What are the signs that it's time to replace your smartphone?

There are many factors that go into the decision, and each person values ​​them differently. So how do you know when to update your phone?

How long do smartphones last?

Typically, smartphones last 3 to 5 years, but there are many factors that can shorten or extend their life. The biggest determining factor in a phone's lifespan is how you handle it. A phone you take care of will last longer than one you drop, soak in water, or isn't well protected with a case.

Another major factor in the lifespan of a phone is its quality. A high-end phone lasts longer than a basic phone because it has more storage space, a faster processor, more RAM, a better camera and other advanced features that make it useful for a longer period.

The last factor, your requirements. If you want the fastest performance and the latest features, you'll upgrade your phone more often than if you need a basic camera, text, browse the web, and be able to play some games.

On the left is the iPhone 14 Pro, and on the right is the TCL 30 5G (Android).

How often should you buy a new phone?

Gone are the days when it made sense for most people to buy a new smartphone every year. At that time, each new model brought such significant improvements that frequent upgrades were warranted. This is no longer the case today. Nowadays, new smartphone models only bring incremental improvements, so it is reasonable to extend their use life.

On average, you should buy a new phone every two to four years, depending on your use and condition of your current phone.

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If you demand a lot from your phone (high speed and graphics performance for gaming, powerful video processing, high-end photography), you'll always need to be on the cutting edge of technology and probably want to upgrade it every time. Almost two years.

The average user can wait longer, as long as their phone still meets their needs.

Questions to ask yourself

No matter the level of your requirements, here are the questions we suggest you ask:

• Is your phone too slow? The speed and responsiveness of most phones decrease over time. There are ways to speed up your phone, but a slow phone is a good reason to upgrade.
• Is the battery no longer holding a reasonable charge? Many phones have replaceable batteries. Calculate the cost of a new battery. But if the battery and something else aren't meeting your needs, it might make sense to upgrade the entire phone.
• Do you have enough storage space? Many have expandable storage, but a new phone usually offers more storage, sometimes at a lower cost than purchasing your current phone.
• Does the camera meet your needs? The camera is the most steadily improving feature in new phone models. If your current phone's camera doesn't meet your needs, chances are a newer model will.
• Is your phone cracked or damaged? If your phone's case or screen is cracked or damaged, or the ports, buttons, or speakers aren't working properly, it may be better to invest in a new phone rather than repair it.

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• Can you still get OS updates for your phone? Using the latest version on your phone is essential for security and privacy. If your phone can no longer take advantage of major updates to your iOS or Android version, you might consider purchasing a new update.

Answering “yes” to one of these questions may not be enough reason to upgrade (but you'll know what makes sense for you and your budget), but if you answered “yes” to several of them, it's probably time to buy a new phone.