How long do you keep a phone before upgrading these days?

[Aurora Merchant]

Phone upgrade cycles have changed a lot. A decade ago, many people upgraded every two years, often on a contract that included a new handset. Now phones are more expensive, improvements between generations are smaller and manufacturers promise far longer software support. Many people are keeping their phones for four, five or even more years

Samsung and Google now offer seven years of updates on some models, and Apple has long supported older iPhones. EU rules are pushing for easier battery replacement and longer support too. Meanwhile, rising prices, partly linked to the memory shortage, are making new phones even more expensive. All of this encourages people to hold on longer. Upgrade culture has changed noticeably

I kept my last phone for five years, replacing the battery once halfway through. It still worked when I upgraded, but the camera was showing its age and some apps had become sluggish. My new phone is better, but not dramatically better for the things I do every day

Some people still love upgrading every year for the latest features, while others will use a phone until it stops working completely. Both approaches have their logic, depending on budget and how much you rely on your phone

How long do you keep a phone before upgrading, and what finally makes you switch?

[Ivory Will]

Four years seems to be my sweet spot. Battery life starts to drop, and newer features become tempting. By then the trade in value is almost nothing, mind you