Tech Products to Skip This Summer: 7 Buys to Avoid

This summer, several tech product categories are not worth your money due to outdated specs, imminent replacements, or poor value. Avoid these seven types of devices—from last-generation smartwatches to overpriced 5G tablets—and you’ll save hundreds of dollars.

1. Last-Generation Smartwatches

Smartwatch makers typically refresh their flagship lines in the fall, so summer is the worst time to buy the previous model at full price. For example, if a major brand released its watch in September 2024, buying it in July 2025 means you’re paying near-launch prices for hardware that will be superseded in eight weeks. The older model won’t get the new processor, new sensors, or the latest health algorithms, and its resale value will drop sharply once the successor lands.

Instead, wait for the fall announcement and buy the new model, or buy the outgoing one after the price drop. If you need a watch now, consider a budget fitness band from a reputable brand—they cover heart rate, sleep, and step tracking for a fraction of the cost.

2. Non-OLED Mid-Range TVs

If you’re shopping for a TV this summer, avoid any mid-range model that still uses a basic LED panel without local dimming. These TVs have poor contrast, visible backlight bleed, and limited viewing angles, making them a poor choice for a bright living room. The price gap between a mediocre LED and a decent OLED or QLED has narrowed significantly, so paying $500 for a 55-inch edge-lit LED is a waste when a $650 OLED delivers vastly better picture quality.

Check the specs: look for “OLED,” “QLED,” or “Mini-LED” in the model name, and avoid any TV that doesn’t list local dimming zones. Also, be wary of “4K Upscaling” claims—every 4K TV upscales, but the quality varies wildly.

3. Overpriced 5G Tablets

5G tablets sound great, but for most people, the cellular model costs $100–$200 more than the Wi-Fi version, and you’ll rarely use it outside your home. If you already have a smartphone with a hotspot, the tablet can share that connection for free. The extra cost also buys a larger battery drain, since the cellular radio constantly searches for signal.

Unless you travel constantly for work and need a reliable connection on a plane or in a remote area, buy the Wi-Fi model and use your phone’s hotspot. You’ll save money and get the same performance for streaming, gaming, and browsing.

4. Portable Power Stations Under 300Wh

Summer means camping, road trips, and outdoor events—and that’s exactly why you’ll see small portable power stations (under 300Wh) heavily advertised. These units can charge a phone a few times, but they struggle with anything bigger: a mini-fridge, a CPAP machine, or a small electric grill will drain them in under an hour. Many brands also use lower-quality lithium-ion cells that degrade faster in heat.

If you need real power, go for at least 500Wh, and check the continuous output rating (in watts). A 300Wh unit with a 200W inverter can’t run a 300W appliance, period. For most summer uses, a 500–700Wh station with a 500W inverter is the sweet spot—enough for a cooler, lights, and device charging for a weekend.

5. “Smart” Water Bottles

Smart water bottles with LED reminders, temperature displays, and app tracking are a classic summer gimmick. They cost $50–$80, while a regular insulated bottle costs $20 and does the same job. The sensors add weight, the battery needs charging, and the app is often clunky. The only useful feature—drink reminders—can be replicated with a free app on your phone.

If you want to track hydration, use a simple habit app or set hourly alarms. Your money is better spent on a high-quality vacuum-insulated bottle that keeps water cold for 24 hours, which is actually useful in summer heat.

6. Cheap Wireless Earbuds from Unknown Brands

Summer sales are full of no-name wireless earbuds at $15–$25, but they’re a false economy. These earbuds typically have poor battery life (2–3 hours), weak Bluetooth range, and no water resistance—even though they claim IPX5. The sound quality is often muffled, and the microphone is useless for calls. You’ll end up replacing them within a month.

Instead, look for last year’s model from a known brand (e.g., a previous-generation mid-range earbud from Sony, Samsung, or Anker). These often drop to $40–$60 during sales and offer reliable performance, decent ANC, and good battery life. Check the return policy and read recent reviews—not just the overall rating, but the negative ones.

7. Laptops with Only 8GB RAM

Summer is a popular time for students and graduates to buy laptops, and many budget models still come with 8GB of RAM. That’s simply not enough in 2025—a browser with ten tabs, a word processor, and a video call will eat that up, causing slowdowns and constant swapping. Even if you only do light work, 8GB will feel obsolete within two years.

Spend the extra $50–$100 for 16GB. If you must buy a laptop with 8GB, make sure it’s user-upgradeable (many thin models have soldered RAM), or consider a Chromebook for basic tasks, which runs fine on 8GB because it uses less memory.

How to Spot a Bad Tech Deal

Before you buy any tech product this summer, run through this checklist:

Check the release date: If the model is more than 12 months old and still at full price, it’s a bad deal.
Look up the spec sheet: Compare RAM, storage, battery, and ports against the current standard.
Read the negative reviews: Look for patterns—battery drain, overheating, or software bugs.
Check the return policy: If the store charges a restocking fee, walk away.
Compare with a used/refurbished option: A certified refurbished model from a reputable brand often beats a new budget model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to buy tech in summer or fall?

Fall is generally better for new releases (phones, laptops, smartwatches), while summer has good deals on outgoing models. If you want the latest, wait for fall. If you want a bargain, look for end-of-life products in summer, but only if they still meet your needs.

Are refurbished tech products safe to buy?

Yes, if they come from the manufacturer or a reputable retailer with a warranty. Certified refurbished products are tested and often come with a 90-day to 1-year warranty. Avoid “used” or “open-box” items from third-party sellers without a return policy.

What is the biggest tech rip-off in summer?

Overpriced portable speakers and “waterproof” Bluetooth speakers with weak bass and short battery life. Many brands charge $100+ for a speaker that sounds worse than a $40 option from a known audio company. Always check the frequency response and battery capacity in the specs.

Should I buy a 5G phone this summer?

If you’re in a country with good 5G coverage, yes—but don’t pay extra for it. Most mid-range phones now include 5G as standard. If you’re in a rural area with poor coverage, a 4G phone is fine and cheaper.

Is it worth buying a smart home hub in summer?

Only if you already have smart devices. A hub (like a smart speaker with a display) is useless without compatible lights, plugs, or cameras. If you’re starting from scratch, buy a couple of smart plugs first and control them with your phone—no hub needed.

What should I do if I already bought one of these?

Check the return policy—most retailers allow returns within 30 days. If you can’t return it, use it for its strengths: the smartwatch can still track workouts, the tablet is great for reading, and the power station can charge your phone in an emergency. Just don’t make the same mistake twice.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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