Study shows that an average smartphone owner uses their phone every 24.7 months before buying a new one. Tech companies are even fueling the smartphone craze by launching newer units each year packed with more cutting-edge features. As smartphones become more advanced, it’s not surprising most consumers are always on the lookout for the best smartphone in the market.

In recent years, the average lifespan of smartphones has increased as more people are waiting longer before upgrading. Those who want to hold on to their phones for longer take advantage of mobile phone repair for various phone issues, such as overheating, cracked screen, and water damage. These types of services allowed smartphone users to get every drop of value from their devices before moving on to the next one.

Given the increasing prices of smartphones in today’s tech market, it’s important to know the right steps to prolong the lifespan of your devices. After all, the best purchases are those that offer the best value for your money. With that in mind, here are some ways to extend the life of your smartphone device.

Never skip the updates

System updates, also referred to as software updates, play an important role in how fast and efficient a smartphone performs. If you want to keep it running fast and problem-free, updating the operating system (OS) and third-party applications are a must.

Many smartphone users have a habit of ignoring updates because of the download size and time they take to download. While others view them as inconvenient, updates don’t take too long and offer loads of benefits: from fixing bugs, errors, and security issues to upgrades that bring new features and enhance overall performance. All these changes help the device to work more quickly and smoothly.

iPhone and Android phones both offer application updates which you can download automatically or in your chosen timeframe, but it’s also worth noting that not all updates are necessary. For example, the latest iOS updates are compatible with new models only. This means downloading these updates on older devices can cause several performance issues. Others even end up damaging their phone in the process.

It’s impossible for phone manufacturers to release stable updates that work across a variety of phone units. The latest models have features that older ones don’t have. But others believe that companies do this to trick consumers into buying newer phones to access the latest updates. A great tip is to avoid updates after the release of two new generations.

Observe the right charging practices

Almost every smartphone user has a battery myth they live by. We get so obsessed with taking care of our batteries that we easily believe any hearsay or information we read on the internet. Meanwhile, others are careless enough that they end up overheating and overworking their phone’s battery.

Poor battery life is an ongoing problem for smartphone users. Tech companies are addressing this by offering more charging cycles, bigger battery capacity, and faster charging times. But despite these extra features, a device won’t be efficient enough to retain its battery quality if you’re doing something that can damage your phone’s battery and reduce the overall lifespan.

One basic rule is to avoid putting a device in places or situations that lead to overheating (e.g. leaving it under direct sunlight). Doing this will stress the battery, causing a shorter lifespan. Another important thing is to keep the battery level at 50 to 75 percent for the majority of the time. Letting the battery life drop at 25 percent or even lower will reduce its capacity and lifespan. Recalibrate the battery at least once a month by aiming for a full zero to 100 percent recharge.

Get a durable case

When buying phone cases, most people prioritize the aesthetic appeal instead of the case’s ability to protect their phone from scratches, falls, and food spills. Our phones are sensitive enough that when dealt with stress or pressure can render them unusable.

Investing in a durable case is your best defense against these damages. Although a case won’t completely prevent every possible damage, buying something sturdy will lessen the odds of avoiding any expensive accident. People who have a habit of dropping their phones should consider buying a quality case made of durable materials.

Smartphones are now a necessity in today’s world. People have become highly dependent on their phones as tech companies continue to expand the capabilities of our modern devices. They can also be a great investment to support the daily demands at work and everyday life. In the end, keeping them in good shape can make a great impact on your life and financial choices.

Meta title: Three Ways to Extend a Smartphone’s Lifespan
meta desc: Smartphones are an expensive necessity in today’s modern world. Find out how to extend its battery life and lifespan and prevent buying replacements.