What the Tech: Is it time for a new phone?

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – New phone: who dis? Better yet, who’s going to upgrade?

Anytime a new iPhone is announced, millions of current iPhone owners wonder: “should I trade in my old one for the latest?”

The answer depends less on Apple’s newest features and more on the phone already in your pocket. And whether you want to continue saving money.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before making the decision:

Is Your Phone Obsolete?

If you’re using an iPhone older than the iPhone 11, the answer is yes. Older models can’t run the latest iOS updates, leaving them more vulnerable to bugs and security issues. At that point, upgrading isn’t just about new features, it’s about keeping your phone safe.

Performance Check

For anyone with an iPhone 11 or newer, the next question is: how well does it still perform? Phones slow down with age, but often a little digital cleanup can help. Back up your phone, restore it from that backup, clear out the cache, and delete unused apps. Freeing up storage can make a big difference in speed.

Battery Life

If your phone dies before the day is over, check the battery health in settings. A battery that has lost significant capacity or been through more than 600 charge cycles is ready for a replacement. The good news is a new battery costs around $90–$120, far less than a new iPhone.

Camera Quality

For many people, the camera is the main reason to upgrade. If you’re holding on to a phone that’s five or six years old, the difference in low-light performance and overall photo quality will be night and day compared to the latest models.

Storage Space

Another reason to consider an upgrade is storage. If you’re stuck with 64 gigabytes and constantly running out of room, today’s iPhones start with 128 gigabytes. That extra space can save you a lot of frustration.

Carrier Deals

Sometimes the decision comes down to price. Carriers frequently offer upgrade deals with new plans, which can make getting the latest phone much more affordable than buying outright.

The Bottom Line

If your iPhone is older than an 11, has a weak battery, struggles with storage, and lags even after a cleanup, it’s probably time to upgrade. But if your phone still works, runs the latest iOS, and meets your needs, keeping it for another three to five years can save you hundreds of dollars.

Before you trade in, take a close look at your current phone. You may find it has more life left than you think.