According to Statista research, the average lifespan of smartphones is 2.58 years. This represents a 0.06-year decrease from 2022 and a 0.17-year decrease from 2021.
Upgrading your phone every three years is appropriate for most people, but it might not be for you. For instance, a modern flagship phone is already future-proof enough to last you longer than five years—assuming that you don't care about having the latest software updates and can replace the battery later on.
A smartphone that is made for longevity can be a real thing. Too bad that's not how most of them are designed.
1. Battery life. As mentioned above, the average lifespan of a cell phone is approximately 2-3 years.
Nonetheless, replacing your device every two years is still a good idea. Even if the phone functions well, the hardware and operating system are antiquated by the time the phone is two years old.
When it comes to the lifespan of a phone, Apple has always been the clear winner. And by lifespan, I'm talking about software and security updates.
Some devices can even last upwards of five years if treated gently. However, you might start noticing a decline at around the three-year mark. It's usually at this point that your hardware becomes outdated, with no new operating system updates from developers.
For reference, the last supported version is Android 10, which is likely to reach end of life in September 2022, when Google is expected to announce Android 13.
Your phone may start to slow down
Sometimes, updates aren't designed to fix problems or protect your device. Instead, they're made to improve its performance by streamlining the operating system or making the code more efficient. In some cases, this slowdown may occur over time, the more you use your phone.
Smartphones usually slow down with time and excessive usage. Too many apps and cache data slow down smartphones in most instances.
The Android March 2023 security update is available for all Android versions that still receive regular updates (Android 11, 12, and 13). If you are using Android 10 or below, you're at the end of life for your Android version.
Per Samsung's recent support statement, they should be good to use until the middle of 2023. Another problem with Android devices is that older versions of the Android OS stick around for a lot longer than they should, as phone makers often ship second-tier or budget phones without the latest version of Android.
You Want More Freedom, Control, and Customizations
Since Android is an open-source platform, it offers more freedom and customization options than iOS. You can customize almost anything on your Android device, from how your home screen looks to how you interact with your phone.
Samsung currently leads the Android smartphone market in software updates, surpassing even Google. Since the S22 generation, Samsung has provided four years of major updates and two years of additional support for its high-end devices and folding phones, including the S23, S22, S21, and their respective models.
Both iPhone and Android provide solutions for people with different needs. If you already own Apple products like the Mac, iPad, or Apple TV, getting an iPhone is an easy choice. If flexibility or apps are important, go for an Android. Different categories matter more for certain people.
Another major advantage that iPhones have over Samsung phones is the longevity of the devices. Although Samsung now offers four years of major Android updates for its flagships and mid-range phones, iPhones can easily last for five to six years. However, there's one important caveat to this.
If you want the phone with the longest battery life, look for smartphones with the most mAh like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy A52 and A52s, and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4.
Samsung previously pledged to offer four years' worth of security updates for its hardware and three years of software upgrades back in 2021. However, this commitment to a full four years of major operating system updates, plus five years of security updates, has helped spur similar movements from other brands.
Fast software updates for many years: The biggest advantage iOS has over Android is its software updates: Apple generally supports new iPhones and iPads with iOS updates for five to six years after their release date, and all of those devices get the same updates at the same time.
Fast processors for better performance
The iPhones have a series of processors that reportedly deliver better performance than most Android phones. In addition, Apple blends hardware and software well, making the iPhone more efficient and effective.
Samsung Galaxy S22+
Looking for an Android-based alternative to the iPhone 14 Plus? Go for the Samsung S22+. Yes, the brand may have just released its latest S23 smartphones, but the S22+ is still available and its price is closer to the iOS handset.
Android 7.0 Nougat
Initial version: Released on August 22, 2016. Google no longer supports Android 7.0 Nougat.