Upgrading your smartphone is exciting, but most people believe they need to do this every year to keep up with the evolving features and trends in the tech industry. This isn’t the case. But how often should you upgrade your smartphone if you’re not supposed to purchase a new model every year? Keep reading to learn the typical timeline for upgrading smartphones and other signs that suggest you should purchase an upgrade.
How Often Should You Upgrade Your Phone?
Just because your favorite tech giant releases a new phone model every year doesn’t mean you need to buy it. In fact, one of the common misconceptions about iPhones is that you need to upgrade because Apple will slow down older models to encourage sales of the new one. Spoiler alert—this isn’t true.
Rather, the need to upgrade your phone is based on two things: your needs and your budget. If you believe your needs are no longer being met with your current device and your budget allows an upgrade, no one is stopping you! However, most people will upgrade their phones every two to three years. Usually, this is when the health of the old phone starts to decline.
Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Your Phone
While there is no set time limit for how long you can use a smartphone, it will experience wear and tear that can minimize its lifespan. The more hours you spend on your phone throughout the day, the more you will wear it down.
Another factor that will affect the lifespan is how well you care for the device. If you drop it frequently or expose it to extreme temperatures, the components within the phone might no longer function. Therefore, these factors might also affect how often you should upgrade your smartphone.
Signs You Need an Upgrade
Regardless of your phone’s timeline or lifespan, there are a few signs you can look for that will help you decide if an upgrade is necessary. If you notice any of the following signs, you should consider upgrading your smartphone:
- Rapid decline in battery health
- Malfunctions with the speakers or microphones
- Inability to charge the phone
- Software updates that no longer upload
Ultimately, there is no set time when you should upgrade your phone—it’s all about your preferences and whether or not your budget allows it. While new features do come with newer smartphone models, your older version can still perform well. However, do take into consideration how you handle and maintain your device daily and whether it’s showing signs of wear and tear.