When Is It Time to Upgrade Your Smartphone?

December 5, 2022

It’s the time of the year when every phone from Verizon to Consumer Cellular has an “upgrade deal.” And they all sound pretty good. Sign on the dotted line, and get a discounted new phone. But no matter the discount, it’ll still cost you a pretty penny.

So the real question is… when should you upgrade your smartphone? Just because a deal can be had doesn’t mean you should spend the money. The phone you have right now might be fine to keep. Hit up the top story, and we’ll offer up some advice.

Other Highlights:

• We put together a great list of kitchen gadgets that will up your cooking game. You’re welcome!
• The holidays are here! If you have a Nest smart doorbell, check out the new ringtone options.
• Danny can’t stop playing Star Trek: Timelines, and he thinks you should check it out too.
• … and more!

-Josh

People tend to treat phone upgrades differently. Some line up overnight to nab the latest iPhone on release, while others prefer to keep their old beater going for as long as they possibly can. But nothing lasts forever, so when is it time to ditch your old phone and splash out on a new one? Read More »

Before anyone gets upset, let me clarify: a Chromebook is a laptop. By definition, a laptop is a portable computer. So, whether it runs Windows OS, macOS, or Chrome OS, it’s a laptop. However, there are some unique differences between Chromebooks and other laptops. Read More »

When you need a gift for the book lover in your life, it’s tempting to buy them a bunch of books, but there are plenty of more original ideas that you can also pursue. Here are some of the best gift ideas for avid readers. Read More »

Electric cars are an exciting new addition to the world of automobiles, but first-time buyers understandably have a lot of questions. Whether that’s wondering how much it costs to charge or if your electric car will lose battery while parked and powered off. Read More »

It’s been more than 30 years since the Super Nintendo came out. And there are millions of consoles out there that still work. Unfortunately, while the rest of the hardware may have survived the ravages of time, your controllers may not have been so lucky. Since those components of the system receive the most punishment, they wear out the fastest. If you’re looking to bring back some of those retro feels, make sure Mario jumps when you want him to by getting a brand-new controller. It’s also a great stocking stuffer idea for the person you know that still has his childhood console displayed proudly in his entertainment center.

Ever since I was 11, I’ve wanted to be in Starfleet. Unfortunately for me, Star Trek isn’t real. And even if it were, Starfleet won’t be founded for another century. Fortunately for me, Star Trek Timelines exists. This fantastic game lets me put on my virtual captain’s uniform and explore the final frontier daily. Read More »

At its heart, science fiction is a fantastic literary genre. Now, with audiobooks, you can enjoy the best adventures sci-fi has to offer wherever you are. We’ve compiled a must-listen list of all the greats in the sci-fi canon. Check it out. Read More »

Wordle was just too easy, wasn’t it? You probably left that behind and moved on to Quordle, the true “hard mode” of the word-guessing game format. But now you’re stuck and so close to failing. Don’t worry, we’re here to help with a hint—and if you really need it, today’s Quordle Answers. Read More »

Are you a huge fan of Wordle and absolutely stuck today? Let me guess; you’re hanging out on guess four or five and feeling the pressure. We get it entirely: nothing feels worse than losing your streak. If you’re not ready to outright cheat, we have you covered with hints and today’s Wordle answer. Read More »

NASA has taken a big step towards building its first moon base. You can’t build a house without tools, and that’s as true on the Moon as it is on Earth. To complicate matters further, like all of the other gear you use in space, Moon-based building supplies are quite complex. Read More »

Rad Power has long been one of the most popular electric bike manufacturers, but something new is coming next week. The company says it’s getting to release its most requested model from fans and fellow riders. Read More »

Everyone knows the pain of carrying around too many wireless devices. From your smartphone to your earbuds and everything in between, it can become too much. But now it seems that Huawei is looking to free up some space in your pockets with a smartwatch that doubles as a case for your earbuds. Read More »

When it comes to cooking, there are two types of people. Those who enjoy it and those who view it as a necessary evil to ward off hunger. Even if you’re someone in the latter group, kitchen gadgets can make it more enjoyable to prepare your meals. Read More »

KitchenAid mixers have a cultish following, and for a good reason, but the all-new GE Profile Smart Mixer with voice commands and a built-in scale could give it some competition. And considering it’s available exclusively at Crate & Barrel for $1,000, it better help me make the best cookies ever. Read More »

It’s that time of the year again. The minute Thanksgiving is over, the Christmas tree and lights start going up. Throughout the year, Google releases new Nest doorbell tones that are fun and festive, and for the 2022 holiday, we’re getting five new Nest doorbell ringtones. Read More »

Gift cards are one of the easiest gifts to pick up at the last second and are also safe bets for everyone on your list. But just because a gift card has a certain value doesn’t mean that’s how much you have to pay. There are plenty of excellent online resources that offer discounted gift cards. Read More »

The number of people working from home has skyrocketed in recent years, but it’s old news for some of us. I’ve been WFH for 10+ years and I’ve learned a lot in that time. Here are some tips I’ve picked up. Read More »