Buying Guide
Should I Upgrade My Phone in 2026? A Decision Framework
Phone upgrade cycles have lengthened dramatically. Where 2-year cycles used to be the default, 4–5 years is now common — and that's a good thing. Both Apple and Android flagships now ship 7-year update commitments, and the gen-over-gen improvements are mostly incremental. Here's a framework for deciding whether you actually need to upgrade in 2026.
Updated · By SmartphoneAwards Editorial
Test 1: Is your phone receiving security updates?
If your phone is no longer receiving monthly security patches, upgrade. This is non-negotiable — unsupported phones are a real security and privacy risk. **iPhones**: Apple supports iPhones with security updates for ~6–8 years from launch. iPhones older than the iPhone 11 (2019) may be at the end of their security update window in 2026. **Pixels**: Google ships 5–7 years depending on model. Pixel 6 and earlier are out of support. **Galaxy S series**: Samsung shipped 4 years of updates pre-2024, now 7 years from S24 onward. S22 and earlier are at the edge of support.
Test 2: Has your battery degraded?
If your phone's battery health is below 80%, you're feeling it daily. Replacing the battery is often $80–$100 (Apple, Samsung, or third-party) and can extend a phone's useful life by 2–3 years for a fraction of the cost of a new device. Check battery health: - iPhone: Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging - Pixel/Galaxy: Settings → Battery → Battery health If battery health is the only issue, replace the battery — don't upgrade the phone.
Test 3: Are you actually missing features?
List the features you'd gain by upgrading. If the list is mostly 'newer chip,' 'slightly better camera,' or 'a bit thinner,' you don't need to upgrade. If the list includes specific things you'd actually use — Apple Intelligence (requires iPhone 15 Pro+ or iPhone 16/17 series), 7-year update commitment (Pixel 8+, S24+), or a new feature like the iPhone Air's design — upgrading makes sense. MKBHD's 2025 award-winners added genuinely new things: - iPhone 17 (Phone of the Year): ProMotion 120Hz on the base model — feels different - Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Best Foldable): thinnest book-fold yet — feels different - OnePlus 15 (Best Battery): 9–11 hours of screen-on time — feels different Compare to 'iPhone 17 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro' — the upgrade is real but you wouldn't feel it day-to-day.
Apple · From $799
Test 4: Is something specifically broken?
If your phone has a screen crack, isn't holding charge, or has water damage, you have a forced decision. Repair is usually cheaper if your phone is < 3 years old; replacement is usually cheaper after 3+ years. For a 2-year-old iPhone with a cracked screen: Apple's screen replacement is typically $279–$329. New iPhone 17 is $799. Repair. For a 5-year-old iPhone with battery degradation AND a cracked screen: replacement is the right call.
When to skip a generation (or two)
Most upgrades are worth waiting one or two generations: - iPhone owners: skip every other generation. iPhone 14 → 17 is a real jump. iPhone 15 → 17 is incremental. - Pixel owners: similar pattern. Pixel 7 → 9 is a real jump (won Most Improved). Pixel 8 → 9 is incremental. - Galaxy owners: same. S22 → S25 is a real jump. S24 → S25 is incremental (and the S24 Ultra was MKBHD's 2024 Phone of the Year — your phone is already excellent). The rare exception: if your current phone doesn't support a feature you want (Apple Intelligence on iPhone 14, for example), upgrade earlier.
If you decide to upgrade
Buying advice depends on your current phone: - Coming from a 4+ year old phone → buy a current-gen flagship (iPhone 17, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Pixel 9 Pro). The jump is dramatic. - Coming from a 2-year-old phone → buy a discounted last-gen flagship (iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Pixel 8 Pro). You'll get 90% of the capability for 60% of the price. - Coming from a 1-year-old phone → reconsider. The upgrade is rarely worth it.
Apple · From $799
Samsung · From $1299
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I keep my smartphone in 2026?
On a 7-year-supported phone (iPhone 16+, Pixel 8+, Galaxy S24+), 4–5 years is the sweet spot. Beyond that, batteries degrade and you start missing newer software features. On a 4-year-supported phone, upgrade every 3 years.
Is it worth upgrading every year?
No, almost never. Year-over-year improvements are increasingly incremental. The exception: if your current phone doesn't support a feature you want (Apple Intelligence, ProMotion, etc.), upgrading earlier makes sense.
Should I trade in my old phone or sell it?
Trade-in is fastest and easiest (Apple, Samsung, and Google all offer credit). Selling on Swappa or eBay typically nets 20–30% more — worth the friction if your phone is < 3 years old and in good condition.