Technology companies release new phones and laptops every year, and some customers queue to buy them on the first day. Others use the same device until it stops working. Each approach has its supporters, but I believe that keeping devices for longer is the wiser choice for most people.
People who upgrade regularly point to real advantages. New models often have faster processors, better cameras and longer battery life, which can make a noticeable difference to someone who edits photos or works while travelling. Newer devices also receive security updates for longer, whereas older ones may eventually be left unprotected against viruses and fraud. For some, owning the latest model is also a source of enjoyment, in the same way that others enjoy buying new clothes or a better bicycle.
However, there are strong reasons to resist frequent upgrades. The most obvious is cost: a top-of-the-range phone can cost as much as a month's rent, and replacing it every year adds up to a considerable sum over a decade. In addition, the improvements between one model and the next are often minor, and a three-year-old device is perfectly adequate for messages, browsing and video calls. There is also an environmental cost. Phones contain metals that are mined at great expense to the planet, and many discarded devices end up in landfill rather than being recycled.
In my view, unless someone needs advanced features for their job, it makes more sense to look after a device, replace its battery when necessary and use it until it no longer meets their needs. This approach saves money and reduces waste, while still allowing people to upgrade when there is a genuine reason to do so.