Should You Upgrade Your Device Now, Or Wait For The Next Update? Here’s How To Know

Should You Upgrade Your Device Now, Or Wait For The Next Update? Here’s How To Know
Contributor: Mariam Gabaji

This article is sponsored by Officeworks.

The hype around the next must-have gadget can sweep us off our feet and knock our bank balance down. But snazzy new upgrades might not be worth it if you aren’t getting enough bang for your buck. Here’s when to know if waiting for the next-gen version is a better decision than jumping the gun with a new upgrade.

The talk of next-generation models can seem like a marketing gimmick but alas, massive strides in technology have turned it into a thing to anticipate. The latest Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 fall neatly in the next-gen box with the new consoles offering widely improved graphics and processing power.

If you’re getting sucked into the buzz of a new upgrade, consider these factors before spending your hard-earned cash on a shiny new thing.

Timing is everything

If you know your phone, smartwatch or any of your other favourite gadgets will come out with a next-gen version thanks to rumours floating on the internet, it may not be worth splurging extra dollars on the latest upgrade. You can instead save up for its next-gen release and stay put with what you have.

In another scenario let’s say you’re still rocking an iPhone 7 or 8. You may be looking to upgrade to the iPhone 11, but with the iPhone 12 just being announced, it makes the decision a little more interesting. Do you want the new features of the latest model, or will you be happier with a cheaper iPhone 11, assuming prices drop?

The wider tech landscape and timing all play into these decisions, which brings us to our next point.

Price, price, price

Perhaps you don’t have all the money in the world to buy the next-gen version of your gadget as soon as it drops. That’s okay, get the latest upgrade you can afford and call it a day. You might be a few months or even a year late to getting the latest model you can afford but there’s no hurry to get the best of everything if you don’t really need it.

What’s the upgrade?

Sometimes an upgrade can make a massive difference, other times it’s barely noticeable. Fitbit Versa 3, also available from Officeworks for $397, brings new health, fitness and sports tracking features that are said to solve some buggy issues with the Versa 2.

That would be a worth the upgrade.

Do you have everything you need for next-gen?

New tech can beckon more upgrades to your life than you might expect or want. Just as a general example, to watch 4K content you’ll need a 4K TV and a 4K streaming box or TV service, a compatible HDMI cable and a solid internet connection. That’s… A lot.

Make sure you do your research so you don’t get sucked into buying something you’re not ready for.


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