Anyone who buys a new smartphone usually hopes that the device will last a very long time.

After all, you not only store important information on it that you would otherwise have to laboriously transfer, but you also get used to how the phone feels and all its unique features/

However, there comes a time when you have to consider whether it’s time for a new model. In addition to personal wishes for more performance or a better camera, there are also clear warning signs that your smartphone’s best days are over and that it could even break soon.

It’s better not to ignore these signs and consider whether now is the right time to upgrade.

1. No more software updates

The surest sign that it’s time for a change is the end of manufacturer updates for your device.

As a rule, Android phones receive security improvements or new features once a month, though this can become less frequent as the devices become older. The situation is similar for iPhones, which receive updates approximately every two to three months.

Once a year, there is also a major update to a new version of the operating system, i.e. Android or iOS. At the time of writing, Android 16 has begun rolling out to the first compatible devices, while iOS 26 is now available for all supported iPhone models.

However, phones have a limited update lifespan, after which they aren’t safe to use. This varies significantly, from just two years on some cheap Android handsets to seven or even eight on more premium devices.

If your phone has stopped getting updates, you run the risk of gaps remaining open and attackers being able to exploit them. You will also no longer benefit from improvements and new functions. It is therefore advisable to always keep an eye on how long your smartphone will continue to receive updates.

2. Battery performance drops dramatically

The most annoying thing is when a smartphone whose battery initially lasted 24 hours or longer suddenly runs out after just a few hours. Even if you charge your device very sensibly, a certain amount of wear and tear is unfortunately unavoidable.

If necessary, a good power bank can help you want to make sure that you can charge the battery on the go. Replacing the battery is also an option, though this can be expensive unless you own a device that’s designed to be fixable, such as the Fairphone 6 or HMD Skyline.

If you are tired of short battery life, buying a new device is sometimes the only option. Then you can scroll, make calls, stream or play games to your heart’s content again without having to worry about it running out on you.

3. Patchy performance or slowdown

Delays while using apps or navigating around the OS are almost as annoying as a battery that runs out quickly. This is often caused by a full cache or insufficient storage space, which can be easily rectified by deleting it in Settings.

However, every device slows down over time, partly because the processor can no longer keep up with the latest app versions.

If even changing songs on Spotify is agonisingly slow or your favourite game on your mobile phone stutters, then it’s time to get a new device. Internal components, such as the processor, cannot easily be replaced on a smartphone.

Sometimes the problem goes so far that the device takes a very long time to start up after it has been switched off for a long time. You can then watch the app icons slowly appear on the start screen in real time. It’s worth checking for updates, but this is usually a sign that a new phone is required.

4. Overheating under load or while charging

Overheating is a problem that shouldn’t be underestimated. This is because heat is always generated under load or when charging the battery, which you can feel directly when you touch the device.

To a certain extent, such heat development is completely normal. However, older devices such as the Google Pixel 6a have already had their battery life reduced in order to contain overheating.

Without attention, a phone that regularly overheats is a serious fire hazard. In some cases, phones have suddenly caught fire without anyone nearby.

A defective battery can, of course, also occur in newer models, but it is usually older devices that are at risk of overheating. So, pay close attention to whether your smartphone is already getting significantly warmer.

5. Problems with the screen

Last but not least, you should not ignore any defects that affect the screen of your smartphone for too long. Modern devices can withstand a lot and don’t break immediately just because you drop them or they have small scratches. But, over time, these small defects add up and can cause more serious problems.

Even if the display of your device is actually quite robust, it is still glass. And small cracks can quickly become larger ones if the device is dropped again or otherwise damaged. Splinters can even break out, which you would rather not have on your finger.

However, not all display problems are as obvious to a smartphone as cracks or fissures. After some time, some users also report display flickering, a yellow tint or individual pixel errors, which are also signs that the device is no longer working as it should.

In such cases, it is better to have the device checked once to avoid more serious damage. You can then decide whether it is time for a new smartphone or whether you should have the display replaced by a specialist.

However, even if one or more of the above apply to you, you should still think twice before upgrading.