4 News

Key Findings at a Glance Price now outweighs brand loyalty in UK smartphone purchases, with consumers prioritising value and practical features over prestige. More than a third of Brits (38.5%) keep old smartphones unused at home, rather than selling, trading in or recycling them. Young adults are the biggest tech hoarders, with 60.8% of 18-24...

When people think about a gadget’s carbon footprint, they often picture years of charging, streaming and scrolling. In reality, the largest share of emissions happens before the device is ever switched on. For most smartphones, tablets and smartwatches, the majority of their lifetime carbon emissions are created during manufacturing – ...

If you’re a parent in the UK right now, chances are you’re caught in the middle of a familiar tug-of-war. On one hand, screens are everywhere and for good reason. Smartphones and tablets help children learn, stay connected with friends and unwind. On the other hand, it’s hard to ignore the worries that creep in when screen time ...

If you’re thinking about buying a refurbished phone, there’s usually one question that comes up: will it look used? More specifically, people worry about scratches on the phone or its screen, and whether those marks mean the device has been poorly treated or won’t last as long. It’s a fair concern, but it’s also one that’s often ...

Your smartphone is no longer just a phone. It’s your bank card, your ID, your diary, your work device and your gateway to the internet. And that makes it incredibly valuable – not just to you, but to criminals. Online fraud is big business, and scammers are more sophisticated than ever. Mobile fraud isn’t about obvious viruses or...

Even though newer iPhone generations have since taken centre stage, the iPhone 14 remains one of the most reliable and best-value choices for buyer. With its powerful A15 Bionic chip, impressive camera system, familiar design and years of software support still ahead of it, the iPhone 14 continues to strike a balance many users want: modern ...

Mobile phone depreciation happens faster than most people realise, and every month you hold onto your device, its value drops a little more. From the moment a new model hits the shelves, older phones start to lose their appeal – and their worth. But how quickly does that happen, and is it better to trade in your phone sooner rather than later...

When it comes to trading in your old tech, timing can make all the difference. The value of your device can fluctuate by as much as 20-30%, depending on when you decide to sell, meaning that a few weeks’ delay could cost you a significant chunk of cash. Trading in is about maximising the return on the tech you own as well as clearing out ...

The UK has seen a recycling revolution. Nowadays, most of us are used to rinsing our cans, crushing our cartons and sorting our plastics from our paper. But if we're switched on about recycling, why do so many gadgets go straight into the bin as soon as we upgrade? It's a big problem. Discarded gadgets count as e-waste. And the UK is one of Europe...