Modern smartphones can be a significant financial investment, so new owners are constantly on the lookout for ways to get the most bang from their buck including opting for some of the top rated cell phone insurance plans.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Modern smartphones tend to last anywhere from two to three years.
- Consumers can maximize the length of their smartphones by purchasing a protective cover and a screen protector.
- Other ways to lengthen a phone’s lifespan are to regularly update the operating system software and to close unused applications.
How Long Do Smartphones Last?
The length of a smartphone does vary depending on make and model, but experts agree that the average life of a modern phone is around two to three years. A phone won’t instantly break after that length of time, rather it could begin to slow down during use. The battery could also suffer and need to be replaced. Most insurance policies will only cover the life span of the phone upon which you may want to cancel the cover. You may want to know how to cancel geek squad phone insurance. Suppose you are subscribed to one.
Insider Tip
The average life of a modern phone is around two to three years.
Ways to Make Your Phone Last Longer
There are a number of preventative measures you can take to ensure you get the longest possible lifespan out of your newly purchased smartphone.
Purchase a Protective Case
Equipping a protective case is a no-brainer when it comes to smartphone safety. These cases typically fit snugly around the phone and include a number of bumpers on the corners to offer protection during accidental falls. Smartphones are expensive pieces of equipment and it could just one fall on concrete to damage the internal components. Smartphone cases protect against this. Some cases offer added benefits such as a screen cover and wallet-style functionalities, including pockets for credit cards and cash. Not all cases are created equal, however, so do your research to ensure you have purchased one made from high-quality materials.
Buy a Screen Protector
Screen protectors can be just as important as smartphone cases. These screen protectors are typically ultra-thin clear films that slide over the touchscreen. They protect your screen from being cracked or broken during an accidental fall or a related incident. Modern screen protectors still offer the same capacitive touch capabilities as the touchscreen itself, so you should experience no change in use once it has been installed. The installation procedure can be somewhat finicky, so be sure to find an appropriate guide or YouTube tutorial before attempting the process.
Insider Tip
Modern screen protectors still offer the same capacitive touch capabilities as the touchscreen itself, so you should experience no change in use once it has been installed.
Keep Your Phone Temperate
You should try your best to keep your smartphone as temperate as possible, storing it in rooms that feature moderate temperatures. Too much heat, or too much cold, can impact the phone’s lithium-ion battery pack, causing it to wear down prematurely. If you want to avoid contacting a professional for a battery replacement, stick to air-conditioned rooms and avoid leaving out in a hot car on a summer day.
Update Your Operating System Regularly
Those “update available” messages can be annoying, but it is actually important to install these updates to increase the overall lifespan of your smartphone. Operating system updates typically offer increased protection against hackers, viruses, and other potential mishaps. These updates also offer more efficiency and new ways to get the most out of the phone’s internal battery pack. We recommend plugging the phone in and performing these system updates while you are asleep.
Perform Simple Repairs
An accidental drop and some minor damage do not necessarily mean you need to purchase a brand new smartphone. Most touchscreens can easily be replaced for around $100, which will be reimbursed if you have purchased an extended warranty such as Apple Care. To know if you have Applecare go to settings, tap General then About. Battery packs can also be replaced, as can charging ports. Some smartphone components cannot easily be replaced, however, such as built-in cameras, internal hardware, and any integrated storage.
Pay Attention to Storage
An easy way to increase the overall life of your smartphone is to keep a close eye on internal storage. If your phone is consistently operating with its hard drive at or near maximum capacity, it will slow down the operating system and could lead to system failure. We would also recommend you regularly close any apps and games you are not currently using, as this will take a load off of the battery.
Warning
The installation procedure can be somewhat finicky, so be sure to find an appropriate guide or YouTube tutorial before attempting the process.
F.A.Q.
Why do smartphones slow down as they get older?
This can happen due to a number of factors, including an aging battery and a hard drive that is at maximum capacity.
How long do cell phone batteries last?
Modern lithium-ion batteries are said to last around 2500 charging cycles, meaning nearly two years of constant use.
Can power banks harm your phone battery?
Power banks cannot harm your phone’s battery providing you are using a high-quality battery bank.
STAT: A phone’s performance drops significantly once the hard drive has been filled to more than 80 percent of maximum capacity (source)
