With new smartphones getting released one after the other in a matter of months, it’s tempting to upgrade your current unit even if it’s only a few months old. However, buyer’s remorse is a real thing that can haunt you long after you’ve made the purchase.

Thus, it’s best to take into account a few practical considerations before you ultimately get a new unit (or not). Here are some things to think about when you’re about to upgrade your phone:

How Much You’re Willing and Able to Spend

Nowadays, there are a lot of affordable flagship-level smartphones. You can also take out a cash loan in case you need to give your budget a bit of a boost. That said, you really need to think about how much you’re willing and able to spend for a smartphone. Does Php 30,000 for a smartphone sound reasonable to you? Will this amount compromise your monthly budget? You need to reconcile these two amounts (they’re not always the same) before you make a purchase to avoid any regrets.

Various Aspects of the Design

While a phone’s appearance usually doesn’t matter when it comes to performance, its overall design can affect the way you use it. For example, some phones may be too big for you to operate using just one hand or to put in your pocket. This can result in your inconvenience. Other design aspects you should consider include but are not limited to:

• curved or flat sides
• curved or flat displays/screens
• body construction (metal frame, plastic frame, glass back, etc)
• matte or glossy finish

That’s why, as much as possible, it’s better to test a phone in a physical store first before you make a purchase. Even if you’re ordering online, make an effort to check out the product in person so you can experience it and make a more informed decision.

Are There Alternatives to a Full Upgrade

One of the biggest reasons that you may be considering upgrading your current phone is that it doesn’t perform as well as before. It’s perfectly rational, of course, but it’s better if you can pinpoint the causes of the poor performance in the first place and address those if you can. This way, you can potentially save a lot of money.

For example, does your phone quickly run out of battery charge? Maybe it just needs a battery replacement. You can also check your settings and adjust those that drain the battery faster (e.g., you can lower your screen refresh rate). If your phone is too slow, maybe it’s not the processor but rather the files and apps crowding the storage. You can either buy an SD card if your phone supports it, or you can transfer files into cloud storage.

If you see no improvements after doing all you can to boost the performance of your phone, then you can definitely say that it’s time for an upgrade.

How Much Technology Has Changed

As previously mentioned, smartphone manufacturers nowadays release phones one after the other at a very quick pace. After just a few months of the launch of the latest flagship, you’ll already be hearing about the development of the next model. Does this mean that your phone will be useless after a few short months? Probably not. In fact, there may be little difference between your current phone and the newest release.

Usually, the best strategy in upgrading phones is to skip a generation or two. If you have the version 9 of a specific model, you can probably skip version 10 and upgrade to version 11 or 12 instead. This allows you to save more money in between and guarantees that there are significant differences when it comes to features and performance. It also pays to follow the latest tech news so you’re always aware of the latest developments with regard to smartphone technology.

How Long Will the Phone Receive Security and Software Updates

In order to keep their products secure and running smoothly, smartphone manufacturers roll out security and software updates every so often. These updates optimize your device, fixing bugs and ensuring that the latest versions of apps work as intended. More importantly, these updates keep your phone safe from the latest security threats.

When you’re upgrading your phone, think about how long it will receive these updates. The standard nowadays is about 2 years, although some manufacturers may update certain models for longer. Look for a phone that will receive support for 2 to 3 years so you don’t have to get a new one too frequently.

Maybe What You Really Need Is a Downgrade

Last but certainly not least, it’s important to consider whether you really need a phone upgrade. If you aren’t maximizing all the features of your phone, maybe it will be better if you downgrade. Evaluate your digital lifestyle and how you use your device. Do you really need a triple camera setup or a foldable model? If you’re only using your phone for social media apps and maybe a few calls or texts, buying a flagship-level phone is overkill. Get a mid-range phone instead and use your savings for other expenses.

By being smart about upgrading your smartphone, you’ll be able to save a lot of money without compromising your needs.