Automatic updates aren't all-or-nothing
Between fully automatic and fully manual, most phones offer a middle setting -- updating only over Wi-Fi -- that covers the most common concern (mobile data usage) without requiring you to remember to update every app by hand.
Reading release notes before updating
If you do switch to manual updates, checking an app's release notes before installing is worth the extra few seconds -- it tells you whether the update fixes something you've been waiting for, or changes a feature you rely on.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I turn off automatic updates, will I still get security patches?
You'll still be able to install them -- they just won't happen automatically. Since security patches are important, it's worth checking for and installing updates yourself on a regular basis rather than ignoring them indefinitely.
Can I turn off automatic updates for just one specific app instead of all of them?
Yes -- most app stores let you open an individual app's page and toggle automatic updates for that app alone, leaving the rest of your apps updating as before.