Skip to main content
Modern workspace with a person typing on a laptop.
Chic haircuts for women over 50 trending in 2026.
Donald Trump speaking at a maternal healthcare event.

Tech

We Asked An Expert: This Is EXACTLY How Often You Should Replace Your Android

December 28, 2018 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Tech
Featured image

If you didn’t receive a new smart phone for Christmas but are having envy of those who did, it might be time to start thinking about whether 2019 is the year you’ll buy one for yourself.

How long you’ve had the device and what condition it’s in are two major factors in deciding whether a purchase of this type is necessary or not. We wanted to remove some of the guesswork from the process, and so we consulted a leading tech researcher to discover the exact time frame in which most of us should replace our phones. Without further ado:

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
Person using an Android phone outdoors

"Given the fact that the person buys the latest Android phone, which has got the latest OS onboard, an Android user should start to think about replacing their phone after using it for 3 to 4 years," Somdip Dey, researcher in Embedded AI Researcher at the University of Essex tells us.

"Most of the Android phones now come with a great hardware system with multiple processors onboard, giving enough computation power for majority of the applications that we use in our daily life. But with rigorous daily use of the phone, the battery and the internal components of the hardware start to deteriorate over time due to overheating and chemical composition of the hardware," Somdip, who is also a Researcher at the Samsung R&D Institute UK, warns.

Close-up of a Samsung smartphone in hand

"Research has shown that it takes 2 to 3 years to loose 30% of the battery charging capacity." 

"And given the fact that most Android phones now a days receive regular updates from their vendors for 3 to 4 years uninterrupted, it is wise to start saving for a new Android phone after that period. Another reason is that every 18 months the processing power of the hardware also doubles and after 3 to 4 years of using the Android phone it is recommended to buy a new one so that all the modern applications could be run with ease on your device."

So, there you have it--the exact amount of time that scientists say you should replace your phone.

Android phone displaying low battery warning

READ MORE: The One Android App That’s Draining Your Battery RIGHT NOW

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

Person holding Android phone demonstrating apps.
iPhone 17 on table with modern aesthetics.
Woman using laptop while relaxing at home.
Smartphone connected to charger on a desk.
Various iPhone apps displayed on a smartphone screen.
Close-up of male hands holding an Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.
User interacting with an iPhone in a casual setting.
Close-up of a hand holding an iPhone with visible apps.
Woman texting on a smartphone outdoors.
Android phone displaying various applications on screen.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 smartphone in a stylish setting.
Woman in jeans enjoying a fresh summer watermelon salad.
Person holding Android phone displaying various apps.
iPhone 14 showcasing multiple applications on screen.
iPhone screen showing charging settings menu.
Sony WH-CH720N headphones with iPad and laptop.
User interacting with an iPhone device.
iPhone displaying a selection of apps.
Notification of iPhone storage being full.
Individual holding an iPhone in hand.
Person holding Android phone demonstrating apps.
iPhone 17 on table with modern aesthetics.
Woman using laptop while relaxing at home.
Smartphone connected to charger on a desk.
Various iPhone apps displayed on a smartphone screen.
Close-up of male hands holding an Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.
User interacting with an iPhone in a casual setting.
Close-up of a hand holding an iPhone with visible apps.
Woman texting on a smartphone outdoors.
Android phone displaying various applications on screen.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 smartphone in a stylish setting.
Woman in jeans enjoying a fresh summer watermelon salad.
Person holding Android phone displaying various apps.
iPhone 14 showcasing multiple applications on screen.
iPhone screen showing charging settings menu.
Sony WH-CH720N headphones with iPad and laptop.
User interacting with an iPhone device.
iPhone displaying a selection of apps.
Notification of iPhone storage being full.
Individual holding an iPhone in hand.