How Long Do Smartphones Last, and How to Make Your Phone Last Longer

It is no secret that smartphones have become quite a hefty investment in the last few years. So, if you have invested $1000 on an iPhone X or $300 on a mid-range Android. Unless you are so generous that you want to pay apple another $1000 for a new device, then it is highly beneficial for you to learn how to protect your device and make it last as long as possible.

Moreover, there are so many reasons why you would want to keep your phone in a good shape. One is to avoid spending money on expensive repairs, another is getting a good resale value anytime you are ready to upgrade. So, in this article we will let you know the average phone lifespan, we will also discuss which smartphone Brand will actually last longer with you and how to make your smartphones last longer.

The First Question Is – How Long Does a Smartphone Actually Last?

The short answer is- it depends on the kind of phone you have. If you are dealing with low end or mid-range Android phones such as the Samsung J-7 Emerge or the LG X Power then you can expect around 2 years maximum lifespan if the phone is well taken care of. Flagship devices are usually better built and most of the newer models are water resistant. A flagship device such as the Samsung Note 8 or an iPhone could last 3 to 4 years if it is well maintained.

Now to make any phone last its full lifespan, you have to protect it from damages. Here at Swift Tech Buy, we have been in the phone trading business for many years and we have bought thousands of broken phones. So, we know the major causes of phone damages. The most common causes according to our observations are; water damage, cracked screens, charging port damage and software malfunction.  So follow this list we compiled below to protect your device from these hazards.

• Case protection: Buy a high quality protective case as soon as you purchase the phone. We mean buy it on the spot. You can also pre-order one from Amazon and have your case in your hand even before you purchase the phone. Otterbox is still the industry’s standard for device protection. However, if you think an Otterbox is too bulky and expensive like I do then there are other options. A good well rounded tough case and tempered glass will do the Job. Any phone you purchase, make sure the screen and phone corners are well protected.

• Use a high quality charger: A manufacturer issued charger is great but there are also other options. I think that some Belkin chargers are sometimes more durable and fast charging than that of the manufacturer’s. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT use cheap aftermarket chargers such as the one sold at gas stations and grocery stores. These might eventually damage your charging port. Charging port damage is one of the most common smartphone killers.

• Avoid over charging your phone: Make the phone battery last longer by not overcharging it. The common mistake people make is leaving the phone plugged in overnight. Make sure you charge your phone until it reaches %100 and then immediately take it out of the charger.

• Don’t let your kids play with it: This may sound cruel but kids can be extremely reckless when handling electronics. We have handled hundreds of iPhone screen repair in Milwaukee and lots of them were damaged by kids.

• Protection Plan: if you have an iPhone then skip your carrier insurance and go with apple care plus. We explain in this article we published earlier why here at Swift Tech Buy we believe the Apple Care+ plan is superior to carrier’s insurance.

• Be mindful of the weather: Heat is not friendly to phones or phone batteries. A lithium battery will literally blowup if exposed to fire or heat. So do not leave your phone in a place with too much heat.

• Don’t Shower with your phone: You would think this is a no-brainer but you will be surprised to know that a lot of people take their phones with them in the shower only to realize later that the phone has been damaged by water. This is most likely because steam can penetrate through the phone and cause water damage. Older smartphones that are not water-resistant are more vulnerable to this kind of damage.