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Last year's model vs the new model: which to buy

Last year's model vs the new model: when the older one is the better deal, and the few cases where the new one is worth the extra money.

Rania Khelifi4 min read

two smartphones side by side table
Image by rmartinr from Pixabay
Verdict: Last year's model usually wins. The exception is a feature you will actually use, or a model that is no longer supported.

In the last year's model vs new model question, price is the first reason to go old. Makers change many products each year, but the day-to-day difference is often small. When the new one arrives, stores clear the old one, and that is when it tends to drop in price. Timing varies by product, so check the retailer.

Which wins on

FactorLast year's modelNew model
PriceUsually lower, often much lowerFull price for the first months
FeaturesFewer, but often the ones you needNewest, though many are small changes
ReviewsMore reviews and known issuesFew reviews at launch
StockCan run out or be hard to findEasy to find
Support and updatesTypically fine for years, but checkLongest support window
ReturnsSame policy as any other itemSame, but check for open-box rules

Pick last year's model if

  • The listed differences are small, such as a new color or a slightly better screen.
  • The price gap is large enough to buy a useful add-on, such as a case or a mount.
  • You are buying a TV, laptop, vacuum, phone or small appliance, where model-year changes are often modest.
  • You can find clear reviews that match the exact model number.

Pick the new model if

  • It adds something you will use daily, such as a port, a battery gain or a safety feature.
  • The old model is no longer getting updates or repairs.
  • The price gap is small. If the difference is a few dollars, take the newer one.
  • It is a gift and you want the recipient to have the current version.

What matters most

Compare the exact model numbers, then the price gap. If the gap is not meaningful, take the new one. If it is, spend the difference on something else you need.

A short caution

Some "last year" items are made for sales events and are not the same product. Check the model number against the maker's page. Also check that the warranty starts from the day you buy, not from the model's release date. For how to check prices over time, see how to check price history before you buy. Dates and stock change each year.

How do you compare the two in five minutes?

  1. Find both model numbers.
  2. Open the maker's page for each and read the list of changes.
  3. Mark the changes you would notice in a normal week.
  4. Check the price gap and the return window.
  5. Decide. If you marked nothing, buy the cheaper one.

A worked example

These numbers are round and made up. A new model costs $600 and last year's costs $450. The new one adds a slightly faster chip and a nicer color. You browse, stream and write emails. The $150 gap is worth more to you than the chip. Your ruling: last year's model. Now say the new model adds a port your monitor needs. The gap is worth paying, and the old one would cost you an adapter and a hassle.

Quick questions

Is last year's model really the same?

Often close, never identical. Read the maker's list of changes and compare by model number.

When do old models go on sale?

Usually after the new one arrives. For TVs that is often spring. See the best time to buy a TV.

Is older stock safe to buy?

Usually, if it is sold new and sealed by a known seller. Check the return policy and the warranty start date.

Should I buy refurbished instead?

It can be a good middle path. Check who refurbished it, what the warranty is and the return window.

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