Apple released a new line of iPhones not too long ago. And other big smartphone brands like Samsung, Huawei, and Google have been pumping out new phones all throughout the year. And with clever marketing strategies and buzz words embedded in their product presentations, consumers can’t help but be attracted to the new shiny thing in front of them.
It’s okay if you find yourself thinking about whether you should buy the newest smartphone available this year. Besides, product ads are supposed to have this effect. If you’re still on the fence about buying a new phone or not, here are some reasons why the answer is the latter.
1. Small Changes in the New Phones
Many of the new phones are not significantly different from their predecessors. The presentations for the new phones always include tempting statements like “n times faster” or “n times better camera.” But in the real world, these things are barely noticeable.
An ad may say that the new phone can take better photos. But even if that’s true, the photos taken from your phone are not bad either. The ad may also say the new phone has a faster processor, although not much. If you don’t experience any lags in your current phone and can smoothly browse through and within your apps, then you don’t really need a new phone. Shelling out a lot of money for a new piece of tech just for small, incremental changes is financially impractical.
2. Repairs and Replacements Are Less Expensive
Phones tend to have a few hiccups throughout its life. Perhaps the phone’s screen cracked due to a bad fall. Or the battery doesn’t sustain much power anymore.
If your phone has a few issues, you can have it repaired or its parts replaced. If your phone is still under warranty, these things can be done for free, if covered by the warranty. Or if you need to pay, the price tag will be less expensive. That’s one more reason why you don’t need a new phone.
And if you opt to repair and replace parts instead of buying new, then you can use your money for something more worthwhile. For instance, you could talk to a defined contribution expert to increase your monthly amortization and get the most out of your pension. Or you could add the money you have to your emergency fund. These things are much more relevant as they will help you secure your future.
3. Your Phone Now Is Just Fine
It’s okay to be excited about the new phones that come out each year. But upgrading yearly or even in a shorter duration is wasteful. This problem comes from a phenomenon called comparison neglect. This refers to one’s desire to upgrade their stuff without thinking about the products they already have.
Every year, hundreds of new phones are released. And due to the fast development of technology, these phones get more and more tempting to buy because of their features.
But it’s important to remember that you have also felt this way before you bought the phone you already have. You bought it because you also liked its specs and its appearance when it was released. Consider taking a moment to look at the phone you already have and appreciate the things it can do for you. If it gets the job done, maybe it’s sending out emails, browsing through social media, or something else, then you probably don’t need a new one.
4. Too Much E-waste
If you keep buying phones every year, you’ll accumulate electronic waste or e-waste. Yearly, about 40 million metric tons of e-waste are produced globally. While some of them can still be salvaged and recycled, doing so still contributes carbon emissions that harm the environment and human health.
If your phone is still working, you need to rethink getting a new one. Besides, most smartphones now have a longer shelf life. They have robust builds that make them last longer than the phones from years ago. And this quality eliminates the necessity to upgrade to a new phone every year.
How to Avoid the Temptation
If you still find it difficult to resist the urge to buy a new phone, there are some things you can do. For instance, consider watching video reviews about your current phone. These videos will help you appreciate your gadget more and remember why you chose to buy it.
You can also ask yourself reasons why you should not buy a new phone. List as many reasons as you can. This exercise can help trick your brain to avoid getting a new gadget.