Opinion: How do you know when it is time for a new phone?

Phones have batteries with a lifespan that is measured in 'charge cycles,' which is the draining and recharging of the battery. — Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

A question I get asked a lot is, “When do you know it is time for a new cellphone?”

A lot of possible answers to the question depend on what type of phone you have, how technical you are and the age of your current phone.

Obviously, some people don’t need to ask this question. They just always want to have the newest phone every year.

You might think I’d be in this group, but I am not.

I usually keep my phone for two or three years before trading in on the latest model.

But what if you are like my sister, who doesn’t really care about new features? She just uses her phone as a phone, and as her main camera.

When should she get a new phone?

First, let’s talk about age. (Not your age, the phone’s age.)

If you are happy with your phone, I’d say three to four years is when I’d start considering a replacement.

Phones have batteries with a lifespan that is measured in “charge cycles,” which is the draining and recharging of the battery.

Apple says its batteries are designed to retain 80% of its original capacity at 500 complete charge cycles. Android phone batteries have similar lifespans.

What constitutes a complete charge cycle?

Charging from zero to 100% is one cycle.

Charging from 50% to 100% twice equals one cycle.

It is easy to see that phone batteries are only designed to last a few years. Draining and charging your phone every day will eat up those 500 charge cycles in less than two years.

What are some signs you can look for that will help you decide it is time for a new phone?

If you are not making it through a full day before needing to charge, or if the phone shuts itself off at random times, you have signs of a worn-out battery.

iPhone users can check their battery health by looking at the Battery page in the phone’s Settings app. Here you can check your battery’s status. My 11-month-old iPhone 13 Pro Max has lost only 2% of its battery capacity.

Android users have a similar battery section in their phone’s settings.

If the remaining battery life is less than 80%, you’ll begin to notice decreased run time.

You can get your phone’s battery replaced, and if you are happy with the phone, that is always going to be a cheaper option than a new phone.

You’ll also want to check how old the phone is in relation to keeping current with operating system and security updates.

Every year when Apple or Google release a new version of their phone operating system, they’ll release a list of compatible phone models that can take the upgrade.

Unfortunately, older models will eventually fall off the list, and they will not longer be able to upgrade to the latest operating system. This is another sign you need to consider replacement.

Of course, nothing is forcing you to upgrade your phone.

Feel free to keep it for as long as it still works, but if it begins acting up — perhaps buttons don’t work every time you press them, or parts of the screen no longer respond to touch — it may be time to let it go.

Next week, we’ll talk about how much you really need to spend on a new phone. – Tribune News Service