How Long Do Android Phones Last? — Let’s Find Out!

Once you are satisfied with the features of your phone, the next big question is how long your device will last.

Whether you got a new phone or are trying to optimize the old one, the lifespan of your device is a critical factor when it comes to user experience.

If your Android phone starts crashing or takes too long to finish the usual tasks, it’s at the end of its usable life.   

The information in this article will help you enhance the lifespan of your phone so continue reading to save yourself from spending hundreds of dollars every few years.
 

How Long Do Android Phones Last?

Android phones will last anywhere between 2 to 4 years before performance may degrade. As long as the phone can connect to the internet, the OS can be upgraded. The main factors to consider about replacing Android handsets are battery performance, operational issues, and memory. 
 

What Factors Impact the Lifespan of Android Devices?

 

Physical Damage

Depending on the extent of the damage, you might have to replace your phone sooner than you expected.

One of the common physical damage cases is a shattered or cracked screen. You will either have to replace the screen or get a new phone, and both of these options can be expensive.

You might also end up losing all the useful data inside your phone if any of the internal parts are damaged.

 

Overall Operation

If your phone functions properly and does not hang while using any of the apps, it will last for a few more years.

But if it starts acting up, takes too long to do simple tasks, certain operations run on their own (opening and closing of apps), or apps keep crashing, you might have to replace it soon.

Another feature is the storage; if you keep getting storage alerts, your phone does not have sufficient space to run specific apps.

 

Battery Life

Your phone battery lasted for days when you first bought it, but now you have to recharge it every few hours.

This is a major sign of battery degradation. Over time the battery will start draining on its own even if you do not use the device.

If you notice these signs in the early years of getting your phone, you should get it checked because it could be a hardware issue.

Showing the battery percentage on the screen is a great way to keep a check on the battery life.

If you want to utilize this feature, check out the detailed guide about the Best Methods to Show Battery Percentage on Android.

 

Tips to Make Your Android Devices Last Longer

Most Android users and tech experts agree that their phones will last for 2-4 years without any major issues.

However, once your phone is 3 or 4 years old, you will start noticing signs of deterioration.

If you are curious about whether there is anything you can do to make your phone last longer, continue reading through this section.

The first step is to keep your phone clean and make sure no dirt accumulates in the ports.

You should use a gentle fabric or cotton swabs for this task.

Do not wait for the entire battery to drain before recharging the phone.

Doing this on an everyday basis can damage the battery in the long term. A good practice is to recharge when the battery is close to 20%.

Keep your phone at moderate temperatures so that it does not heat up. Limit background apps or high battery using apps.

You should also get rid of any unnecessary apps on your Android device.

These extra apps will not only consume battery but also use RAM, which slows down other apps and functions.

Long press on the app you want to uninstall, and a menu will appear with the uninstall option.

You can also uninstall the app from the Google Play Store or the Settings app.

Regularly check the battery’s health and keep it optimized. You will find this option under Battery and device care in the settings menu.

Tap on optimize now to fix issues related to the battery. You can also utilize other features like power-saving and battery usage limits once you click on battery.

Almost every other person today uses a touchscreen device. We even have phones with no buttons at all.

This means the touchscreen is one of the essential components for the functionality of your Android and needs to be protected at any cost.

Physical damage can be avoided by making sure your phone does not fall, using a heavy-duty phone case and a screen protector. Nowadays, you have several options in the market to maximize the physical protection of your devices.  

Keep the software updated to avoid glitches or operational issues. Go to Software updates in the Settings app.

Click on download and install to check for updates. You can also turn on Auto download for updates when your phone is connected to Wi-Fi.  

You should also keep the system and user-installed apps updated for better functionality.

Doing this will fix any existing bugs and improve the apps on your Android. Open the Manage apps and device option in the Google Play Store app.

If any app updates are pending, they will show in Overview and Manage. You have the option to update all apps in one go.

If the Manufacturer stops giving updates for your phone because of the outdated hardware, your device is vulnerable to security risks, and you don’t have access to new features/updates. At this point, you should start thinking about getting a new phone.
 

Frequently Asked Questions about How Long Do Android Phones Last

 

Should you replace the phone battery or get a new phone when the battery starts draining fast?

Replacing the battery can cost you some money, and if done incorrectly, it can also create hardware issues. You should compare your options before making a final decision, but most users prefer getting a new phone even if it costs some extra money.

 

Will my Android last longer than 5 years?

If you use your device carefully and manage the battery health, your Android phone can definitely last longer than 5 years.