If you have ever been without a smartphone for any length of time in today’s world, then you might understand how hard it can be to steer all aspects of life without one. It may sound like an exaggeration, but the reality is that we rely on our phones for everything: Our work, money matters, love lives, and entertainment.
Because our lives are so closely connected to our devices, the performance of your phone can affect your entire day. However, when should you know it’s time to get a new one? Is it when your phone starts lagging or stops supporting the latest applications? Is it when the battery cannot last throughout the day anymore or when your device has simply become too outdated to keep up with changing technology? This article will discuss some signs that it may be time to retire your current device, helping you make up your mind about whether you should go for an upgrade.
Your phone overheats often
There are many reasons why your device can overheat: Exposing it to sunlight, using it all day long, having many apps open at once, and overcharging, for example. Overheating is normal sometimes, but if it happens frequently and your device is old, it may be time to go shopping.
In the long run, overheating can lead to a series of issues. It can damage your battery’s performance and lifespan, disable your flashlight and camera’s flash, and lead to app crashes and sudden shutdowns. There is also the rare possibility of a thermal runaway. This is what happens when your phone’s battery expands, quickly overheats, and then catches fire.
Your phone no longer gets updates
Most smartphones update their operating systems automatically, fixing bugs, adding new features, and improving security. However, after the phone is released, its software updates might only be accessible for a limited period of time. Once you stop getting system updates, your apps may stop working and be unable to receive an update as well. This could also make your phone vulnerable to security threats.
Apple released a list of iPhone models compatible with iOS 17.5, and it does not include the iPhone 8 or any version prior to the iPhone XR. The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 is another model that stopped receiving updates in 2023. If you own one of these devices, this may be your sign to consider an upgrade.
Your battery doesn’t last long
While this is a common problem with older and even newer phones, your battery may simply be worn out. On a full charge, your device’s battery should last, on average, between 8 and 12 hours. A phone that dies every three hours and requires multiple charges can cause a lot of unnecessary stress and anxiety. People’s anxiety about their batteries dying is so widespread that it has been named “nomophobia.”
If your phone isn’t too old and works well, changing the battery may be the better way to go. Apple offers iPhone users a chance to replace their batteries, but it comes at a cost, specifically if the battery has been affected by normal usage. You can also try to avoid the decline in the battery’s lifespan by not leaving your phone charging for too long, turning on power saving mode, and making your screen time out faster.
You don’t have enough storage space
We use our phones for many different things. We take pictures, record videos, play Candy Crush, listen to music, perform bank transactions, watch movies, request Ubers, meet our partners, send text messages, and, of course, make calls. The list is long, and most of these activities take up considerable storage space.
Ideally, your phone should have at least 128 GB of storage, even more if you love taking pictures. For reference, Spotify takes up 102 MB of storage on Android, but in order to download a thousand songs, you would need about 2.25 GB of additional storage space. Similarly, Netflix takes up 125 MB of storage space, and downloading a movie can take up anywhere between 500 MB and 1 GB of space. The math can add up very quickly, especially considering the fact that people have, on average, 40 apps on their phones.
There are a few ways to free up memory space if you are not willing to part ways with your smartphone. You could upload your pictures to the cloud and delete them from your phone. Deleting apps you no longer need is another valid strategy. If this is not enough, and you own an iPhone, the only option is to purchase a new phone with higher memory capacity, since you cannot physically expand the internal storage. Alternatively, you could buy more iCloud storage. If you are an Android user, you may be able to expand your storage with a MicroSD card, depending on your phone’s model.
You want more advanced features
If you are in search of new and exciting functions, a new device is worth considering. More recent models have improvements that can be really useful. For instance, many modern phones have integrated fitness trackers, so you do not need extra devices such as smartwatches to monitor your health. They can also provide improved cameras enabling photo and video shooting with better resolution and details, which is great for those who have a vacation planned ahead.
Wrapping it up…
Deciding on whether to switch to a brand-new smartphone does not necessarily imply that you have to go for the most expensive model out there. The main point is to figure out whether your current device is still serving its purpose.
If your phone is overheating, no longer receiving updates, or suffering from poor battery life, these could be signs that it’s time for an upgrade. Before making any decisions, think about the role your phone plays in your routine and what features are most important to you. This way, you can avoid waste and make sure you get the best value for your money by making an informed decision based on your actual needs.
