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

  • Doggiie on 03/06/2017 - 12:22
    +3

    Apple makes sure they add plenty of fun bloatware into your phone when you update, so eventually iPhones slow down. My iPhone 4 started to feel unbearable (with a semi-unresponsive home button) so I purchased an iPhone 6S.

    Definitely not a person to buy phones annual or bi-annually, just don't see the value of keeping up with the Joneses. But to each their own.

    • abb on 05/06/2017 - 10:05
      +2

      I hear this as a frequent complaint about iPhones, but universally people solve it by buying a new iPhone.

      I wonder why Apple makes each new version a bit more bloated? …

      Unfortunately Android isn't much better. Although newer OS versions are often faster, no Android manufacturer provides updates for more than a couple of years. So you have to flash an unofficial ROM (too complex for the average Joe, and you lose Android Pay).

  • dcep on 03/06/2017 - 13:44
    +1

    because battery deteriorates and manufacturer stopped making consumer replaceable battery compartment for phones.

    so yeah, we got screwed hard.

  • try2bhelpful on 03/06/2017 - 14:57
    +2

    I upgrade if there is a signficant improvement in the phone. Last update was from the iPhone 4 to the Iphone 6plus. I will look at the iphone 8 but if it doesn't "rock my world" I will keep going with the current one. I am considering the Samsung 8 for my work phone, if they ever let us have it. I was considering the Samsung Note 7, but it turned out to have an internal combustion engine. My current work Samsung S3 is just awful.

  • altitudinous on 03/06/2017 - 15:16
    +7

    Yeah, some people get sucked into marketing talk on phones, lack of willpower, peer pressure whatever. Same with anything.

    Witness the folks here any time a watch bargain gets posted. All the ozbargainites are all in no matter what and I am one of the worst ;)

    • StrayfireX on 06/06/2017 - 21:11

      For large purchases like a phone I make myself fill out paperwork for myself to justify buying the phone.

      I usually get about halfway through it and all the joy has been sucked out of buying the thing, I don't :)

  • OzzyOzbourne on 03/06/2017 - 17:34
    +1

    Upgraded last year to galaxy s7 for better camera, display, speed and gear vr.

  • ChunkyToast on 03/06/2017 - 17:41
    +1

    Upgrade: raise (something) to a higher standard, in particular improve (equipment or machinery) by adding or replacing components.

    That's why?

    That said, I'm still happy with my S5 and have just replaced my battery. Hoping it will last another year and I can buy a new phone next year which would be an actual upgrade after 3 years compared to what's in the market at the moment.

  • Architectonic on 03/06/2017 - 20:02
    +1

    I upgrade when the old one breaks. (Galaxy S2->Nexus 5x) Unfortunately, the Nexus 5x is now known to be unreliable :-(

    • flopsy on 07/06/2017 - 04:05
      +1

      I do this and still use my Galaxy S2. Great ROM support to the latest version of Android, battery has suffered but still runs a few days on standby. Redmi 4X looks like a good replacement option at $135~ when it croaks.

  • NWLikeShopping on 03/06/2017 - 20:36

    I have only ever rarely in my life upgraded a piece of technology that was still usable for me. Normally something has to have some significant flaws before I consider an upgrade. And normally my upgrades are not the latest generation of technology, because I feel that I get better value for my dollars that way.

    I recently "upgraded" to the Moto X Force (out since 2015, but a recent ozb deal), as I like the indestructibility of Moto's somewhat ruggedised phones. My benchmark for this is my Defy. Bought in 2010, went through the washing machine powered on in 2011, took it out with the home screen still glowing blue and stating the time… the internal non-speakerphone speaker didn't work after that, but everything else did, so I just used it on speaker or with headphones from 2011 to 2015. "Upgraded" to another phone in 2015, but it just didn't have the staying power of the Defy. I had the battery replaced but battery life was still hit and miss (sometimes it wouldn't charge at all, even though it depleted a power bank) and it would turn off and on randomly, causing me to miss calls. In bot this phone and the Defy, an Android update eventually borked the camera, causing it to stop working after taking a few photos, until the phone was rebooted, at which point it would work. That was annoying as well. So now I'm on the X Force. Loving it so far. Multi-day standby with a decent amount of web surfing over wifi and 4G thrown in, no external power bank required, for the win.

  • jo5h89 on 03/06/2017 - 21:04
    +1

    iPhone updates that's why

  • Hirolol on 03/06/2017 - 21:13
    +1

    I think it's bullshit how companies will bring out updates to make your older phone go slower.
    They deny some of it but its damn obvious.
    Then when you try update some apps and it says you cannot update this app unless you have the latest OS for your phone….

    That being said I had my iPhone 4 up until the iPhone 6 came out.
    Then when iPhone 6s I wasn't going to get because its barely an upgrade but somehow I got caught up in the hype my mate was creating.
    That is probably a huge regret for me.
    It's such a waste of money upgrading when there is no upgrade.
    I don't think I am going to upgrade to iPhone 7.

    I will most likely switch to android and suffer the loss from all the apps I have bought but oh well, I am not going to waste al the money I have invested in xiaomi piston headphones!!!

  • smpantsonfire on 03/06/2017 - 21:36
    +2

    Note 3, four years strong.

    Won't upgrade until it dies.

    • jwrathall on 03/06/2017 - 23:29
      +1

      Exactly the same story… except my Note 3 is becoming geriatric, and the GPS is now just screwed.

      So I bought a OnePlus 3T 2 nights ago with the 15% Ebay sale :)

    • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2017 - 00:06
      +3

      Note 3, it is still the best.

  • Charity on 03/06/2017 - 21:48
    +1

    I have an iPhone 6S+ and a few Android flagships. But I'm hopefully waiting to upgrade to something that isn't Android or Apple. Kind of tired of both their corporate games. Gave Windows and Blackberry a try. Both very good, especially windows phone, But sadly developers don't support their app stores. And now both alternatives are all but dead.

    Hopefully some new great company can come along with an amazing new product, that lasts, that respects privacy, and that doesn't BS their customers. First one that does gets my money!

  • The Gent on 03/06/2017 - 23:11
    +3

    When the old one breaks.

  • nubzy on 04/06/2017 - 00:00
    +1

    Don't give a stuff about phones anymore. They lost the plot with pricing these days. Used to be about $800 at most for top end smart phone. Now he are all the same and they can last for years. My Galaxy s6 still has good battery life and performances. I only use it for internet/gps and phone calls.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2017 - 00:02
    +1

    I do not unless for defects and issues that arise.
    I had my LG G3 for almost 3 years, even though the GPS and Bluetooth had stopped working, until LG gifted me their famous boot loop. Never LG again.

    • Mrgreenz on 04/06/2017 - 12:11
      +1

      Although the bootloop was a disaster (i had a g4 that did it) 3 years from a phone is pretty good imo

      • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2017 - 14:53
        -2

        Absolutely not! When you pay $700-1000 for a phone you don't want to pay that much money after 2 years again! I would say that I expect at least 5 years of my current phone. And never LG again, not for the boot loop but for their poor tech and the way they handled this fiasco.

        • Mrgreenz on 04/06/2017 - 18:44

          Getting to 5 yrs will be an achivement. Thats like a galaxy s3 from release to now.

        • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2017 - 20:09
          +2

          @Mrgreenz:
          Yes, but there have been a lot of technology upgrades at the beginning that has been slowed down for a couple of years.
          I don't see anything major happening in the foreseeable future and as I remember I bought a note 3 at the time that is still going strong.
          I expect my new flagship would easily handle any job for at least the next 3-5 years.

  • gimli on 04/06/2017 - 06:55
    +1

    I had my Nexus 5 for 3 years. Was pretty happy with it but had to replace because of terrible battery life towards the end.

    I did have urges to get a newer Google phone but couldn't justify the price when old phone was working well.

    I now use Xiaomi rn3p which set me back about $250. It's working well but I think I would have a lower threshold to upgrade given how relatively cheap it is

    • Shiny Mew on 04/06/2017 - 07:43
      +1

      Given you could have replaced the battery for a nominal cost, you didn't have to replace the entire phone.

      • gimli on 04/06/2017 - 13:07

        What do you mean by nominal? How much?
        I still have the phone would be keen to resurrect it

        • StrayfireX on 06/06/2017 - 21:15

          Well I got a genuine battery from the LG service centre in Jakarta, Indonesia.

          Cost about $20, service included.

    • ausmisc on 04/06/2017 - 09:20

      I've been using my Nexus 5 for nearly 4 years now I think. Occasionally I'm tempted to upgrade, but besides a sub par battery life it does everything I want it to.

      • JimB on 05/06/2017 - 15:20

        I had a Nexus 5 until the SGS7 came out.

        Nexus 5 was a great phone for the money, sadly battery life was terrible, camera was rubbish and 32inch internal storage was way too small.

        I ended selling it for $160 or so in great condition.

    • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2017 - 10:19

      You should have bought a powerbank

      • gimli on 04/06/2017 - 13:09
        +1

        Was going to but not really practical for me to carry around all the time.

    • Kegsta on 04/06/2017 - 10:32

      I'm still on the old nexus 5, I have the same issue, I want another google phone, but after this one for $300 i can't justify $1000 for a pixel these days.
      I've dropped my nexus 5 so many times the screen has a lot of cracks in it, but still going strong.

      I replaced its battery with an $8 generic higher capacity one from ebay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2500mah-3-8V-Battery-Replacement-… and now it lasts around 3 hours of streaming music and playing an intensive game (summoners war) up from about 55 minutes the original was giving me.

      I have my mums old one she drowned with a perfect screen I might transplant the guys of mine into if i can be bothered.

      • gimli on 04/06/2017 - 13:11
        +1

        I would consider Xiaomi. I was like you wanted another google phone but couldn't justify the price.

        Xiaomi with custom rom is better than my Nexus tbb

        PS my battery only does down by half on current phone.

  • cybapete on 04/06/2017 - 07:18
    +1

    i had an asus zenfone 2 and was pretty happy with it but because it was such a big phone and rather thin on the edges it started bending slightly in my pocket and the sim card would lose connection so my phone wasn't working but i wouldn't know until i pulled it out to use it

    that has now been replaced with a nokia 6 which is carved from a block of aluminium very sturdy it's also a bit quicker than the asus

  • AliensStoleMyMoney on 04/06/2017 - 07:21
    +2

    3 years lg g3 then bootlooped now im on s7 edge will be on it till it dies

    • Lukian on 05/06/2017 - 18:13

      I feel like Australian Consumer Law warranty should cover something stupid like a bootloop or fundamental hardware(/software) fault.

      • AliensStoleMyMoney on 05/06/2017 - 23:11

        yeah i looked at all these comments its a shame as i see bootloop being a common issue for lg g3 it was a nice phone

  • Shiny Mew on 04/06/2017 - 07:42
    +1

    Answer - too much money.

  • Cusack on 04/06/2017 - 08:43
    +9

    Consumerism. We're 'programmed' to think we need to upgrade. Applies for cars, tv's, etc. I fall for it myself

    • outlander on 04/06/2017 - 14:24
      +3

      But I haven't been living up to my full potential, and I need this new phone/car/tv/10,000 thread count sheet set to do that
      Then I will be as happy as everyone else

  • LYRICALRAVER on 04/06/2017 - 10:17
    -1

    i need to upgrade my ultra-hd smartphone watch

  • cantoangel on 04/06/2017 - 10:32
    +1

    Because my LG G3 is a piece of crap that I need to bake (in the oven) in order for it to work. Five times and counting now, can't wait to get my Xiaomi. Other times I upgraded was because the phone got slow, even after flashing a new ROM.

  • bantamdraper on 04/06/2017 - 11:46
    +1

    I've never regretted upgrading my phone as I've only ever upgraded when there's been a genuine fault with my old one.

    Three weeks ago the Nexus 5 I had been using for 3 years finally bit the dust. It went into a constant bootloop, and after endless troubleshooting I finally determined it had to be a motherboard error and it was time to get a newer phone. I looked around on ebay and ending up buying working 32GB Nexus 5X with a cracked screen, bought a replacement LCD, and fixed it myself. It cost me about $190 all up.

    I flashed a custom rom on it straight away and that was that. With any luck I won't be having to replace this 5X in the foreseeable future. As much as I like to pat myself on the back when it comes to being frugal with phones and resisting the urge to buy the higher end flagship models, deep down I know it's partly because it frees up more $$$ so I can go overboard with camera gear.

  • Yuri Lowell on 04/06/2017 - 13:07
    +1

    I don't. I'm still using a 4 year old Nexus 4. I'm constantly tempted by new phone deals but then I wonder if it's worth it as my Nexus 4 does everything I need it to do.

    • outlander on 04/06/2017 - 14:29

      So was I up until 3 months ago. Great phone, really good size, screen and camera. Too many issues though, with the battery and random shutdowns. Even with all the problems though I was able to sell it for enough that I could buy my current phone, the huawei y6 elite.

      Feels like we've reached the same point with phones now that we have with computers, that upgrading gives no noticable benefit for everyday use and is mostly driven by gamers or hardware support.

    • HeyThereJim on 04/06/2017 - 14:42

      Same here. My Nexus 4 is still going strong. I haven't updated the OS for a few iterations now and I've never had any issues with speed or software problems like the bootlooping issues. I wonder if not updating the OS has saved me from those problems?

  • Plug on 04/06/2017 - 13:51
    +1

    My last upgrade was because my last phone didn't have 4G.

  • sathion on 04/06/2017 - 15:23

    I went from the Asuz Zenfone 2 to the Galaxy S7 Edge wont need to upgrade for awhile. Typically I stick with the same phone for a few years if I can or if it starts to go slow or shit even after a factory reset.

  • stealthpaw on 04/06/2017 - 15:31

    My Nexus 5 is still more reliable then any of my mates newer phones, battery is still great too.

    The only reason i upgrade my phone is if there is a particular new technology i need, otherwise i just maintain / fix current phone with aftermarket parts.

  • spacebanana on 04/06/2017 - 17:26
    +2

    My key is replacing my phone when the latest model is about to be released. Ie sold my s5 in March for 280 dollars and bought my s7 just before the s8 came out for 300. And the s7 is still a very capable phone. I'll probably do the same when the s9 or equivalent comes out.
    Seeing as the s5 only cost me 300 when the s6 came out, it's a pretty solid way to do it.
    This is all second hand by the way, you have to be able to put up with it having a few small scratches and whatnot.

  • peterw1 on 04/06/2017 - 17:28
    -1

    good question. At what point will my 3gs become vintage or antique. It still works as a phone, which is why I bought it. The only problem is that some apps won't work on iOS 6, but i manage.

  • Chik5555 on 04/06/2017 - 17:30

    Usually after two years my phone is well out of date (insufficient memory, slow, software issues etc) and I upgrade. However I have had my iphone 6+ for over two years now and am still quite happy with it. No intention to upgrade right now. The screen I have recently cracked but only in a minor way so some time I'll probably replace it. Very pleased because instead of paying for a plan for about $90 a month I'm now just paying $30 a month for boost prepaid. :)

  • [Deactivated] on 04/06/2017 - 18:13
    -1

    Considering how phones are pretty much mini computers now. It still irks me how loading the contacts, texts and calling app/function takes so long.
    They're the primary purpose I use my phone.

    Again usually change every 2 years or after 1+ if an insanely good deal comes up and an overseas trip to utilize GST refunds.

  • cannedhams on 04/06/2017 - 18:18

    I tended to upgrade because i usually only had budget phones. Last one was a LG Leon, before that Huawei G526, before that Motorola something, then more cheap Huaweis.

    I inherited an S5 from my sister and it is as fast as i need. I will use it until it dies.

  • Randxyz123 on 04/06/2017 - 20:41
    +1

    I enjoy technology. I work with technology and I like having the latest thing. I normally upgrade every 2 years because most devices have slown down by then anyway.

    I will be upgrading my iPhone when the next one comes out.

  • DangerNoodle on 04/06/2017 - 21:08

    I slowed down upgrading my phones when I bought my LG g5 (now given to my partner) and my v20. I chose these phones because they have replaceable batteries, and these batteries come in a charging kit with a case for less than $30. I find that phones have plateau'd a bit so with replaceable batteries, we can just keep using these photos Es and change the batteries when they start dying, and hopefully they'll last a few years.

  • veriiT on 04/06/2017 - 21:15

    I've only ever bought new phones when they're too damaged to work, or in the case of my latest, not enough memory and lack of battery life.

  • blindingshadowz on 04/06/2017 - 21:44
    +1

    I've been on the hunt for a phone with good battery life since the iPhone 5 with iOS 6. Ironically, iOS updates have ensured that unless you have the top tier Plus model of the Apple iRange, they're not much of an improvement with each iteration if any. That is, until I found the iPhone SE $449 deal posted here with Telstra. I'm seeing it able to stagger through 24hrs of standby time consistently with my moderate use. The other features like NFC for Apple Pay, the Touch ID sensor and the 12mp camera, and the same chipset as the iPhone 6S will hopefully future proof it for a while.

  • zqipz on 04/06/2017 - 22:49

    Buy outright, and use a SIM only plan. Upgrade for features, screen size and use for 2yr min to keep it $$ under a plan with phone. iPhone 6 is still smooth gui and the battery is ok for an almost 3yo phone. There isn't many new features on the 6s/7 to make the switch. Apple does have an efficient OS and limited bloatware, which is easier on the lighter h/w spec's comparatively.

  • edwardcr on 05/06/2017 - 00:57

    I hardly ever upgrade - I only use my phone for basic stuff, including a bit of web browsing if I'm out and about shopping for (yet another) guitar.

    Only two phones in the last 12 years or so - a Motorola Razr V3 (which I really regret throwing out three or so years ago - it's a great vintage model now), and a Samsung Galaxy S4, which I've owned for the last 4 years. It's still performing faultlessly.

  • froodh on 05/06/2017 - 06:17

    Mine was an impulse buy: had a Nokia 630, frustrated with it not being fully upgradeable to Windows 10 mobile. I saw a Sony M4 Aqua on clearance for $80 at Officeworks. Checked what the RRP was (5 times that) so grabbed it without a further thought

  • CurrentCalculations on 05/06/2017 - 08:08
    +1

    The main reason I upgrade my phone every 2 years is because a replacement is free from work.

  • opt on 05/06/2017 - 08:13

    I'm bit of a tech enthusiast. I use Android phones and lot of Google services so being up-to-date is my reason for upgrading. I upgrade when I know the latest version of Android is not going to be officially supported on my phone. Has been a nexus (now a pixel) user for a long time.

    Even though I upgrade moderately often (2~3 years) I try to minimize my costs by buying outright at a fairly good price, then using it on a value-oriented plan and selling off my old phone to recoup at least some of the costs.

  • MessyG on 05/06/2017 - 08:40

    I upgraded because 16gb was not enough space.

  • Tech and cars on 05/06/2017 - 08:50
    +2

    The following below applies to flagship phones only:

    I use my phone for probably 2-3 hours a day.

    I found that from 2008-2012, phones were still adding features and becoming a better device. New features such as a better camera, longer battery, more internal storage, faster for general usage (browsing etc). Remember when 16gb USB's would cost $250+..

    From 2012-2014 - still somewhat true as above, but not as noticeable.

    From 2014-2017 - I feel like we have somewhat hit a wall and it is starting to be diminishing returns. I haven't upgraded in the last 3 years.

  • Godric on 05/06/2017 - 08:57

    I am still using my Note 3 purchased 2nd month of release from Jb Hi fi for about $750, the durability of this phone is actually kind of nuts, i've been using it without a case or screen protector and it only has a minor scratch on the screen, and cosmetic damages to the plastic frame but still works fine.

    The camera is a bit dated now, but everything else is okay.

    For $700 defs got my moneys worth out of this phone.

  • DiscoJango on 05/06/2017 - 10:05
    +1

    Because the last IOS update made my once lightning fast phone, slow.

  • PleasureMe on 05/06/2017 - 10:51

    This thread has made me want to buy a new phone. I want the Samsung Galaxy S8 (unlocked). Can anyone advise where I can currently get it the cheapest?

  • redvaldez on 05/06/2017 - 11:59

    I had a HTC M7 for over four years. Great phone. Did everything I wanted to. But despite having a relatively spartan list of apps installed, it got really slow towards the end. Using Snapchat or sending text messages became painful. And the camera was definitely feeling behind the times with newer models. The battery had shit itself too - I once drained the battery in a morning with only moderate use.

    So I replaced with a HTC 10. Nice and speedy with no lag. Battery lasts up to two days so I don't have to have it constantly plugged into a charger. And a much better camera. Oh, and I love the fingerprint sensor to unlock it. In a lot of respects it's not that different to my old phone (similar interface will do that to you). But it's a helluva lot nicer to use.

    If I had my time again I should have replaced my 7 about a year ago.

    I don't get it when people constantly upgrade to the latest and greatest flagship model though.

  • customundo on 05/06/2017 - 12:19

    because Apple decided to release an update which made my iPhone 4 to slow to run. I jumped across to Android and haven't bought an iPhone since.

  • mparf on 05/06/2017 - 12:40

    My current phone is the Nexus 5x, purchased March 2016.
    I've been very happy with it, and had no plans to upgrade for a while.
    However, it took a bit of a swim in my bag thanks to an uncapped water bottle, and I've resuscitated it as much as possible in a tub of dry rice.
    It's working, but it's performance is very degraded.
    Battery lasts about 7 hours max on minimal usage
    and freezes occasionally.
    I'm gonna try to milk it for all I can before it gives up the ghost. I'm looking at OP5 next.

  • WeeDeePotato on 05/06/2017 - 14:12
    +1

    I used to upgrade when I smashed my phone to pieces accidentally. Now I just let work give me an iphone for free, contract paid. It's easier this way.

  • Rusty4 on 05/06/2017 - 14:37
    +1

    I upgrade because work pays for my phone, so why not.

  • dawannabe on 05/06/2017 - 15:33

    I cannot remember the last time i purchased a mobile phone. I only upgrade after i have exhausted all other avenues of fixing my current phone and I have been lucky in the last several years to have received several hand me downs. Currently have an s5 which I've had for about 18 months. I have just purchased a replacement battery from ebay after random shutdowns and poor battery life. I'm hoping to get another year out of it before I eye off someone elses hand me down.

    • outlander on 05/06/2017 - 15:36

      But how do you get other people to give you their phones? Thats the part which always stops me doing what you're doing

      • dqtl74 on 05/06/2017 - 17:51

        I know quite a few family members and friends who simply give away their old phones once they get a new one (which can be quite frequent since a few of them are the 'yearly upgrade' type).

        • outlander on 06/06/2017 - 00:32
          +1

          But, how does that conversation happen? Do you ring them up every month "Hi, Uncle Snake, how are you doing? Are you done with your phone yet?" or do you just watch eagle eyed for when they have the new gadget, and then subtly bring it up.

        • dqtl74 on 06/06/2017 - 09:37

          I don't actively ask for or pursue them (I buy my own phones). Most of them give it to their children or spouse and sometimes other extended family members who want or need them.

          I only know of it because I'm the resident family tech guru, so most of my family comes to me when they're looking to upgrade or replace their phone.

        • dawannabe on 06/06/2017 - 09:49

          Its simple just let everyone around you know that your phone is about to die and ready for replacement, you have to make them think they came up with the idea to pass their old phone on.

  • Ron025 on 05/06/2017 - 15:34

    To get WIFI talk in no signal areas.

  • Halo375 on 05/06/2017 - 15:47

    When the old one breaks or the new one delivers a superior experience at an acceptable price.

  • manbearpig on 05/06/2017 - 17:06
    +1

    Still using my iPhone 6 from 2014. No issues whatsoever.

  • ialam99 on 05/06/2017 - 17:43

    Its mostly battery life for me…i think they design batteries with exactly 24 month useful life

  • Shiny Mew on 05/06/2017 - 17:45

    I had my iPhone 3GS for six years until it bricked itself. A shame, as I really liked the SleepCycle app which doesn't work on a OPO.

  • tdw on 05/06/2017 - 18:55

    i tend to keep my phones for as many years as possible. first phone was a nokia 5110 and only upgraded that to an 8850 because i liked the fancy slide-out keypad cover and more updated software. it was quite a shock upgrading from that to an iphone 2g. i finally had a camera! served me well for a few years before that got too slow and i didn't want to lose my jailbroken apps.

    now, i'm upgrading my HTC chacha for an iphone se from this deal
    had the htc since 2012. was great at first — liked the camera, half touch screen half physical keyboard, expandable memory and removable battery. but it lacked decent RAM and performance got worse after 3 or so years. it even sucked to use as a phone. i've been using my ipod touch for all those other non-phone features for the last year. the only feature i'll miss will be the call recorder app.

  • ozeebee on 05/06/2017 - 18:56

    To the ones who suggest factory resetting an Android phone.

    Do you mean factory reset then restore from backup?

    Or factory reset and start fresh? Because this is a very inconvenient process having to install your apps one by one, configure settings etc.

    I'm just getting prepped cos I expect my Galaxy S8+ to slow down eventually and would need to do one of these.

  • rogerm22 on 05/06/2017 - 19:10

    I've had my Meizu M2 which I bought from China, for nearly two years. It's still in new condition and due to updates, it runs faster now, than when I bought it.

    I am a bit tempted to switch to a S6, which I can get for $40 a month from Woolworths Mobile. But, I'll probably stick with my current phone for another year or two, as it works well and currently I'm paying less than that a month due to being on prepaid and I holding off on buying more credit, until I actually need to make a call or text someone.

  • 2her0ck on 05/06/2017 - 19:41

    Hey,

    I have had my iPhone 5s since March 2014. It's more than 3 years old and it has served me well without any issues. Other than some software issues which usually get fixed with an update, the phone is still on the newest OS update and runs better than I expected.

    I would say I have to charge the battery twice but it's not a biggie as I charge it at work on my desk while working. I felt the iPhone 6, 6s and 7 are ugly and bulky which is why I never moved up. I may get the Oneplus 5 when it comes out thus month or may wait for the new redesigned iPhone 8.

  • cdkane on 05/06/2017 - 21:09

    Sometimes it's just nice to have new things even if you don't NEED to replace your current whatever you have. My phone works fine (s6 edge) but when my plan is up I'll get something else just cause I want to.

  • [Deactivated] on 05/06/2017 - 21:34

    why upgrade?

    well at one time going back a few years i was going through phones every 4 to 6 months, until i fohund the right one.

    had.

    huawei x1
    nokia e5, e72, n8, n900 (by far my fav)

    i stuck with my n900 mobile computer with phone capabilities and was a dream of a mobile. Had all the bells and whistles and well i was given a choice and i chose wrongly….. i sold my n900 and i was like a part of my soul went with it.

    then i sold an e72, went back to android via an s3 limited 32gb model then when that got crushed went back and purchased an e72 again and was jumping between my e5 and e72.

    enjoyed the battery life back then and was fun to use….

    i then settled with the note 2 n7105 and purchased a zerolemon 9300mAh battery and was good for a few years until it started dropping out of BT and signal so now i have an s5 and its been going strong….. if i ever get the opertunity to purchase a nokia 808 i will but alas im dreaming now.

  • xoom on 05/06/2017 - 22:17

    reasons why people upgrade their mobile phone. (in no particular order)

    because they can
    for the e-peen
    old one broken
    old one too slow
    new features
    better specs/features

    </thread>

  • striker5950 on 05/06/2017 - 22:40
    +1

    i bought a galaxy s6 the first day it came out, i never installed any updates and it was always speedy and super fast, however..
    right around the release time of the s8 it started getting slow and laggy, l keep in mind i still had not installed any updates.
    my theory is that manufacturers somehow activate some code in the phone when my phone is connected to internet to make it slow and laggy to push customers to upgrade to a newer phone. if you have any other theory please do share.

    • John Kimble on 05/06/2017 - 23:17

      Something else/coincidence.

    • Charity on 05/06/2017 - 23:40

      Very interesting with the no updates/ but still "coincidentally" laggy. Thinking about it, if they are intentionally slowing them down, programming it into the original firmware might get less scrutiny than through an update.

      The trick is not to reward this practice by giving them more $.

    • iridiumstem on 05/06/2017 - 23:41

      My S6 performs better with Nougat. Samsung's Lollipop suffered from the memory issues (that Google created), and S6 was released with Lollipop. Marshmallow and Nougat will perform better as a result, almost always if you ask me.

      Likely chances are, the phone got slower from cache build ups and other bits and pieces that happen with phones as you use them. Usually, resetting the phone fixes that (you can go delete app cache and such, but I personally think it's easier just backing up and resetting). Because you have a theory, you are looking for something that supports it. So you are likely to notice anything that may suggest it's gotten slower than before more (confirmation bias).

      • striker5950 on 06/06/2017 - 17:50

        the thing is it also happened to my friends s7, right around the s8 launch..

        • iridiumstem on 06/06/2017 - 18:32

          Phones can get slower as you use them because of cache build up. Also other things that can happen as you use the phone more. Other things might be errors with apps that eventually cause issues, etc etc.

          I've played with a lot of phones as I tend to be the tech support in my family. I've not heard/seen any issues with S7 and S7 Edge from my family near the release of S8 nor seen any issues with my S6 (in fact, performance got better with Nougat). What you've said to me sounds more like cache build up or issues that tend to occur as you use the phone more.

          I personally suggest you to update and reset your phone. I do that with major updates (Android version changes). See what happens. It'd be free to do anyways.

  • macrocephalic on 05/06/2017 - 22:56

    I upgrade when my phone is broken. This is normally about every two years, but I only buy sub $300 phones - so I'm not really worried.

  • mponderosa on 05/06/2017 - 23:36

    There is an ongoing cost for 'running' your phone every month. SIM only plan is at least $20 right?

    I update the phone as I don't want to pay SIM only plan for $20 up to $40 for just paying the data. You got nothing 'real' at the end.

    By adding $10 or $20 you got the latest device phone plan.

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