1st October 2025
Is Upgrading to the iPhone 17 Worth it?
This time of year, we find we are always asked the same question: is it worth upgrading to the new iPhone? With the iPhone 17 having just been released, many people may be tempted by the shiny new features, the slick marketing campaign, and the exciting feeling of owning the latest and greatest model. But the truth is that upgrading isn’t always the best option for everyone. Despite the benefits of upgrading, sometimes sticking with your current iPhone is a smarter, more affordable and practical choice.
We hope to simplify the positives and negatives of upgrading, as well as some good reasons to keep using your existing iPhone. Hopefully, you’ll then have a clearer picture of the bst option for you.
Reasons that Upgrading to the 17 Makes Sense
1. A Much Better Camera
Typically the main benefit that’s discussed year-on-year is the improvement to the camera system, and this year apple have included their most advanced system yet. The iPhone 17 captures more detail with each shot, is more accurate in low light scenarios (which means fewer blurry shots at night) and offers better zoom options. This can make all the difference for a lot of iPhone users as the camera is such an important feature, whether you’re capturing family moments, holiday memories or filming videos for social media, this year’s improvements will make all the difference
2. Smoother and Faster Performance
Eventually all iPhones start to feel slow, from apps taking an age to open, to sluggishness when switching between tasks as we rely on our phones so much, a slow phone can be extremely frustrating. With the iPhone 17 having Apple’s latest processor, it means that it will feel lightning fast and super responsive. Everything from online shopping, banking or even gaming the extra speed will make a huge difference to daily life and reduce frustration.
3. Better Battery Performance
Battery life is perhaps the thing that affects our daily phone use the most, and a decline in the length of your battery life can often come with age. If you seem to always be charging your phone to prevent it from dying on you, then it might be time to consider an upgrade. The iPhone 17’s bigger and more sufficient battery lasts longer than previous models between charges. It also charges faster, meaning you won’t have to wait as long to charge it back up when you’re in a rush.
4. Better Safety and Security
As the iPhone 17 runs iOS 26 (the newest version of the operating system) it also supports the most up-to-date security features. Better protection from scams, hackers and dodgy apps are all included in the update. Older iPhones will eventually stop supporting the latest version of the operating system, which in time can leave you vulnerable. If you regularly do online shopping and internet banking, then you have important information and passwords stored on your phone, so having the most up-to-date security should be a big reason to upgrade.
5. New Features
Each year, the new iPhone comes with a host of new shiny features to make life more convenient. The iPhone 17 includes better Siri voice control features, even better apple AI tools to improve your organisation and planning, and improved integration with other products within the Apple ecosystem, like iPads, Macs and AirPods. If you own a lot of their other products, or just like to keep up with the latest technology, these features will feel like a big change from the older models.
6. Resale Value
It might not be the most glamorous of reasons, but given iPhones hold their value better than any other smartphones, it can’t be overlooked. If you keep your phone is good condition, you should be able to get a decent trade-in deal, making that shiny new iPhone 17 even more tempting.
Reasons to Keep Your Current Phone
1. More Cost Effective
Upgrading to the latest iPhone is definitely not the cheapest option, they’re typically very expensive, and the iPhone 17 is no exception. By upgrading less frequently you could save hundreds of pounds, and if your current iPhone is working reliably then waiting another year or two is perfectly reasonable.
2. Your Current Phone Still Works Perfectly Well
As most people mainly use their phone for calls, messages, browsing the internet and taking photos, your current phone will more than likely handle these tasks with ease. There is really no urgent reason to upgrade, as most phones are still more than powerful enough for everyday use. The newest version of software, iOS26, will run on all iPhones released since the iPhone 11 which was in 2019.
3. It’s a more environmentally friendly option
iPhones cost more than just money, there is also a cost to the environment. Each iPhone’s carbon footprint comes down to the materials used in manufacturing as well as the energy and resources used shipping the devices globally, with most older phones becoming e-waste, It’s clear to see the issue. Although apple offers a recycling program, the greener option is to keep an older, but usable phone running for longer.
4. Avoiding the Hassle of Switching
Upgrading your iPhone isn’t always the most straightforward process. You will need to migrate the apps, photos, contacts and settings to the new phone, and sometimes things can get lost. By keeping your older phone, you will be avoiding all the hassle, and keeping your phone setup how you like with all your data safe and sound.
5. Familiarity with your device and getting to keep your accessories.
By keeping the same phone, there is no need to replace things such as cases, screen protectors and chargers. Also, as apple has recently moved from the lightning cable to USB type C, you might need to replace charging leads and battery packs. They often change the size and shape of the phone, along with changing features, such as removing the home button, sometime there’s just the simple comfort of something staying the same.
6. Battery replacements are always cheaper
If your main issue with your current phone is battery life, then remember you could just have a replacement fitted. This is by far the most environmentally and wallet friendly option. You get to keep the same phone you are used to with a new lease of life.
Getting the Balance Right
Whether you should upgrade ultimately depends on your personal situation
- If your current phone is old, feels slow or is even brokenm then upgrading could be the right choice for you. Having the latest features is also a must for a lot of people, and if you are tempted then the iPhone 17 is a strong choice.
- If your current phone is still working fine, you find you don’t need the latest features or the additional expense, then maybe hold off for now. The beauty of apple’s release schedule is that this time next year, you get to ask all the same questions again.
- Also remember that upgrading your phone every 3-5 years should keep you somewhat in touch, at least software support wise. This also keeps each upgrade feeling like a good leap in performance, rather than a year-on-year incremental update.
Our final thoughts
The iPhone 17 is an amazing phone, packed with the latest technology, some features that make life easier, safer and more fun! But that doesn’t make upgrading the right choice for everyone. Sometimes, the more responsible and smarter choice is to just keep the phone you have, especially if it still meets your needs.
Just ask yourself one of these 3 simple questions:
- Does my phone still do everything I need it to?
- Can I afford the additional expene of replacing my phone right now?
- Do any of the iPhone 17 features really matter to me?
Now, either stick with your current phone or upgrade to the iPhone 17. Your answers will give you a clear idea of which option is best for you.
What to do with your current iPhone if you upgrade?
If you do decide to replace your iPhone, its worth considering what options you have for your older one.
As iPhones tend to hold their value, you should be able to either sell or trade yours in to help with the replacement cost. A private sale is the most profitable, but you have to deal with potential scammers, eBay or Facebook marketplace are your best bet. The easier and more hassle-free option is to trade in the device with a company, but the downside is a lower valuation of the device.
There are also charities that will accept certain phones as donations to be given to the less fortunate.
However, if you end up moving your old iPhone on, you will need to erase it to ensure your data is safe and is ready for the next user. You can either take it to your local repair shop or apple and they will carry this process out for you. Or you can do it directly on the device itself, but you want to make sure that you have transferred all the data across to the new phone, or you have a backup on either iCloud or saved locally on a Mac or Windows PC. First, you will need to sign out of iCloud by going to settings, then clicking your iCloud account at the top, then at the bottom you will find the sign-out option. Once this is complete you need to actually wipe your data and for this go into settings again, then general, then down the transfer or reset and finally select erase all content and settings. Your iPhone will now be free of all your data and ready to be passed onto someone else.