10 signs it’s time to upgrade your phone

With the release of wireless and MagSafe charging, it's hard not to want more options if your current phone only supports standard USB charging.

More and more phones are adding new innovative charging features that give users variety when it comes to charging their devices. In the past two years, popular charging features like Apple's MagSafe charging and Samsung's PowerShare charging have been added to newer models. 

Regardless of what charging type you prefer, you'll only benefit from them if your phone supports it - so if your phone is a fair few years old, you may want to trade it in and get your hands on a phone with the feature!

Depending on your phone's age, you may miss out on facial recognition or even fingerprint recognition features! 

Facial recognition first came out in 2017 on both iPhone and Samsung phones and has since become a handy feature on all new phone models. Unlike fingerprint recognition, you don't need to touch your phone to unlock it. Using facial recognition, you can simply look at your phone screen to unlock it!

For Samsung phones from 2020 onwards, you get the best of both worlds with fingerprint AND facial recognition - something Apple is yet to do. Certain newer Samsung models have an in-display fingerprint recognition system, so you no longer have to place your finger on a specific button to unlock it. 

If you're still in the dark ages using fingerprint recognition via a button or worse, a passcode, take it as a sign to upgrade!

If you haven't dropped your phone at least once in your lifetime, you're in the minority! Smartphones have become expensive, delicate devices that are far too easy to drop and break.

Whether you've completely cracked your screen or you've managed to get by with minor scuffs and scratches, a damaged phone can be a sore sight to see!

Not only is a cracked screen a hazard for your fingers, but depending on the severity of the cracks, it can hinder the screen display and function. Cracks can stop touch screens from functioning correctly and can obscure your screen.

For those with phone screens that have seen better days, it might be time to trade in your damaged phone and upgrade to a newer one - and it wouldn't hurt to get a screen protector too!

When your phone reaches a certain age, it will struggle to download new software and updates. This is a clear sign that it's time to retire your current phone!

Updates are essential, as they fix software issues that could be impacting your phone. Phones that aren't kept up to date are more vulnerable to hacking and personal data leaks.

If you're unable to update your phone, you'll no longer be getting the best (or safest) experience, so it's best to upgrade to a secure device!

Does your phone constantly die no matter how often you charge it up? If your phone can't last the day with normal usage, your battery is likely on its way out. 

You can make your battery last longer with setting changes, such as turning off background apps or reducing your screen brightness. However, if your battery continues to drain relentlessly, it's time to retire your phone. 

While you could opt to replace the battery, it may be more cost-efficient to trade in your phone for a new one - plus, you'll get a shiny new phone to enjoy for the next few years!

From downloading apps to saving precious videos, you'd be surprised how much room your files take up on your phone. 

With so many apps to choose from and software updates that eat up a fair chunk of GB, it's almost too easy to use up all your storage space! If, like many others, you find yourself having to delete photos and unused apps to keep the 'storage is full' notification at bay, it could be time to upgrade to a phone with a larger capacity.

New devices now have a better variety of storage space, with some phones offering a whopping 1TB of storage for all your videos, photos, apps, music, notes, and much more!

Do you find yourself staring at a loading wheel while your phone tries to keep up with your needs? If so, it may be time to call it quits on your current phone.

As new devices and software updates are released, it prompts companies to create apps that use more power to run faster. For newer devices, this change is great as you get a faster phone. For older models however, you're left with a sluggish phone at best.

If you're already seeing the deterioration of your phone's loading speeds, it's a good indication that an upgrade is due.

Depending on your phone's age, you might notice that certain apps no longer work. 

Some apps need newer software and operating systems to run correctly. If you rely heavily on apps (which is usually the case for most smartphone users), take this as a sign to upgrade!

Apps like YouTube, Google Maps and Whatsapp are just a few examples of apps that have stopped working on older operating systems. And as the years go by and more updates begin to release, the more likely it is for more apps to stop running on your phone.

In the digital age of Instagram, Snapchat and Tiktok, a decent camera on your phone is a must! 

Cameras on smartphones have massively improved over the years as the demand for quality photos has increased, so you may notice your photos looking a bit sub-par compared to others.

Whether you want to keep your Instagram feed looking fresh or capture happy memories in HD, there are plenty of new phone models with cameras that will blow you away!

We're all guilty of seeing a new phone release and fighting the urge to upgrade - sometimes, it just can't be helped! But if you weigh the pros and cons, could an upgrade be worth it?

It's worth thinking about your phone's features, performance and price and comparing it to some newer models on the market. You may be surprised with how little an upgrade would cost you - especially considering all the cool new features you'll finally have access to!

If your phone has seen better days and you're struggling to get the best usage from it, an upgrade is worth considering.

Is it time to say goodbye to your old phone? Upgrade and save money when you buy a refurbished phone with musicMagpie! Plus, trade in your old phone with us and get cash towards your upgrade!