Build a Phone Empire Office & Upgrade Tier List
Not every upgrade in Build a Phone Empire is worth its cost. This tier list ranks offices, desks and staff upgrades from S-tier must-buys to D-tier skips so you spend your cash where it pays back fastest.
Quick Tip: Desks are the hidden MVP: every desk lets one more worker generate value, so desk capacity quietly caps your entire company.
Table of Contents
S-Tier — Buy Immediately
| Upgrade | Why it is S-tier |
|---|---|
| Desks | Each desk adds one worker slot — capacity is the true limit on your company |
| Bigger office | Unlocks more desks, which unlocks more workers and faster research |
| Researchers (high power) | Blue workers drive research, the engine of all progression |
A-Tier — Strong Value
| Upgrade | Why it is A-tier |
|---|---|
| Bug fixers | Keep products healthy; protects sales during launch windows |
| Marketing campaign | Widens reach on a strong launch — worth it on your best phones |
| Core spec research | Memory and storage raise quality across every device tier |
B-Tier — Situational
These upgrades are good but only once your core loop is efficient.
- New device categories (tablets, watches, earbuds) — powerful but expensive to rush.
- Cosmetic office decor — small appeal bonuses, low priority.
- Extra storage beyond your next few launches.
D-Tier — Skip for Now
- Low-power staff hires — their salary often exceeds their output.
- Cosmetic-only research nodes before your core tree is done.
- Over-investing in a single flagship phone instead of steady volume.
If an upgrade does not raise cash-per-hour within one or two launch cycles, it belongs in D-tier during your growth phase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single best upgrade in Build a Phone Empire?
Desks. Every desk unlocks one more worker slot, and worker capacity caps your research and production speed.
Are cosmetic upgrades ever worth it?
Only after your core research tree is complete. During the growth phase, spend on capacity and research instead.
When should I buy a bigger office?
When you have filled every desk. A bigger office only pays off if you immediately hire more workers to occupy the new space.