Should You Buy A New Smartphone Every Two Years?
Smartphones have become an essential part of everyday life for most people. From staying connected with friends and family to managing work, entertainment, and even basic daily tasks, it's hard to imagine going without one. They've also replaced so many things that we used to carry around with us, like cameras, planners, maps, and more. At this point, many of us would agree that they're practically impossible to live without, making them feel less like a luxury and more like a necessity.
While smartphones are so important for so many people, they can also get frustrating when it feels like you're constantly being pressured to upgrade them. New models seem to come out every year with flashy features, slightly better cameras, and faster processors. Even if your current phone still works fine, apps and software updates can start slowing it down, making you feel like you have to buy the latest version. Over time, this cycle of always needing the newest phone can feel exhausting and expensive, leaving many people annoyed at how dependent we've become on upgrades.
However, even though new phones may come out each year, that doesn't mean you have to keep getting a new one.
"When and why should you upgrade your phone? It all depends on the state of your phone currently," tech and lifestyle expert Stephanie Humphries told CBS News.
The Best Ways To Take Care Of Your Smartphone
Stephanie told the above publication that while seeing new smartphone models may pressure you to buy one, if you take very good care of your phone, you may not need to get a new one for "a minimum of three years."
"Smartphones are not cheap, so if you can go even longer and you can still get the software updates, you can probably stretch it out," she said.
"Depending on how often you're using your phone every day, you might be able to stretch it out for six or seven years if you can get those software updates."
If you're a little reckless with your smartphone, dropping it, leaving it in unsafe places, or using it rather frequently without breaks, chances are, you're going to have a harder time keeping it running smoothly. However, if you take great care of it, you can keep your phone for as long as possible.
Stephanie suggests keeping up with these simple smartphone care habits to keep your phone feeling brand new, like upgrading your software, getting a new battery, keeping your storage free by deleting old attachments, and having a high-quality phone case.