Why People Upgrade Their Phone?

lailarat on 02/06/2017 - 19:15

Hey OzBargainers

Why would you upgrade your phone?

It seems to me that speed, camera, battery, software and design are the main reasons. To some people, these are important features to have in their phone, which can be their most-used daily device. However, it also seems to me that some people upgrade their phone not out of genuine need for extra functionality, but because of peer/marketing pressure or mere momentary absence of will power to say "nope, I'm satisfied with my current device!".

What has been your experience? Have you upgraded your phone and regretted the decision? Are you happy with your current, two-year-old, or older, device?

Mobile

Comments

  • ripesashimi on 02/06/2017 - 19:42
    +17

    Cus phones slow down over time. Storage and battery always deteriorate. What's more, iphones got deliberately slowed down by the updates and for Android, apps keep expanding in size with many irrelevant features, together with the removal of sd card makes people who also take more pics these days struggle with space despite the popular storage option has increased from 8gb to 64gb.

    Beside that, the biggest selling point for new phones are the design and the improved front camera to take better selfies.

    • scrimshaw on 02/06/2017 - 19:52
      +1

      Not to mention the ever-increasing display sizes, battery life, quick-charging tech and other enhancements like dual-displays and ahem removal of a 3.5mm audio jack.

      Mobile phones are now commodities and many of them are too much alike — a thin, fragile glass slab with a camera on the backside, so often when people buy it's not just for the core features (we all expect a smartphone to do calls, internet and music) but also for the auxillary stuff, such as high megapixel selfie cameras, water proofing, modular add-ons (Moto Mods), more frequent security updates, a camera that does amazing videos or low-light shots etc.

      Oppo has done very well… and all they really did was make their phones good at selfies and beautifying features. They marketed themselves as lifestyle devices and actually outsold Xiaomi in China.

      • Kangal on 05/06/2017 - 23:34

        Pretty much this.
        Since 2011 (the original Note), there was finally small, medium, and large phones. However, there have been many specification improvements since then in both Android and iPhone camps. Although after some time improvements in SoC, Display, Camera, and Battery Life hits a plateau.

        Previously, the "sweet-spot" upgrade path for iPhone's was to get the [S] model and upgrade every two years:
        (2009) iPhone 3GS > iPhone 4S > iPhone 5 > iPhone 6 Plus > iPhone 6S > iPhone 8 (2017)

        This is because Apple deliberately holds back on the hardware, and each year is incremental upgrades.
        But since 2015's iPhone 6 Plus the specs have been solid, and 2016's models are there for anyone wanting 3D Touch. I believe the iPhone 6 Plus will easily stay relevant into 2019, far outlasting Apple's previous models. They have improved the OS for advanced users too, now to the point, where its easy for Android regulars to make the ecosystem switch.

        For Android, the hardware has consistently been cutting edge. The upgrade cycle used to look something like:
        (2009) Moto Milestone > Galaxy S > Samsung Note > LG Nexus 4 > Note 3 > Note 4
        .> Galaxy S6 Edge+ > OnePlus 3T > Galaxy S8 Plus (2017)

        However, you still need to buy annually since the software support is a massive drawback.
        And with the loss of the Nexus program, and 1+'s insistence to exclude Band 28 (700MHz LTE)… Aussies need to accept outdated software or upgrade phones annually. Otherwise, even the Samsung Note 3 has passable hardware these days… like the iPhone 6 Plus… it just doesn't have the software care people have grown to expect from Nexus/Apple. It's becoming harder to justify annual upgrades, or staying in the Android camp.
        Perhaps the Essential Phone might be worth the dive?

      • John Kimble on 05/06/2017 - 08:48
        +2

        I'm neither for or against apple and I agree I doubt they are deliberately coding their updates to slow down older devices, but surely most older devices would struggle to run the newer IOS software and apps that would be optimised for the latest technology (nothing to do with human psyche???), which is almost the same thing…but a reasonable thing to do from the developers standpoint.

        I remember I couldn't play certain PC games because my video card was too old and didn't have the latest DirectX (not to mention enough RAM or CPU…)

        Many companies stop supporting older versions of hardware and software. It's pretty standard.

      • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2017 - 10:12
        +4

        Except that those devices are slowed to a crawl because their hardware cannot keep up, but you're forced into upgrading anyway because otherwise you won't get app updates (iOS apps has notoriously poor backward/forward compatibility due to Apple), nor are you able to download new apps, even if they had an older version that was compatible with your current iOS version. Older version of apps are stored on Apple's server, because old iPhones on the latest version of iOS they can run can still download apps, they're just the last available versions.

        iPhone 3 on 4.2.1, 3GS on iOS 6, 4 on iOS 7, 4s on iOS 9, it has happened over and over. People are forced into the latest version to not lose half the device's extended functionalities, only to get frustrated by the terrible performance and forced to upgrade phone because there's no downgrade path. On the 3GS back in the day, Apple even reopened the iOS 4.1 signing (its still opened to this day) because iOS 4 was the last usable version on that device, even if all you're getting is a basic phone with no app support.

      • PleasureMe on 05/06/2017 - 10:39
        +6

        ThithLord, you are talking out of your rear end. I am still using an iPhone 4s. Years ago, it was very fast, however after several ios updates, it's now so slow it is almost unusable for most apps or internet browsing. Luckily I mainly only need to use it to make calls. By the way, it is updated to the latest version of ios that the phone will allow which is 9.3.5. There is no option to update to ios 10. Not that I would want to anyway. The biggest mistake I ever made was updating from ios 7 to ios 8. That's when I noticed a huge decrease in the phones performance. I wish I could easily downgrade, but I can't. That's apple for you. Hence why my next phone will be a Samsung.

        • PleasureMe on 05/06/2017 - 12:30
          +1

          @ThithLord: I don't care about when the iPhone 5 was released. I'm talking about my iPhone 4s and I'm talking about your comment of "What an absolute crock of shit" in reference to iphones being deliberately slowed down by updates. And judging by the number of negative votes you have received, I am right and you are wrong.

  • dylanando on 02/06/2017 - 19:46
    +44

    I upgrade when a screen replacement costs more than the device itself or obviously if something is faulty.

    • hopper on 05/06/2017 - 16:04
      +1

      happened to me last week. broke my note 5 and ended up buying S8. lucky i was insured with vodafone plan (paid excess)

      • Kangal on 05/06/2017 - 23:41

        How much did you pay for the insurance and excess?

        • John Kimble on 05/06/2017 - 23:59

          I've got home contents insurance with QBE and chose general portable contents. Max $1000 per item if you don't nominate stuff.

          No excess when I claimed to fix my wife's cracked iphone screen. Something to consider.

        • hopper on 06/06/2017 - 03:41

          $10 per month. excess is $250

        • Kangal on 06/06/2017 - 06:48
          +1

          @hopper:
          24m x $10 + $250 = $490

          …Sure its worth it?
          You probably could've bought a second one for that price.
          And if you didn't need it/claim it would've seem like a bigger waste of money.

  • holdenmg on 02/06/2017 - 20:00

    Get a retro Nokia
    Unbreakable' Nokia 3310 may be making a comeback as retro $80 handset
    http://www.smh.com.au/technology/mobiles/unbreakable-nokia-3…

    • BensonP on 02/06/2017 - 21:22
      +11

      Only works on 2G network.

      Still a brick, unfortunately.

      • holdenmg on 02/06/2017 - 21:39
        +3

        Oh man… no wonder Nokia is failing. lol

        • ilikeradiohead on 03/06/2017 - 19:07
          +2

          It's manufactured under licence from Nokia, so they're not involved.

      • try2bhelpful on 03/06/2017 - 14:49
        +2

        Yeah, couldn't believe that one myself.

  • Heracles26 on 02/06/2017 - 20:05
    +2

    I'm looking to upgrade at the moment. I've had my note 4 for 2 years and it is slowing down, resets randomly for no reason and I'm constantly juggling to maintain free storage space

    • BuyoTheCat on 02/06/2017 - 20:16
      +6

      by resetting do you mean rebooting? if so it could be battery related. Mine was rebooting randomly and i brought it to the samsung store. they checked the battery and said it was faulty. i took a chance and bought a new batt from them and it has not happen since.

      • Heracles26 on 02/06/2017 - 21:14
        +1

        Yea rebooting, cool I'll look into that thanks :)

        • fozzie on 04/06/2017 - 15:43
          +1

          I have had a note 4 for a year. I didn't like the marshammallow samsung had, as to slow. I have rooted it and works so much better!I use emotion revolution. I also had to change battery as I bought it second hand.

    • Abaddon on 05/06/2017 - 12:05

      Having the same problem with mine now. Rebooting and powering off at either 41% or 26%.

      Ordered a new battery for mine last week. In researching I found there are different batteries for it, try to get one which was manufactured in China rather than cambodia/vietnam. Mine is a US/Verizon (EB-BN910BBK), and can't get those anywhere in Australia, so I am getting a EB-BN910BBK (Chinese manufactured)

    • dogboy on 05/06/2017 - 13:52
      +1

      Still rocking a Note 3. Started slowing down and having issues so I factory reset it and installed a new ROM. Now it is like a brand new phone again. Can't see any reason to upgrade it.

      • Oipjo on 07/06/2017 - 20:35
        +1

        Also rocking a Note 3 - an old sim only plan - $35 month-on-month for unlimited calls and 6GB Data. Playing a lot of games, and battery has started to wear, so I use the occasional power-bank for long day trips, so I can keep gaming. No reason to upgrade, the longer you wait, the bigger the upgrade, the more money you save! ;)

    • spoudel on 05/06/2017 - 19:46

      I agree with BuyoTheCat comment. I had note 4 that would reboot randomly. Haven't had a problem since changing the battery. Works like new now.

    • Harold Halfprice on 07/06/2017 - 11:44

      My Note 4 sometimes reboots as well (does not detect sim card, and foreces me to restart) it's pretty frustrating at times. But I can go weeks without it occurring, and then sometimes it'll happen hourly.

      Probably should have tried to get it fixed under warranty, but was too lazy. Serves me right I guess.

      However, aside from that, I find Note 4 is still holding up more than fine. I bought a replacement battery ($40 from Samsung - there's fakes listed as genuine on eBay for $10-20) and battery life is great once again.
      Storage wise, I have a 128gb SD - not even close to full, and i have a lot of shit on my phone.

      Speed wise it's completely fine. I've never had it feel slow.. but then again I don't play games etc on it.

      • [Deactivated] on 28/02/2018 - 11:37

        you don't find the camera slow to open the app & take the first few pics?

        • Harold Halfprice on 28/02/2018 - 20:49

          Nope not really.. Sure, it's not blazingly fast or instant, but wouldn't really say it's slow. Takes about a second if that to get into the camera - there certainly is a delay but it's not much.

          Now, going into the gallery from the camera app is VERY SLOW. At least several seconds, and it's certainly annoying. I've got around 7k photos/vids so I'm sure it'll help if I got rid of some.

          I wouldn't mind upgrading my phone, but is being able to get into the gallery and apps a bit quicker worth $1000? Not for me it isn't.. With how expensive smartphones have gotten, I can't really justify it. I'd rather spend the money on other shit to be honest.

          Last year I figured I'll take my case and screen protector off, enjoy having a slim phone with a fresh, untouched glass screen and keep using it till it's done. If I drop it and it breaks, I'll upgrade. Couldn't tell you how many times I've dropped it since, though - people keep asking me 'what phone is that??' and they're surprised when I tell them how old it is cause they reckon it looks new. Might be using it longer than I anticipated.

        • [Deactivated] on 28/02/2018 - 23:40

          @ILikeBargenz: I just did a factory reset on mine & it's heaps quicker (including the camera & gallery). although we'll see what happens after a restore. but the camera app used to take ~10s to open & take a photo, which is just silly. Open Camera app was a bit quicker, but still prob ~5s. But post restore stock camera app is ready to shoot in ~2s

          Tomrrow I'll begin the arduous process of debloating

  • BuyoTheCat on 02/06/2017 - 20:18
    +3

    I update when it becomes painfully slow to use.
    I usually try a factory reset first.

    I am pass 2 years for my note 4. I am trying to use it for another 18 months

    • Kamsi on 07/06/2017 - 10:37

      I'm in the same boat as you, there is nothing wrong with the phone except the camera when comparing with my wife's s8.

    • jee on 07/06/2017 - 10:43

      samsung phones behave weird after 1 and half years of normal use (about 1 year of heavy use)
      good luck if you are thinking for another 18 months.

  • iridiumstem on 02/06/2017 - 20:23
    +2

    I think battery life and OS update probably will be what pushes me to buying a new phone.

    First time I've upgraded was because of app support (Windows Phone lost an app that my parents use to contact me). Lumia 925 to Galaxy S4 Active. It didn't cost me because it was an old phone that my brother bought that was not being used. I didn't like how Galaxy S4 Active performed (prior to custom ROM) and I think camera was worse (might be because I've used custom ROM on it), but liked the options I had available for tweaking. It didn't feel like an upgrade.

    Second time, it was kinda compulsive from how good the price was. Galaxy S4 Active to S6. I could've held out a little longer for a new phone. I was kinda disappointed with a lot of 2015's phones (Snapdragon was to blame for that) and was looking forward to more options. That said, there is two years gap between S4 Active and S6 in terms of release date. So I did get better camera, more storage (128GB model), newer OS and other bits and pieces. I am completely satisfied with that upgrade other than the battery life.

    If I upgrade my phone next time, that'd be because the battery life on my current phone is abysmal/lacklustre. It performs alright and it, to be honest, functions fine for what I want. I've used S6 for around 21 months, and I kinda hope to use it until December next year. Though that depends on what comes out next year.

  • Axelstrife on 02/06/2017 - 20:25
    +1

    I dont mind spending an extra 2-300 every year and knowing i know have the latest with good battery life and good resell value which drops insanely fast.

    paid $300 last year extra after i sold my old Galaxy s6 edge to buy my current Galaxy s7
    plan to do the same when the Galaxy s8 gets down to about 600-700

  • misfitt1911 on 02/06/2017 - 20:44

    I am currently using an S4 with Resurrection Remix ROM. The ROM has given my phone an extended life. But, sometimes I am finding it a bit slow. I will likely upgrade this year to a faster phone with a bigger screen.

      • misfitt1911 on 03/06/2017 - 10:15
        +1

        Yeah, it's like a computer. A new OS may run well on old hardware, but it won't run as fast as it should. I would not want to go back to using a stock ROM though; at least not on a dinosaur phone like my S4. :)

      • algy on 03/06/2017 - 17:06
        +12

        So not true, a good third party rom will strip unnecessary bloat and speed up the phone significantly.

        • FeRGan on 04/06/2017 - 22:44

          Yes, but not all the phones features are likely to work how they should. That's why I stay on stock/rooted.

  • shapers on 02/06/2017 - 21:00
    +1

    Still using my HTC m7 with XenonHD Nougat rom, as with hector sometimes its a bit slow.. got a powerbank so battery life doesnt worry me too much anymore, will probably keep using it until it really breaks down

    • Piranha2004 on 03/06/2017 - 22:12

      Me too although it's really starting to die now. Slow and reboots by itself frequently

      • shapers on 03/06/2017 - 22:37

        Mines pretty fast still, does have a few random reboots when it freezes up but maybe a couple times a week

    • Dingus on 05/06/2017 - 10:13

      Used my m7 from release until about a year ago until the top piece of metal fell off and the phone wouldn't hold more than an hour or so of battery. Really liked the look of the phone just sucks it died. :(

  • ChillBro on 02/06/2017 - 21:31
    +2

    Great discussion topic. Phones aren't cheap yet a lot tend to upgrade every 1-2 years.

    battery

    This is one of the big ones I upgrade. The S7 Edge's 3600mAh battery is significantly higher than the other competitors so I put up with the curved edge even though I hate it.

    When upgrading phones, I tend to look at those with new features/functionalities. E.g. LG G2 had the knock on to turn on the screen as well as convenient back buttons meaning there's no need to have ugly buttons on the front and results in more screen real estate, the Sony Xperia series were waterproof from the start but I could never get myself to buy one since I can't take their incredibly tiny bezels.

    The newly announced Essentials Phone looks interesting but the lack of waterproofing is unfortunate. Plus, who knows whether it'll have band 28.

    • NobalaKoba on 05/06/2017 - 18:29

      LG has had knock on for quite a while now. I remember a few years ago showing my friends knock on on my LG Optimus L3 ii E425f (released in February 2013). I'm not quite sure why there has been a lot of attention on it recently.

      • algy on 05/06/2017 - 23:34

        The updated it to allow a knock code, which was pretty cool before fingerprints overtook in speed.

        • NobalaKoba on 06/06/2017 - 00:25

          Ah, okay.

          Sounds nifty, but I have to wonder how many times you can unlock your phone before everyone around you knows the code.

        • algy on 06/06/2017 - 18:13

          @BradleyDS2: The hope is that you aren't trying to hide your code from the people around you, but the people whom you don't see often. But for someone unfamiliar with the system and when you have the guide-boxes turned off it's actually very hard for others to unlock the phone, even when they know the code….

  • Savas on 02/06/2017 - 21:34
    +12

    I don't because of the environment. My 2 year old phone works fine.

    • Save 50 Cent on 03/06/2017 - 21:08
      +7

      Do you bury your old phone when you buy a new one? I sell mine or give it away as a gift to a young family member and I don't think that is too bad for Earth.

      • NobalaKoba on 05/06/2017 - 18:31

        He previously planned on upgrading to a newer windows phone. It's be better for the social environment to hold off until a good android catches his eye 😜

  • John Kimble on 02/06/2017 - 21:55

    I had an old Nokia. Then I won a Galaxy Ace in a skill tester (pumped $50 into it though… Not sure if I was ahead???). Now have a Z3 Compact that work pays for. Looking to upgrade once out of contract as it's giving me the shits.

  • Diji1 on 02/06/2017 - 22:27
    +1

    I only bought a new device because my previous died. I went from a Snapdragon 810 to a 625.

    I see no reason to upgrade.

  • backslashio on 02/06/2017 - 22:40

    I want to upgrade my iPhone 6+ to the next iPhone for waterproofing, better camera & IS. Speed & ram increases are nice additions too but I rarely notice any slowdown

    Planning to upgrade this year, they're not massive reasons to upgrade but I like my tech

      • backslashio on 03/06/2017 - 17:45
        +1

        I've got a Samsung tablet which I hate. Just don't like Android software :( And all the apps I want are on iOS

  • captobvious on 02/06/2017 - 23:04
    -3

    There is usual rational logic of purchasing something that is a significant upgrade from your existing phone. Then there is Apple fan boy logic. So it depends.

    • paul09 on 03/06/2017 - 10:18
      -3

      I buy new iPhone on launch every year

      Pretty simple really. For me the cost to upgrade is always much smaller than the enjoyment I'll get from a new phone

      • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2017 - 14:10

        I dont know man, thats some pretty capitalistic "rationalist" thinking. Yes the utility value you get out of enjoying the new phone is greater or equal to the cost but you have to also consider the bigger picture.

  • Mad Max on 02/06/2017 - 23:13
    +8

    I think the mobile phone has be come a status symbol for many people.
    They think an older model phone, even if perfectly functional, makes other people think they are not successful/wealthy.

    • FeRGan on 04/06/2017 - 22:46
      +1

      That makes me sick.

    • ozeebee on 05/06/2017 - 19:05
      +1

      Previously maybe, these days the Bose QC35 is the new status symbol for most people.

    • surethang on 08/06/2017 - 00:00

      Status symbol? Meh. If anyone judges you as a lesser person for not having the latest phone, it's a great sign that you probably don't want/need that person in your life… or at least influencing it

      And if they push the point, just tell them Warren Buffet uses a flip phone ;)

    • Heero on 11/06/2017 - 12:27

      …When you're still rocking the Galaxy S2 and people stop to ask what phone it is like it's some sleek new prototype.

  • GangGang on 02/06/2017 - 23:37
    +1

    I usually upgrade when my phone is damaged. I'm on a prepaid and buy my own phone outright. My current phone has had a cracked screen for a few months so it's time to change.

  • Azrael169 on 02/06/2017 - 23:45
    +1

    New, Shiny, and i'm bored. If it has any new features that pique my interest

  • [Deactivated] on 03/06/2017 - 00:08
    -8

    Because every 2 year contract I renew, the phone is free.

    • Axelstrife on 03/06/2017 - 01:44
      +21

      yeah sorry but it's most certainly not free AT ALL!
      according to every single mobile phone plan ive ever seen your paying more overall then i would buying my phone outright. plans are a fkn ripoff

      • [Deactivated] on 03/06/2017 - 10:11
        -8

        Depends on your plan and usage.
        If you plan to spend only $30 per month, then not much luck for a free iphone 7. Cheaper phones, well maybe if on special.

      • abb on 05/06/2017 - 10:01
        +1

        What, you mean the telcos actually make a profit?! Madness. Get out of here with your "logic" and "maths".

        • Axelstrife on 07/06/2017 - 16:43

          They already make profit on selling the phone and selling prepaid but combine them and automatically gives them right to charge even more?

          Yes it is madness.

          I'll always buy outright so much better value.

      • giventofly on 07/06/2017 - 13:38

        This.

        I would rather get a SIM Only Plan and then buy the phone outright on a deal.

        I could have gotten the Nexus 6P with a lousy 3GB of data for $70 per month when released, but I got a $30 SIM Only Plan with 10GB and bought the phone on sale for $704.

        Works out to $60 per month over 24 months or a saving $240 with an extra 7GB.

    • Cusack on 03/06/2017 - 17:10
      +6

      Look at the cost of a
      sim only plan, then you'll realise it's not free.

      • Ozbargainlyf on 04/06/2017 - 07:11

        exactly. Bought my Iphone 6 outright at launch 2014 for $999 (before they hiked up priced. Mix of sim only plans like tpg, spintel and optus. Lets say the phone was paid off over 24 months @$41 a month. Tpg/Spintel plans were $20.
        Find me where optus/telstra/voda have $60 latest iphone plans offering more than couple hundred mbs of data for that much, and ill believe its "free" for your phone.

        No plans to update phone really. Changed the battery myself last week and its like a new phone

        • BusMan247 on 07/06/2017 - 07:16
          +1

          Actually i kind of agree with you but not 100%.
          Just got my mum the optus family friends deal. $64 gets her the latest iphone 7 or S8 along with 15GB and streaming of Netflix EPL (optus sport) spotify and a few other unlimited services.
          As an OzBargainer you should know the unicorn deal exists!

        • Ozbargainlyf on 08/06/2017 - 21:08

          @BusMan247: that is a pretty dynamite deal but once in a blue moon. But also getting an Iphone 7 now isnt exactly new tech.

        • BusMan247 on 11/06/2017 - 12:28

          @I like bacon:
          The fastest phone in market. New one isn't coming out till Sep/Oct some say could be Nov for this years model. By the time that happens this phone will be almost 6 mths old to us, 1yr in real terms. Model cycles so close it really doesnt matter anymore.

          Besides, real world use doesnt really show too much difference from the 5S onwards. They all buttery smooth.

          Ps loving the S8+. So smooth and screen is best thing to happen to mobiles.

    • whooah1979 on 03/06/2017 - 17:45

      Because every 2 year contract I renew, the phone is free.

      We upgrade every year and report it as an expense. Pay less tax and get shiny new iPhone in the process. Fantastic system.

    • Solarlux on 03/06/2017 - 18:52
      +2

      Free to you maybe but what does it cost the planet!

    • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2017 - 10:30

      Not free, you're just paying for it over 24 months. That's why sim only plans are cheaper.

  • iridiumstem on 03/06/2017 - 02:47
    +5

    I kinda think unless you play games, performance increase wouldn't be a huge factor in buying a new flagship phone if your phone is a flagship that's less than 4 years old.

    Just comparing Galaxy S4 (Snapdragon 600), S6, and S8 (Exynos 8895).

    If you compare GPU performance using single core and multi-core score from Geekbench 4

    From S4 to S6, there was 101% and 148% increase.
    From S6 to S8, there was 37% and 38% increase.

    If you compare GPU performance using GFXbenchmark on-screen and off-screen Manhattan test

    From S4 to S6, there was 103% and 209% increase.
    From S6 to S8, there was 218% and 201% increase.

    Obviously, this is comparing benchmark scores, so in terms of user experience it'd be different as newer phones get newer OS and Samsung did start reducing bloatwares and whatnot from S6. That said, I do think the performance increase has become less and less with newer phones.

    • iridiumstem on 04/06/2017 - 23:47
      +1

      Obviously I made a mistake by saying GPU performance with Geekbench 4, Geekbench 4 is for CPUs. Just adding on, Manhattan test is more of gaming performance test (according to GFXbenchmark).

      Though I personally think Manhattan test is going to underestimate the performance of newer models a bit, since newer models support newer API.

      • cwongtech on 05/06/2017 - 11:55
        +1

        I kinda think unless you play games, performance increase wouldn't be a huge factor in buying a new flagship phone if your phone is a flagship that's less than 4 years old.

        Still with my Xperia z2 after 3 years :)
        Bought it at launch too.. Agree with everything you said, unless you gota burn time playing games, there's no point buying a flagship every year.

        Performance increase per new flagship isn't worth it

        • iridiumstem on 05/06/2017 - 13:58
          +1

          Even if you play games, I think there are times when flagships will make little difference (when the resolution changes, i.e. onscreen score for S4 -> S6 was small because of FHD to QHD).

          Eh, I think Snapdragon 800 was a good chip. It's superceded with midrange phones now (GPU probably isn't, since midrangers have weak GPU). If I remember correctly, Snapdragon 625 has better CPU. That said, I don't think it's bad performer.

          It'd be battery consumption and other features (RAM, waterproof, newer OS, etc) that'd push someone in my opinion.

          Be fair, it's really hard to improve upon the newer chips, I do think a lot of people will be better with midrangers. They get better battery life and they are cheaper. If midrangers had simliar camera as the flagships, I'd probably get one without hesistation.

  • shaybisc on 03/06/2017 - 07:36
    +6

    I buy a new phone whenever Apple's last quarter revenue dips below US$50 billion.

  • jjjaar on 03/06/2017 - 07:55
    +8

    Still using my 4 year old iPhone 5. I had the battery replaced about 9 months ago and now it works perfectly. I will not be upgrading any time soon. I cannot justify another $700 when my phone works. I'm not gonna go and replace my fridge just because a shinier model may be out.

    • Whatsthedealio on 03/06/2017 - 19:36
      +2

      Can't really compare. A fridge needs to keep the food cold. A phone not only needs to be able to call but depending on your lifestyle or business, it needs to be your diary, CRM manager, entertainer, camera and million other things. It pretty much organizes most peoples lives.

      • jjjaar on 04/06/2017 - 08:56
        +2

        Completely agree, but of all my friends that upgrade every 2-3 years, their original phone still does all that perfectly.

        • StrayfireX on 06/06/2017 - 21:08
          +1

          I still have a 2013 Nexus 5 I bought on launch day.

          Last year I replaced the battery in Indonesia at the LG service centre for about $20.

          Add Lineage OS 14 and it's absolutely fine as a phone. It does everything I need it to do anyway, it might as well be a fridge!

        • jjjaar on 07/06/2017 - 08:10
          +1

          @StrayfireX: oh well there you have the ultimate product: A portable pocket sized half phone half fridge.

        • StrayfireX on 07/06/2017 - 11:23

          @jjjaar:

          That is why I am the coolest 😎

  • yogihogi on 03/06/2017 - 07:56
    +1

    I upgrade because I need to as my phones tend to be destroyed after 2 years. I always buy near new second hand

  • apple2016 on 03/06/2017 - 09:09
    +1

    I had a iphone 4 from launch till last December. Upgraded to iphone 7. I hope this lasts as long as well.

  • Spending2Much on 03/06/2017 - 10:23
    +8

    Because I bought an LG G4,.
    I expected it to last more than just 10 months…..😏

    Forced upgrades I don't like

    • FUZHA on 04/06/2017 - 07:28

      Well, I had undergo the same cos of LG G3! Forced to upgrade with less Int Call minutes, less data etc. Taken the personal pledge that no more LG

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