For me personally, I only upgrade my phone every 2-3 years--and I've been completely fine. I recognize the difference between things that I want, and things that I need, and in my opinion, technology (at least the newest model) is just a want. Before fancy  smart phones, the world was completely fine, and although they do provide a lot of good and convenient things such as communication and knowledge at our finger tips, I don't believe that we need to be so obsessed with having the newest model. I also think that most of us don't consider the impact of these purchases, and a lot of times the impact can be very consequential. For example, due to all of the e-waste, "more than 80 percent was not recycled and ended up mostly in landfills. The European Commission evaluates landfill as the least preferable option of waste management, as it can damage water, soil and air." Furthermore, "The inner parts of our phones include aluminum, gold and cobalt. Mining for such materials has led to violent conflicts and hazardous working conditions in countries like the Democratic Republi c of Congo - and kids are among the main victims." These are only some of the effects of producing and buying millions of cell phones, and I believe that an easy place to start trying to improve these consequences is thinking to yourself if you actually need it, or if you just want it.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/smartphones-not-s … a-37824142

I do the same thing, I have only had two different phones because new technology is not a requirement to me. Some people think that it is necessary to buy every new phone and TV even though the differences are normally not very noticeable. People also underestimate how long their phone will work for. A phone will function perfectly for more than 2 years. It will lose battery life but you will still be able to call, text, and do anything else you need to do.