Phone companies make it their top priority to make you feel like you’re missing out if you don’t buy the latest release. It doesn’t matter how recent your existing phone is, or whether it still performs admirably – there’s always that little thought in the back of your mind that makes you wonder what you can get out of upgrading.
Admittedly, phone companies also make it pretty easy to ignore new releases, as substantial upgrades seem to be becoming much rarer. But there may be a time when the FOMO really gets to you, even if you can’t justify spending a thousand dollars or more on the latter. But before you try to sign up for a new phone plan, try what I did and buy a new case instead.
A fresh new look
Imagine this: you’ve had your phone for a year or more, and you’re still using the same case you had back in the day. If your situation is anything like mine, that case is probably looking a little worse for wear.
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In my case, the official Google case for my Pixel 10 Pro slowly started to fall apart. The silicone was fraying the edges, and the thing hadn’t been properly cleaned in a while, so it looked pretty tired and worse for wear. Combine that with the large crack along the width of my screen protector, and it generally made my phone look like it was ready to be replaced.
The thing is, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the phone itself. In fact, when I reviewed the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL, I actually suggested that some people would be better off buying last year’s model instead. I found the new versions so disappointing.
My answer seems obvious: I simply bought a brand new case for my phone.
The case was nothing special, a translucent black silicone case with Qi2 magnetic charging support and a metal lip around the camera bar. I expected this to be a change, but what I didn’t realize was how much of a psychological impact a cheap silicone case would have because it makes my phone feel brand new.
I knew it wasn’t brand new, and the fact that I still haven’t replaced the screen protector makes that visually obvious every day. The phone is the same, does the same and still has the same disappointing Pixel battery life. Still, the simple fact of having a new case made my phone feel like a completely different device,
Quad lock
Quad Lock Pixel 11 Pro XL Magcase
Google Pixelsnap Pixel 11 Pro XL Case
ThinBorne
ThinBorne Pixel 11 Pro XL Case
Sorry consumerism, you can’t get me this year
I’ll make it very clear now that I think buying a new phone every year is stupid, and a total waste of money – even if you have generous trade-in deals. The fact is, phones don’t change that much year after year, and the updates you actually get are minimal. That was true back in the early years of the iPhone and Android, and it’s even more true today. It really doesn’t matter which phone company you have allegiance to, it’s all the same in the end.
But there’s a strange thing about humans (and animals), and it’s that our brains don’t follow logic. We love having new things to mix it all up, especially when we know other people will get their hands on it first.
I see it in my young son, and the way his attention shifts to things that are either new or enjoyed by someone else. He doesn’t want to miss, and suddenly my laptop, the TV remote or the ice cream I’m trying to eat, the only thing he cares about.
Apple
iPhone 18 Pro Silicone Case (Crisp Blue)
Apple
iPhone 18 Pro Techwoven Case (Black)
Smart
Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 for iPhone 18 Pro
Unfortunately, as much as our stupid brains would like it, we can’t pick up a brand new phone every year. Phone prices are only going to get higher, and we’re at a point where ultra-premium flagship phones are creeping up to a $1,500 starting price. Fortunately, it seems that, in some cases, this impulse can be curbed with something as simple as $10.
Now, some of you may be practical-minded and believe that there is little point in changing a perfectly good case if it still works. I totally understand that mentality, and have stuck with it for a long time with previous devices. It’s a case I love, and it does its job, so why spend the money on a new one?
As it turns out, spending a few extra dollars on a brand new case could be enough to get the demon of consumerism off your back. Because apparently looking and feeling new is almost as good as being new, to the point where you can trick your brain into thinking you have a shiny new phone. Even if it’s the same old device you’ve had for the past year or two.
Bottom line
There are many ways to get a good deal on a brand new phone, but there is no better deal than not buying one. Assuming you’re happy with the performance of your current phone, you don’t necessarily need to pick up a new model just because it’s released. Especially not when the best upgrade the designers can muster is a glorified RGB notification light on the back.
If you feel the urge, and know very well that it would be a waste of money to give up, just trick your brain by exchanging the case. It doesn’t have to be a fancy stylish case, or even an expensive one from a big brand. I bought the first random phone case with no name, I like the look, and it makes me feel good. It’s practically identical to what my wife uses, and we mix up our phones all the time, but that’s totally my fault.
So if you’ve been wondering if the upcoming Prime Day or Black Friday sales are the right time to pick up a new phone, it might be worth picking up a new case instead. Just to make sure you actually want a new phone, rather than a change of scenery. It worked for me, and it might work for you.
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