As tech becomes more and more essential, all of the different technological devices you need can become very expensive. If you’re looking to upgrade your tech this year, but you’re also on a budget, then we’ve got you covered.

We’ve done a bit of research and have found a few different ways you can upgrade your devices in a budget-friendly way this year. Check out our research below and find a whole range of tips on saving money as you upgrade your technology.

Use qwikfone.com to upgrade your phone on a budget

Qwikphone.com is a budget-friendly website, offering iPhones at discount rates. It is perfect for finding up to date phone technology for lower prices and can help you out if your phone needs updating and you’re short on funds.

Check the specs for the actual difference

Before you upgrade, check out whether you actually need the new piece of technology. Take a look at the specs and compare it with your current model to check that it is actually worth the upgrade.

More often than not, the newer model isn’t much different from the one you currently own and an upgrade won’t actually be that much better.

Look at refurbishments

Most technology shops offer refurbished models for discount rates. Take a look at these pages on their websites and find new models at discount rates.

You’ll be surprised by how many newer models you can find on these sites and how much discount you can get on them!

This is a great way to upgrade your tech, particularly if you don’t need the latest model!

Read reviews of the budget-friendly or ‘dupe’ options

When big brands bring out new technology, you can usually find a ‘dupe’ option. These options are commonly very similar to the big brand’s expensive model and work just as well (though not always).

It is always worth checking out reviews of this kind of technology to see if you may be better off, financially, to save on the big brand version and just go for the dupe version.

Be careful with this option and make sure to do thorough research so you don’t waste your money!

If you find the dupes just don’t stand up to the big brand version, you could look for older models from that brand and see if they could work instead of the newest model.

Trade in your old models to get money off the new one

Plenty of stores offer a trade in service for old laptops and phones. Take your old model into the store and see if you can get some money off a newer model.

This is also a good way to dispose of your old model and can help make sure the parts are recycled and reused, rather than going to a landfill or collecting dust in your cupboard.

Ensure you wipe any models you wish to trade in too!

Consider whether it actually needs replacing

In a world like ours, where what we own is seen as important, it might feel like you definitely need the latest models of all kinds of technology, but it is likely not the case.

We mentioned earlier checking the specs of the newer models to see if you need it, but you should also consider whether, even with the new specs, you actually need a new model.

If your phone or laptop is still in working condition, you will likely find you don’t actually need a newer model and can last another few months before you need to upgrade.

As with anything, saving money on new technology may not be easy, but these few tips can help you to find a way if you need to!