The best time to get the latest smartphone

• New research from Buymobiles predicts the future of smartphone prices and the best time to buy them.

• Average handset cost decreased by 12% from 2020 to 2021.

• The research predicts key industry events to look out for.

• Mobile manufacturers strive to make their products more environmentally friendly.

New research from leading reseller Buymobiles has predicted when the best time is to bag yourself the latest mobile phone and the average price of upcoming handsets.

The research has closely examined any existing patterns in event dates from the biggest mobile manufacturers like Apple and Samsung.

Findings show that, on average, Apple host three events a year with a spring event kicking things off in March or April.

Most recently, in 2021, Apple used their spring event to unveil a new purple colour variation of iPhone 12.

In the years before this, Apple have more commonly announced fresh technology features and new iPad models – but last year’s event could indicate a shift in focus for future spring events.

The Worldwide Developers Conference is next to follow in June. Research shows that this event is an information technology conference which has been known to reveal software updates.

In September 2021, iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max were announced. With Apple’s biggest camera advancement to date and more 5G bands.

In October 2020, Apple introduced the first-ever 5G iPhone. iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max made history. These findings suggest that waiting until September is a smart move for customers looking to buy the latest iPhone. Their research also identified a number of trends that Android users can look out for. Customers in the market for a new Samsung should be aware of a few events hosted throughout the year.

Samsung often host an event at the very start of the year where a new device is announced. They most recently held their Galaxy Unpacked event on 9th February 2022, unveiling three new Samsung mobiles: Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra. They then build up the suspense for their next release, unveiling it at the end of summer in September time.

Findings show that Google tend to favour Autumn for their big Pixel event with a new mobile launched in October. This pattern was confirmed with the launch of the impressive Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro on 19th October 2021. The Pixel 5 was unveiled on 15th October 2020 and the Pixel 4 in October the year before.

Customers looking to get their hands on a new Pixel device should wait until October for the best chances. Their research also identified areas where it may be difficult to predict when new devices launch.

OnePlus, Sony and Honor don’t appear to adhere to a pattern with their flagship devices launched at different times over the past three years.

Their research also examined the cost of mobile phones and the findings revealed that the average price of smartphones is starting to decrease, after peaking in 2020 at an average of £924.15.

Last year (2021) the average price decreased by around 12%, dropping to an £808.89 average.

Big manufacturing brands are also looking to produce much more environmentally friendly smartphones in the near future, with a proposed eco-rating system on the horizon.

According to search trend data, consumer demand for more sustainable packaging has grown by 24% in 2021.

Apple recently announced that they’re carbon neutral and by 2030, every product of theirs will be too.

Jess Canning, Mobile Phone Expert at Buymobiles commented on the research saying, “With so many events held each year by the top manufacturers, choosing the perfect time to buy a mobile phone can be tricky.

“It has been interesting to analyse patterns of the biggest brands like Apple and Samsung to help our customers gage an idea of when to take the plunge.

“Sustainability is hugely important in the industry and it’s amazing to see that brands are responding to consumer demand in terms of making their products more environmentally friendly.

“We love to keep our customers up to date on key industry events to look out for and our best deals on the latest mobile. This can all be found on our blog.”