Apple’s iPhone, the country’s most preferred smartphone, boasts a staggering 64% market share of the US smartphone market. These days it’s hard to find someone without a smartphone. Even the elderly and tech-resistant folks have smartphones because of their convenience, versatility, and affordability.
Nowadays, smartphones are so prevalent that’s it’s hard to think anyone can survive without one. Unfortunately, just like anything else, smartphones don’t last forever. Regardless of how much you love your phone, you’ll have to contend with the fact that it’ll eventually die or become obsolete.
This begs the question, how long should a phone last? Not the easiest question to answer because various factors affect a smartphone’s life span. Plus, with the plethora of phone models available today, it can be hard to pin down a phone’s exact lifespan.
In today’s post, we’ll be looking at how long you should expect your phone to last. That way, you can make financial arrangements for a new one when the clock starts ticking.
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Signs Your Phone Is Dying
Nothing lasts forever, including your phone. However, when time takes a toll on your phone, there are telltale signs that it’s time to start saving for a new one. Here are a couple of signs that your phone’s time is almost up.
Decreased Battery Life
It’s normal for a phone’s battery to deteriorate with time. That means, with time, you’ll notice that your phone doesn’t hold its charge as much as it used to before. When your phone is in its last stages, you’ll notice that it only holds a charge for about an hour or two before dying.
Keep in mind that temperature plays a crucial role in determining your phone’s battery life. That’s why it’s important to keep your phone at moderate temperatures to extend the battery’s life. However, if you’re having problems with your phone’s battery within the first year of use, there’s probably something wrong with the phone.
Unfortunately, most smartphones come with non-removable batteries, meaning replacing a battery is much more difficult and expensive. Most folks would rather get a new phone instead of replacing its battery. All in all, battery health is the number one indicator of a smartphone’s health.
Shattered Screen
A phone with a shattered screen is as good as dead, well, at least for most people. Of course, some phones still work seamlessly, even with a cracked screen, but it’s best to replace the screen ASAP. A shattered screen allows the entry of moisture and particles, which affect your phone’s internal; components.
What’s more, you can cut your finger while using your phone if you’re not too careful. Thankfully, you don’t have to get a new phone if you shatter your phone’s screen. You can replace your screen for a fraction of the price of buying a new phone.
If you crack your phone’s screen, look for a phone repair near me and get a new screen. The sooner you do so, the higher the chances that your phone will survive for much longer.
Operating Issues
Operating issues aren’t always a sign that your phone is dying; sometimes, it could be issued with the operating system. A phone’s operating system is central to its functionality, so when it starts getting buggy, it means your phone is almost dying
Some common issues with phone’ operating systems include app crashes, the phone turning on and off on its own, and performing unprompted actions. Keeping software up-to-date can help address this issue, but phone manufacturers stop issuing software updates for older models beyond some age. If that’s the case, you’ll have to get a new phone to avoid these functionality issues.
How Long Should a Phone Last?
With the above in mind, it’s now time to figure out how long a phone should last. Well, phones tend to last about two to three years, depending on the model and how well you take care of it. Knowing your phone won’t last too long probably makes you want to reconsider spending $1000+ on a smartphone.
About 54% of Americans will upgrade their phones once they completely stop working or become obsolete. 44% will upgrade their phone as soon as their contract allows it. If you belong to the latter group, there’s a lot you can do to extend your phone’s lifespan.
Phone Longevity Tips
How well you take care of your phone is crucial in determining how long it will last. That said, with a few phone safety tips, you can extend your phone to last you twice as long as it should. Here are a couple of tips to extend your phone’s lifespan.
Remove Unnecessary Apps and Photos
Get rid of any apps and photos you no longer need. This not only frees up storage space but also makes your phone run faster. Remove unnecessary items to stop overexerting your phone and make it last longer.
Power Down When You Can
Most of us can’t leave our laptops running for weeks on end. The same should also apply to your phone. Power down your phone, whenever you can, to give it some breathing time and extend its lifespan.
Get a Sturdy Case and Screen Protector
Any phone is prone to wear and tear over time. However, getting a sturdy case reduces wear and tear and protects from forceful impacts that may destroy the phone. A screen protector protects the screen from shattering to make it last longer.
Don’t Exercise With Your Phone
Exercising with your phone helps you keep track of calories and workout time. However, doing so may not be the best idea. Sweat may lead to moisture damage and reduce your phone’s lifespan.
There’s much more you can do to increase a phone’s lifespan, but the above is great for starters.
Your Phone’s Longevity Rests on You
How long should a phone last? is a question we hope you can now comfortably answer. Remember, how you take care of your phone is vital in determining its lifestyle. As such, take good care of your phone to get the most from it.
For more informative articles, check out the other pieces on today technology.
