Which Phones Are Still Worth Keeping — and Which to Consider Changing in 2025

Which Phones Are Still Worth Keeping — and Which to Consider Changing in 2025

New phones keep coming — the iPhone 17, Galaxy S25, Pixel 10 Pro, and Xiaomi 14 Ultra are all arriving in Singapore this year. They look great, but the truth is: most of us don’t need to upgrade yet.

Modern smartphones can easily last 4–6 years if maintained properly. With a simple battery change and software care, your current phone can feel almost brand new again.

Here’s a look at the latest models and whether your existing one is still worth keeping.

Apple (iPhone Series)

Apple’s latest release — the iPhone 17 Pro Max — pushes camera and AI capabilities even further. But even the iPhone X, XS Max, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 series remain reliable daily drivers.

Apple iPhones

Apple continues to offer 6–7 years of iOS updates, meaning your phone is still protected and functional long after its purchase.

Keep if: You have iPhone X or newer — just replace the battery every 3–4 years.
Replace if: iPhone 8 or older — security updates have ended.

Tip: A battery replacement at myhalo Repair can restore full-day performance for much less than a new model.

Samsung (Galaxy Series)

The Galaxy S25 Ultra headlines Samsung’s 2025 line-up with on-device AI and camera upgrades. But that doesn’t mean your Galaxy S21, S22, S23, or S24 is outdated.

Samsung Galaxy Series

Samsung promises 4 years of OS updates and 5 years of security patches across its flagship line. With a quick battery replacement, these models can easily last two more years.

Keep if: Galaxy S21 or newer — still runs beautifully.
Replace if: Galaxy S20 or earlier — updates ending soon or screen wear appearing.

Why keep: Samsung’s build quality, display, and camera remain world-class; repairing instead of replacing saves both cost and carbon.

Google Pixel

Google’s newest Pixel 10 Pro XL shows how far AI has come — but even the Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 Pro are still smooth and supported.

Google Pixel

From the Pixel 8 onwards, Google guarantees 7 years of updates, making it one of the most future-proof Android phones.

Keep if: Pixel 6 or newer — strong performance and AI features.
Replace if: Pixel 5 or earlier — hardware limits and update expiry.

Why keep: Pixel phones age gracefully thanks to clean Android and excellent battery optimization.

Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s 2025 flagship, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, delivers incredible hardware, but the Xiaomi 12 and 13 series are still more than enough for most users.

Xiaomi

Xiaomi now offers 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security patches, keeping its flagships relevant longer.

Keep if: Xiaomi 12 / 13 / 14 — flagship-level performance and easy to service.
Replace if: Xiaomi 10 or older — older MIUI versions and shorter support.

Why keep: Reliable hardware, available parts, and excellent repairability make Xiaomi phones worth maintaining.

Redmi

Redmi’s latest Note 13 Pro+ and K70 series deliver great specs at fair prices.

Redmi However, mid-range models like the Note 10–12 are nearing the end of their smooth run.

Keep if: Redmi Note 12 / 13 or K60 — still performs well.
Replace if: Redmi Note 10 or older — slower chips and shorter support cycles.

Why replace: Redmi phones are fantastic for budget users, but battery wear and limited updates shorten their lifespan to about three years.

Oppo

Oppo’s flagship Find X7 Ultra stands out for its design and camera, but older Find X5 and X6 models still deliver flagship performance.

Oppo

Oppo provides 4 years of OS updates for premium lines.
Their Reno 10 and 11 series also hold up well but begin slowing down after three years.

Keep if: Find X5 / X6 / X7 — top-tier camera and screen.
Replace if: Reno 8 / 9 / 10 — midrange chips age faster.

Why keep: Oppo’s ColorOS 14 runs smoothly even on slightly older hardware.

Vivo

Vivo’s latest X100 Pro Plus continues the Zeiss-camera partnership that made the X80 and X90 famous.

Vivo


If you already own one, there’s little reason to upgrade yet.

Keep if: X80 or newer — strong camera and great performance.
Replace if: V-series (V23–V29) — limited chipset and shorter update cycle.

Why keep: Vivo flagships remain among the best for mobile photography in Singapore.

OnePlus

The OnePlus 12 and 12R keep the brand’s speed-focused reputation alive, but older models like the OnePlus 9 and 10 still handle everything well.

OnePlus

Keep if: OnePlus 9 or newer — smooth OxygenOS and good battery life.
Replace if: Nord series older than 3 years — fewer updates and aging batteries.

Why keep: OnePlus flagships deliver flagship-level speed and longevity without premium pricing.

Honor

Honor’s Magic 6 Pro and Magic V2 foldable show its comeback strength.
Honor

If you own the Magic 5 Pro, you’re already holding a device built to last.

Keep if: Magic 5 or newer — excellent performance and endurance.
Replace if: Honor 90 or below — mid-tier hardware reaching its limit.

Why keep: Honor flagships have solid build, long battery life, and growing software support.

Quick Summary Table

Brand Model Range Recommendation Why
Apple iPhone X – 17 Keep 6–7 years of iOS updates
Samsung Galaxy S21 – S25 Keep  

4+5 update policy, top hardware

Google Pixel 6 – 10 Keep 7-year updates, clean software
Xiaomi 12 – 14 Keep Excellent specs, easy repair
Redmi Note 10 – 13 Replace after 3 years Shorter lifespan
Oppo Find X5 – X7 Keep 4 years of updates
Vivo  X80 – X100 Keep  

Superb cameras

OnePlus  9 – 12 Keep Smooth OxygenOS
Honor  Magic 5 – 6 Keep Reliable flagship quality

Keep, Repair, or Upgrade — the myhalo Way

If your phone still works well, don’t replace it too soon — extend its life instead.

Keep, Repair, or Upgrade — the myhalo Way

You can:

  • Change your battery or fix small issues at myhalo Repair — we restore your device’s performance safely and affordably.
  • Not sure what to do? Use Rescue Advise to get free expert guidance on whether to repair, keep, or upgrade.
  • Repair, don’t replace. We fix screens, ports, and cameras to keep your phone running longer.

If your device is beyond repair, upgrade responsibly.
Buy a certified pre-owned phone from myhalo, each going through a 30-point quality check and protected by a 1-year myhalo Protect warranty.

📍 Visit myhalo @ Bugis Junction #03-25/26
🛒 Shop online at shop.myhalo.com.sg

 

Extend your phone’s life. Save money. Reduce e-waste.

That’s the myhalo way — convenient, safe, and responsible tech for every user in Singapore.

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