Is there anything more magical than peeling the plastic off of a brand new smartphone? We think not, and there is no better time of the year to browse than New Year.

Some of our favorite brands are throwing a lot to love at us, including smartphone bundles and discounts through the floor. We're not here to dazzle you—if you can relate to any of the following, though, it could be a sign that your time to upgrade smartphones has finally come.

1. You'll Get a Better Trade-In Value

A person holding a Samsung smartphone.

The newer your phone, the more you stand to make if you plan on paying for your upgrade through a trade-in offer.

Many brands like Samsung offer a lot of value in this way for those making the change, especially around the holidays and the end of the year.

We highly recommend taking advantage of one or more offer in this vein in order to maximize your return, both on your new phone and the old one that you're giving away.

2. You'll Be Totally Up-to-Date

A couple of Samsung smartphones.

A new smartphone is a lot like waking up from a long nap, especially if it's been a while. The last time we upgraded ourselves, we didn't even know who we were afterward.

Not only will you be using something that likely performs much more smoothly—you also may have access to new features and apps.

At the very least, it'll be much more capable of delivering all of the same things that your old phone did. Plus, it's really awesome to hold something shiny and new, but we didn't have to tell you that.

3. You Can Cash In on Some Sweet New Year's Deals

A bunch of cool Samsung accessories.

Is there anything better than getting free stuff? There is no time of the year for freebies and add-ons like the holidays, but if you missed Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can still get what's yours when you upgrade a smartphone this New Year.

Amazon is one popular site to scope for end-of-year deals, but even your favorite brands may offer something enticing on their own sites, so be sure to do your homework.

Right now, for instance, you'll be able to snag a free pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds2 with every Galaxy Z Fold3, along with a snazzy new carrying case. This deal will be found exclusively on Samsung's site. You heard it here first.

SHOP NOW Samsung Smartphones

Should a New Smartphone Be on Your New Year List?

New Year deals and savings are all around us currently, but we'll be blunt: when the time comes for a new smartphone, you deserve to indulge, no matter what time of year it is.

For the latest and the greatest in what remains of this year's holiday sales, keep your ear to the ground, especially as the last day of the year ticks ever closer. When the right deal comes along, you'll already know it.