Blue provides a guide to buying a new phone.
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Should I buy a new phone?
Before you buy a new phone, it’s always sensible to ask yourself if you really need to upgrade. If your current phone is in perfect working condition, you could save money by holding off on jumping to a newer model.
However, if your phone is damaged, or its performance is affected due to its age, then it could be time to upgrade.
When is the best time to buy a new phone?
If you want the most up-to-date model of a phone, then the best time to buy is soon after its release, before it becomes superseded by a newer model.
Buying a new phone either side of the launch of a new model is also a good option. In the weeks before and after the release of a new phone, manufacturers often reduce the price of their existing handsets. Big names like Apple, Google and Samsung tend to release their flagship phones around the same time each year, so buyers can keep an eye out for price drops when the newest model is set to hit stores.
If you’re looking for the best price, making your purchase during a sales event – such as Black Friday, EOFY or Boxing Day sales – can also save you hundreds off the standard retail price.
When is the best time to buy an iPhone?
The last four months of the year (September to December) are the best time to buy an iPhone. Apple launches its new range of iPhones during that time, and prices for older model iPhones usually drop as the new models are released and retailers look to clear stock.
When is the best time to buy a Samsung Galaxy?
Typically, Samsung releases its Galaxy S series phones during January and February, and models of its A Series phones in March and April. As these phones are released, the prices of older model phones drop.
Unlike Apple, Samsung often runs sales across its phone range, particularly on its premium Fold and Flip series. These discounts are usually passed on to telcos, so keep an eye out for offers (especially if you’re planning to buy your phone on a telco plan).
Compare the latest phones on plans
The following table compares a selection of 24-month 128GB iPhone 16 plans as published on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of their standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our phone plan comparison tool to compare plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
The following table shows a selection of 24-month 256GB Samsung Galaxy S24 plans on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of standard monthly cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our comparison tool to see plans from a range of other providers. This is a selection of products with links to a referral partner.
The following table shows a selection of published 24-month plans for the 128GB Google Pixel 9 on Canstar Blue’s database, listed in order of cost, from the lowest to highest and then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Use our mobile phone comparison tool to see plans from a range of providers. This is a selection of products with links to referral partners.
How long should a phone last?
A smartphone should last between three and five years. It might last longer, but you may notice a decline in its performance; for example, its battery drains quicker.
An old phone will also eventually stop receiving security and software updates from its manufacturer, so could leave you at risk of malware or viruses if its operating system is out of date.
Samsung updates
Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S24 models now come with seven years of security updates, along with seven generations of Android upgrades. Other Samsung models offer at least four years of security updates and three years of Android updates.
Apple updates
Last September Apple released the latest version of its iPhone operating system, iOS 17. Currently, the iPhone XS, released in September 2018, is the oldest iPhone model officially capable of running iOS 17. Using this as a rule of thumb means that you can expect at least five to six years of support for an iPhone.
Do I need a new phone?
If your smartphone is old, has glitches, a poor battery life, a cracked screen or just isn’t very reliable, it could be worthwhile shopping around for a new handset.
Signs it’s time for a new phone
- You’re no longer getting updates: If you’re no longer getting security patches or operating system updates (such as iOS or AndroidOS updates) it’s a sign that your phone is old, and might be easily compromised by malware.
- Your phone is super slow: If basic things like swiping between screens and scrolling on social media are a hard task for your phone, it’s time to think about an upgrade.
- Your phone battery isn’t lasting long: If your phone’s battery life is getting shorter, consider replacing the battery or the phone itself.
- Apps are crashing often: If apps are crashing, it’s a sign that your phone is lagging behind, and might not be able to process up-to-date applications.
- Physical damage: If your phone is badly scratched, or if the screen is covered in cracks, it could be worth considering a new phone, rather than repairing the device.
Should I buy a phone outright or on a plan?
Depending on your financial situation, current telco deals, or simply how you want to approach your phone payment, you’ll need to decide between buying your phone outright versus getting it on a plan. Here’s a quick comparison between the two options.
| Buying a phone outright | Buying a phone on a plan |
|---|---|
|
One large payment |
Small payments over time (over 12, 24, or 36 months depending on the provider and your payment plan) |
|
Could be coupled with a deal |
Could be coupled with a deal |
|
Choose your own provider |
Need to purchase and sign up with a provider and plan (although you can leave after your phone is paid off) |
|
More opportunity to shop around for best individual deals on a handset and phone plan |
Smaller range of telcos to choose from |
If you’re buying outright, you’ll need to pair your phone with a SIM-only mobile plan. You can find a range of options in the tables below.
Here is a selection of postpaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database with a minimum of 20GB of data, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. Try using our mobile phone plan comparison tool to see a wide range of plans from other providers. This table includes products with links to referral partners.
Here is a selection of prepaid plans from Canstar Blue’s database with a minimum of 10GB of data each month, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by data allowance, largest to smallest. If you want to compare a larger range of offers from other providers, use our phone plan comparison tool. This table includes products with links to referral partners.
What should I do with my old phone?
Just because you buy a new phone, doesn’t mean your old phone is suddenly useless (or worthless!). Up to 80% of phone parts are recyclable, so don’t let your old phone sit idle in a drawer. There are plenty of things you can do with an old phone, including:
- Sell it (or give it) to a phone refurbishing company
- Sell it (or give it) to someone else, such as one of your kids or friends
- Find a new use for it, for example, to control your smart home, or as a back-up phone
You can find more info on mobile phone recycling in our guide.
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