It’s no secret that electronics become outdated quickly. Many people upgrade to the latest iPhone model instead of holding onto their old device for even just a few years. But is replacing your phone every couple of years really necessary? How long should your phone last?
One of the biggest determinants of a phone’s lifespan is its battery. Over time, it seems like you have to charge your phone more frequently than when it was brand new. This is because the chemical reaction that occurs when your phone’s battery drains isn’t perfectly reversible. So, when you go to charge it back up, you lose a small bit of the battery’s capacity, which adds up over time.
There are a number of things you can do to prolong your battery’s lifespan, such as keeping it away from heat, storing it at about 50% charge if you won’t be using it for a while, and taking your phone off the charger once it hits around 80% instead of 100%. However, for most people, these tips may not be practical. Instead, you might be better off buying a smartphone with a high-capacity battery. Be sure to read reviews to see which phones stay charged longer under typical use, as this will help increase your phone’s longevity in general.
Another important component to consider is your phone’s processor. Like the CPU in your desktop PC, a higher-end phone processor will give you a snappier experience. However, many people aren’t familiar with their phone CPUs, which can lead them to buy phones with an underpowered processor. A phone might be sold at an appealing price, but if it’s noticeably low, chances are corners were cut somewhere, and often, it’s with the CPU.
Even lower-to-mid-range CPUs might be fine for a while, but as mobile apps become more advanced and demanding, the phone that gets you by today might start feeling really sluggish in a couple of years. Unlike a desktop or laptop PC, where you might be able to get away with low-to-mid-range processors for a long while, many people have noticed slow downs simply when web browsing or doing other seemingly simple tasks on phones with lower-end processors.
Of course, we’re not saying you should spend over a thousand dollars on the most overpowered phone you can find. But you should be sure to check what CPU and battery your new device comes with. If you can find a deal on a phone with a battery capacity over 3,500 milliamp hours with a CPU that has a good reputation for being able to juggle multiple tasks without making the phone feel sluggish, it’s probably worth spending a little more money. A phone like this should be able to last at least three years and potentially longer before you’d really need to start thinking about any upgrade.
In conclusion, while it might be tempting to upgrade your phone every couple of years, it’s not always necessary. By investing in a phone with a high-capacity battery and a good CPU, you can prolong your device’s lifespan. Remember to read reviews and do your research before making a purchase.
Disclaimer: this post is not sponsored by any phone manufacturer or brand.