HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR PHONE? A PRACTICAL GUIDE

Smartphones have evolved far beyond a simple tool for calls or texting. They are now integral to nearly every aspect of our lives, becoming our cameras, calendars, wallets, and daily companions. 

However, even the best modern smartphones don’t last forever and can start to slow down your life as they age. If you’ve been wondering how often you should replace your phone, this guide will help you determine when it’s time to make a switch. If it’s not time for an upgrade, we also have some great info on how to stretch the lifespan of your old device, with tips to push it to its full potential. 

What is the Average Phone Lifespan?

The average smartphone lasts users about 2–4 years before a noticeable decline in performance. At around the 3-year mark, battery health slowly begins to decline in most phones. Your phone will have less time between charges and have less power for your apps and chats.

How long your phone lasts will depend on several factors other than how long you’ve had it. Software support and how often you use your phone during the day will all play a big role in the longevity of your phone. For light users, a phone might feel fine for years, while power users who stream, game, or doomscroll all day long may notice slowdowns and battery decline much sooner.

Environmental factors, like extreme heat or dropping your phone frequently, can also shorten its lifespan. Essentially, the more you push your device, overheat it, or overcharge the battery, the faster it ages.

How Long Do iPhones Last?

Apple tends to be one of the industry leaders in long-term support. Most iPhones receive software updates for 5 to 6 years, and hardware quality often keeps pace. However, around the 3-4 year mark, you might start to notice shorter battery life, slower performance, or limited compatibility with new features.

If you’re ready to upgrade to a new iPhone, Boost always has you covered with affordable prices on all your favorite Apple devices, like the all-new iPhone 17. 

How Long Do Samsung Phones Last?

Samsung phones are built to be durable, giving them a longer lifespan than many other devices. On average, a Samsung smartphone can last 3 to 6 years, depending on how it’s used and maintained. With careful handling and timely repairs, such as replacing a faulty battery or fixing damaged ports, many Samsung devices can remain in working order for over five years.

Several factors will heavily influence how long your Samsung phone will last. 

• Battery health: Batteries have a limited number of charge cycles, and frequent charging, overcharging, or exposure to heat can shorten the life of your battery

• Physical damage: Cracks, drops, or water exposure can reduce a device’s lifespan, and repairs are often expensive

• Software support: Phones that no longer receive system updates may experience slower performance or compatibility issues with new apps. Most Android devices, including Samsung phones, typically receive software updates for 2–3 years after release.

Trends in smartphone replacement also highlight that even durable devices are beginning to see a declining lifespan. According to one report on the average lifespan of smartphones, most peaked at an average ownership of around 3 years in 2019, but that replacement cycle has been slowly decreasing, projected to reach 2.49 years by 2026. This means people are replacing their phones more often than ever in the last decade, despite the numerous upgrades made in technology during that time.

If you’re ready to upgrade to the latest and greatest Samsung device, you can find amazing deals on top Galaxy phones when you shop with Boost Mobile. 

How Long Do Google Phones Last?

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a Google Pixel phone is the industry-leading 7 years of software updates. This update window begins from the day the device first becomes available on the Google Store in the U.S., giving Pixel owners long-term confidence that their phone will stay secure, smooth, and capable for years.

However, software support is only half the story. Because Pixel phones receive frequent Android updates, security patches, and feature enhancements through Pixel Drops, their performance and functionality continues to improve years after you’ve made the switch. These updates help extend the lifespan of your device by keeping it optimized, protected against new threats, and equipped with the latest features.

If this sounds like the perfect new phone for you, Boost is always stocked with great deals on Google Pixel devices. 

How Much Does It Cost To Upgrade Your Phone?

Upgrading your phone doesn’t mean you have to empty your wallet, even as smartphone prices continue to rise. In 2024, the average smartphone cost about $287, but today the most popular devices, like the latest iPhone 17, can surpass $1,000. 

Android devices have also seen price increases as of late, with even mid-range models averaging over $300. Market data suggests that average prices will rise steadily over the next five years, reaching over $328 by 2029, equating to the fastest growth among all tech devices.

Despite these rising costs, you can still afford a new device, no matter what your budget looks like. Boost Mobile offers exclusive deals, trade-in offers, and flexible monthly payment plans that make it easier to get the phone you want without breaking the bank. Plus, many mid-range smartphones now deliver flagship-level performance at a fraction of the cost, so you can get sought-after features like AI-powered cameras and fast processors without paying premium prices.

When Should I Upgrade My Phone?

If your phone is still in working order and can load your favorite apps and videos without issue, you’ll likely be able to stretch that old device for another year or two. 

However, there are some clear signs that your old phone is struggling and it could be time to make a switch. 

• Your battery doesn’t last the day, even after fully optimizing your settings

• Performance is sluggish, with apps frequently crashing or freezing

• Storage is full, and you’re constantly deleting photos or apps to make room

• You’ve stopped getting software updates, putting your phone’s security at risk

• The screen is damaged, or features like the camera or charging port no longer work properly

If you checked off two or more, it’s time to ditch your old device and start thinking about your next phone. Lucky for you, Boost is always stocked with affordable deals on iPhone, Android, and Google devices. 

How to Make Your Old Phone Run Like New

If your phone is starting to act sluggish, glitchy, or generally “over it,” don’t assume it’s time for an upgrade just yet. With the right maintenance, an older device can feel noticeably faster and more reliable, sometimes even close to brand-new. Before jumping into a new phone purchase, try these quick tricks to bring new life to your current device.

Best Ways to Revive Your Old Smartphone:

• Replace the battery: Aging batteries lose capacity over time, which can drag down speed and stability. A fresh battery often delivers the biggest performance improvement.

• Don’t charge past 80%: Keeping your battery between 20% and 80% can reduce long-term wear and prolong its health

• Clear out unused apps and files: Old apps, duplicate photos, and random downloads all take up valuable storage that your phone needs to run smoothly

• Avoid charging overnight: Constant overcharging can degrade battery health, causing slower performance over time

• Do a factory reset: Sometimes a clean slate is the best fix. Restoring factory settings wipes out old system clutter and software conflicts.

• Install the latest software updates: OS updates come with performance enhancements, bug fixes, and better security, all of which help your phone run more efficiently

• Use lightweight app alternatives: “Lite” versions of apps are optimized for older hardware and can reduce strain on your processor and memory

These easy steps can extend the life of your current device and keep it running smoothly until you’re ready for your next upgrade.