Are mobile phones built to last? Here are some top tips for maximising your phone’s lifespan

How many people do you know that don’t own a smartphone? Probably not very many!

That’s because, according to the latest 2022 figures, 93% of UK adults are smartphone owners. Mobile phones are so prevalent these days it feels almost impossible to live without one; however, they don’t last forever.

They’re vital to so many parts of our lives – from a video call with the grandkids to paying for your weekly shop at the supermarket. With the cost of living crisis we’re all looking for ways to make our money go further and with the average new smartphone costing up to £1000, buying a new one isn’t always an option!

So how long do mobile phones last exactly? That’s a difficult question because many factors influence their lifespan, from usage levels to build quality. We’re here to explore what you need to know to keep your phone in tip top shape for as long as possible.

How long should a phone last?

Generally, the average smartphone lasts around 2-3 years, with performance tending to slow down after the 3rd year. That number makes sense when you consider the average length of a phone contract, which is usually 18-36 months.

According to YouGov, seven out of ten UK smartphone owners (70%) replace their phone within four years, including the 28% who buy a new phone every one to two years.

What stops phones from lasting longer?

There are many reasons why phones don’t last forever, from hardware lifespan to lack of ongoing software support.

Here are the three main reasons your phone might need an upgrade.

Failing battery

The battery in your phone is a central part of its hardware, providing the power that enables it to even turn on in the first place. However, phone battery technology is remarkably underdeveloped compared to other components, like screens. Batteries still use the same technology as was used in the 90s, so they’re normally one of the first things to go.

Batteries generally have a certain number of ‘cycles’ (charges and subsequent drains) they can make before beginning to degrade. As modern phones have such powerful software and energy-draining features like HD screens, batteries are draining quicker than ever — and the technology still needs to keep up to maintain the same level of battery longevity.

However, the handset landscape is shifting to try and fix this, with some manufacturers picking up on consumer demands and focusing on developing phones with longer battery lives.

Old software

Another leading cause of phones becoming defunct is outdated software. Apple and Android, the leading mobile operating system developers, gradually phase out OS updates and software support for older models.

When a phone is released, it will usually be guaranteed to receive updates for at least two years, keeping it fresh and spritely. After that time period, though, it’ll stop receiving regular updates, and the software will start to age relative to newer models.

This can mean that an old phone quickly becomes ill-equipped to handle new apps and features, which generally require more and more power over time. This is one of the main reasons your phone starts to slow down and even crash towards the end of its life.

Damage

Accidental damage is the final, and potentially most likely, reason that your phone won’t last forever. Whether it’s screen damage, water damage, or something else entirely — serious hardware damage can end your phone’s life instantly.

Research has estimated that 66% of phone owners damage their phones in a given year, with cracked screens taking first place as the most common type of damage at 29%.

How to make your phone last longer

Looking after your phone as best as possible is the best way to extend its lifespan significantly. Here are some top phone-care tips for getting the most out of your handset before upgrading.

• Get phone insurance

Don’t underestimate the benefits of having a phone insurance plan that covers you in the event of accidental damage, theft, loss, or hardware-related breakdowns.

Even with a phone insurance policy, it’s still worth using protective accessories like screen protectors or hard-wearing cases.

• Exercise battery economy

You can optimise your battery use daily basis by turning off unessential services or features, like location tracking and vibration mode, using battery-saving modes or apps, and keeping your screen brightness low.

Taking these measures should mean you use less battery life each day, meaning fewer charges, a longer time between draining cycles, and a longer overall battery life.

• Keep up with software updates

Finally, ensure you’re keeping your phone updated with all the new software updates for as long as the OS developer supports your handset. This will keep it running smoothly for longer.

• Consider a second-hand option

Purchasing a second-hand or refurbished phone is a cost-effective way of getting a relatively new model at a more affordable price and avoiding a pricey contract. That way, if the handset doesn’t last for as long as you would have hoped, you didn’t break the bank to get it in the first place. Not to mention, recycling through purchasing a pre-loved phone is also kinder to the planet.