One in three Australians upgrade their smartphones within two years

How long should hold on to your smartphone? How often should you upgrade? New research by Finder has revealed one in three Australians buy a new smartphone every two years or sooner.

In this recent Finder study, it was revealed that 25 per cent of respondents upgrade their mobile devices every three years but 29 per cent said they buy a new phone every two years or less.

This equates to five million Australians who are in the market to change their device within two years (20 per cent), one year (7 per cent) and even every six months (2 per cent).

Samsung users are more likely to hang on to their devices longer than iPhone users with 72 per cent holding on to their smartphone for more than two years compared to 69 per cent of iPhone users

“A new phone launch can be tempting but think about what features you’re actually getting with your upgrade,” says Mariam Gabaji, telco expert at Finder.

“For the average mobile user, the difference between the two most recent models is often minimal.

“Your best bet is to wait a few models between upgrades – you’ll typically notice a big difference between your new and old phone and save yourself thousands of dollars in the process.”

But what are the main reasons why customers upgrade their smartphones?

Finders research showed two thirds (69 per cent) of Australians reported performance issues as the main reason for their most recent upgrade.

Another 30 per cent said their phone had been broken or damaged and needed to be replaced.

The phone being too slow was the reason given by 15 per cent while 24 per cent cited battery issues.

Other reasons for getting a new smartphone included a contract coming to an end (8 per cent), seeing a new phone they liked (7 per cent), being offered a new phone by their telco (6 per cent), getting a hand me down (5 per cent) or losing their phone (2 per cent).

Changing your smartphone can be an expensive exercise so you really need to shop around.

“Buying outright will be cheaper in the long run, but if forking out more than $1,000 in one go is too much, compare your options for buying on a plan,” says Gabaji.

“If you do get a new phone on a plan, make sure you’re happy sticking it out with that provider for anywhere between 12, 24 or 36 months.

“You can always cancel your plan earlier but you’ll have to pay off the remaining cost of your phone in one go.

“Before you buy, look out for bonus offers. You could score double the storage space, free or discounted watches or tablets, and/or bonus data.”