When to buy a new mobile phone

If you're deciding whether or not to get a new mobile phone, asking yourself the following key questions can help you come to an answer.

Do you need a new smartphone?

While this question might seem obvious, it's the most important one to ask yourself if you're not sure if now is the time for a new phone.

Does your phone simply need a new screen which could be done as a repair rather than replacing the whole thing? Is your phone working fine, but you want an upgrade?

If it's the latter, remember that while smartphone manufacturers release new models each and every year, most phones will continue to function perfectly well for many years beyond that. In a lot of cases, smartphone manufacturers continue to release software updates for older phones years after they've been superseded, unlocking features that keep those phones feeling fresh for quite some time.

Take a look at the new features offered by the latest smartphones and consider whether they'd improve your life. If the answer is yes, you might be able to save by waiting until prices drop.

Do you want the latest phone?

Manufacturers love to drum up excitement for their new phones, although in Apple’s case the fans tend to take care of that all by themselves.

The way marketing campaigns tell it, new phones are a rare commodity that you need to go out and purchase right now lest you miss out forever. Of course, this is complete balderdash, as smartphones rarely go out of stock and tend to remain on the market for years after their release.

There's always the chance you can snag a particularly good deal by pre-ordering a new smartphone or buying it right at launch. Manufacturers and telcos alike will often bundle in accessories like headphones, fitness trackers or other desirable tech to encourage you to lay down your cash early.

However, as with any consumer electronics item, prices will inevitably drop. Some fall faster than others, with Apple notorious for fixing the outright price of its current iPhones until new models arrive. Regardless, waiting a little while might be what it takes to score some serious savings.

Would you consider an older model?

If you’re partial to a particular brand of smartphone and you're happy to live life a step back from the bleeding edge, there's a simple little trick you can take advantage of for some big savings.

Wait until your favoured brand announces a new model but hasn't launched it yet. In this interstitial period, you’ll likely see steep discounts on the previous year’s model as retailers attempt to shift stock and make way for the Next Big Thing.

While this approach requires sticking with your current phone for around 12 months after the launch of your desired handset, it's an effective way of saving money. You may never have the latest and greatest smartphone at your disposal, but these days most yearly releases are only incremental improvements over their predecessors so you're rarely missing out on any must-have features.

Can you afford a new phone?

Mobile phones are expensive products. They’re a significant investment whether you purchase them outright or pay them off over a fixed-term contract. Either way, it's important not to let the hype suck you into a financial situation you're not prepared for.

The best move is to wait until you can safely afford a new smartphone, even if it's a premium handset you're going to have to save a long time for. If you desperately need a phone on short notice, there are plenty of cheap phones available that can get you by while you wait for a price drop on something with a few more premium bells and whistles.

What to consider when choosing a new phone

Shopping for a new phone can be quite intimidating. There are many, many factors to consider, from the size of the screen and the quality of the camera to battery capacity and operating system.

Narrowing down which of those factors matter to you is tough. To ensure you make the right decision, read on for our breakdown of the most important features to consider when choosing a new phone.

To learn more about how to choose a mobile phone, check out our mobile phone buying guide.