The current cell phone replacement cycle indicates that consumers will replace their smartphone on average every two and a half years. With manufacturers withdrawing support and updates as little as three years after the release date, upgrading your device frequently has become somewhat of the norm, especially as each new model released comes with bigger and better features.
But what if you could break free from this cycle and keep your phone for more than two years? Especially if you’ve made a significant financial investment in it or are tied to an expensive contract, extending your phone’s lifespan can be a smart financial move. By avoiding frequent upgrades, you can save hundreds of dollars over the years, making your initial investment in the phone more cost-effective.
Believe it or not, extending the life of your phone is not as challenging as it may appear. These tips, while basic, can help you safeguard your investment and ensure that your phone remains functional for more than just a couple of years, making you feel capable and confident in your ability to maintain your device.
Protection
A modern smartphone is designed to look visually stunning—there’s no denying that. However, they are also increasingly fragile. As they become sleeker and more complex, they become more prone to damage from handling. And with the average person using their phone for four and a half hours every single day, that leaves plenty of opportunities for damage.
Always have a protective case and screen protector to preserve your phone’s lifespan. For instance, a shock-absorbing case and a tempered glass screen protector can significantly reduce the risk of damage from accidental drops. That way, if you drop it, no harm will occur, no repair will be needed, and it will be all good.
Repair Damage
How many people do you see walking around with cracked screens? So, how often do you put off getting an expensive phone repair and just make do? This can shorten your cell phone’s lifespan and cause more damage, especially in the case of massively cracked screens.
Numerous factors can affect your phone’s health, from screen fragments causing internal damage to a cracked casing allowing debris to enter the phone. Promptly repairing your phone after damage occurs or is noticed can prevent further issues and ensure your phone has many more days of use ahead. Use reputable phone repair services to ensure all work is carried out correctly.
Avoid Overcharging
This is something many people are guilty of doing. While more recent devices hitting the market have built-in sensors to stop this happening, older phones aren’t yet equipped with this technology. Overcharging can lead to battery degradation, reducing your phone’s battery life over time. Your phone should always be between 20 and 80% for maximum efficiency and optimal battery health. Avoid letting your battery drain completely, constantly charging to 100%, and generally leaving your phone on charge so you don’t damage the battery and render it useless before the end of its natural life.
Update Regularly
Updates are rolled out to help fix issues and provide additional features and security options for all smartphone users. Neglecting to update your device can lead to issues, including crashing, as it is not running on an efficient or supported version of the software. By staying informed and regularly updating your device, you can ensure its health and your peace of mind.