This is when to upgrade your tech (and when not to bother)

Before you replace your gadget, ask yourself these questions – it could save you a small fortune

Alan Martin

Freelance technology journalist

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Alan is a freelance writer for Telegraph Recommended, specialising in consumer technology. From phones to drones, over the last decade Alan has tested hundreds of products.

Published 05 October 2026 12:00pm BST

The tech giants’ attempts to persuade people to upgrade to new gadgets every two years are proving less and less effective. According to YouGov polling , Brits are increasingly deciding to stick with the devices they have for longer, and it isn’t altogether surprising.

As well as the inherent wastefulness of the bi-annual upgrade cycle, year-on-year improvements are less dramatic than they used to be, and tech prices are sky-rocketing thanks to the growing needs of AI data centres .

Inevitably, however, there will come a time when you need to bite the bullet and buy a new model.…