How to make your old phone new again

New phones are great, but sometimes they just aren't in the budget. A more affordable option, according to Consumer Reports, is keeping your current phone and checking for upgrades.

If your phone is worth saving, start with a tune-up, experts say. Make sure the operating system is updated, because that can help speed up a sluggish phone.

You can even swap the battery if your current one is not holding a charge -- a new one can cost less than $100. And, even if your screen is struggling, you can replace it on many older phones for about $150 dollars or less.

If your old phone is beyond saving, there are ways to pay less for an upgrade.

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"You should think about phones like you think about cars," Bree Fowler, an editor with Consumer Reports, said. "If you wait a year and you buy last year's model, then you're going to save a lot of money."

According to Consumer Reports, since smartphones are evolving more slowly than they used to, you can get an even better deal by buying one that's two years old. Buying a "refurbished" phone typically indicates it's been tested and repaired.

Another way to save money? While Samsung and Apple sell the vast majority of phones out there, they're not the only players in the game. LG, Sony, Google and OnePlus all have recommended models in Consume Reports' ratings.