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As CEO of SimilarMyMobile.com and BankMyCell.com since 2009, Ash is a central figure in the mobile technology industry. With a background managing Brightstar's PhoneRecycleBank, he has extensive experience with global operators and MVNOs such as T-Mobile and O2 and leading manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung.
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| Updated March 2, 2024
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Joey Bobiles
Joey is skilled at creating comprehensive comparison guides and product reviews for devices from brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google. His expertise extends to in-depth reviews of smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, MVNOs and phone plans, while simplifying complex technical information into easy-to-understand content.
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Kim Juanillo
Kim is an editor with a rich background in digital content management and developmental psychology and brings a unique blend of analytical and creative skills to BankMyCell. With her background in psychology, Kim is adept at understanding complex concepts and turning them into engaging, accessible content.
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How long does a mobile phone last?
According to various sources, the average lifespan of a smartphone in 2024 is currently 2.53 years. On the other hand, other sources claim that it may take 15-18 months for newer generation devices (source:Evertelefoon)
Several factors affect the lifespan of a smartphone, from hardware and software conditions to battery health.
So how long do cell phones last? In this article you will learn what the average lifespan of a smartphone is and how you can extend the lifespan of your phone.
Editor's Choice:
- Average lifespan of a smartphone:In 2024, a smartphone will have an average lifespan of 2.53 years. According to reports, iPhones last 4 to 10 years, while Samsung phones last 3 to 6 years. There are many factors that affect the lifespan of a smartphone, including the condition of the screen, the hardware and the health of the battery. There are a few things you can do to avoid these conditions, such as not fully charging your phone and using rugged phone cases and screen protectors.
In this article:
- How long do phones last?
- Average lifespan of different phone brands
- Smartphone lifespan statistics
- Factors that influence the lifespan of smartphones
- How to extend the life of your smartphone
- Average cell phone battery life?
How long do phones last?
According to research by Statista, the average lifespan of smartphones in 2024 will be 2.53 years. This represents a decrease of 2-3 weeks (or 1.9%) in lifetime compared to 2023 and a decrease of 2-3 months (or 8%) from 2021.
How long did phones last over the years? (2014-2025)
- Data table
- Chart data
Average smartphone lifespan (replacement cycle time) in the United States
| Year | Consumentensegment | Enterprise-segment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025* | 2.49 years | 2.28 years |
| 2024* | 2.53 years | 2.32 years |
| 2023* | 2.58 years | 2.36 years |
| 2022* | 2.64 years | 2.42 years |
| 2021* | 2.75 years | 2.52 years |
| 2020 | 2.83 years | 2.60 years |
| 2019 | 2.96 years | 2.54 years |
| 2018 | 2.88 years | 2.57 years |
| 2017 | 2.74 years | 2.25 years |
| 2016 | 2.84 years | 2.46 years |
| 2015 | 2.53 years | 2.26 years |
| 2014 | 2.58 years | 2.33 years |
- Data table
Average smartphone lifespan (replacement cycle time) in the United States
Year Consumentensegment Enterprise-segment 2025* 2.49 years 2.28 years 2024* 2.53 years 2.32 years 2023* 2.58 years 2.36 years 2022* 2.64 years 2.42 years 2021* 2.75 years 2.52 years 2020 2.83 years 2.60 years 2019 2.96 years 2.54 years 2018 2.88 years 2.57 years 2017 2.74 years 2.25 years 2016 2.84 years 2.46 years 2015 2.53 years 2.26 years 2014 2.58 years 2.33 years - Chart data
*2021 to 2025 are forecast data
Key statistics:
- The average lifespan of mobile devices in the consumer segment peaked at 2.96 years in 2019, while the business segment peaked at 2.60 years in 2020. Even at their peak, both segments declined in the years that followed. In 2020, the average lifespan of smartphones for the consumer segment had decreased by 0.13 years, while the business segment had decreased by 0.08 years in 2021.
- Since 2019, the consumer segment has been on a downward trend with an estimated decrease of 0.13 years in the average lifespan of smartphones in 2020. After reaching a peak of 2.96 years in 2019, a steady decline is predicted to occur until 2025 . Compared to the average lifespan of smartphones in 2019, there will be a decrease of 0.11 years in 2020 and a decrease of 0.04 years in 2025.
- Since 2014, the lowest average lifespan of smartphones for the consumer segment is predicted for 2025, with a replacement cycle life of 2.49 years. In contrast, the business segment already had the lowest smartphone lifespan in 2017: 2.25 years. However, a downward trend is expected to begin in the business segment in 2020. According to forecasts, the average lifespan of the business segment will be 2.28 years in 2025.
Average lifespan of different phone brands
In general, the average lifespan of a smartphone is 2 to 4 years. According to reports, the iPhone 4 will last up to 10 years, followed by Samsung devices that will last 3 to 6 years. Huawei and Xiaomi devices have an average lifespan of 2-4 years, while OPPO devices have 2-3 years.
Around the three-year mark, you'll notice that your phone's hardware will be significantly outdated and your battery will have significantly less capacity than when it was a new smartphone.
How long do iPhones last?
The average lifespan of the iPhone is 4-10 years. Apple models generally last much longer than expected of most smartphones, which typically only last two to four years. Of all the smartphone brands in the industry, iPhones are also considered to have the highest lifespan.
How long do Samsung phones last?
Samsung phones have an average lifespan of 3-6 years. Since Samsung devices are very durable, they can last more than five years if you handle them with care or have them repaired whenever minor repairs are needed. Common reasons for replacing Samsung phones include faulty ports, faulty batteries, and outdated operating systems.
Sources
Smartphone lifespan statistics
- According to the latest research from Strategy Analytics, the average smartphone replacement cycle in Western Europe will shrink from 40 months in 2020 to 33 months in 2025.
- According to a study by Counterpoint Research, Japanese smartphone users replace their devices every 26 months, the longest period of any participating country. This is due to mature and aging users who now have access to higher quality, durable devices that do not require frequent upgrades.
- The shortest replacement cycle takes place in North America, followed by Central and Eastern Europe. Due to a higher number of prepaid users and lower GDP per capita and disposable income, Africa and the Middle East have the lowest smartphone replacement rate of any region.
- Consumers in emerging markets are more aggressive in replacing their smartphones than in developed markets. This trend is driven by the rise of Chinese brands offering higher-spec devices at lower prices, as well as the rise of used and refurbished smartphones.
Factors that influence the lifespan of smartphones
A number of factors influence the lifespan of your smartphone. Below we have listed the possible causes that will shorten the lifespan of your device over time:
Injury
Cracks and drops can cause damage to the phone but these things can be repaired. In some cases, it is preferable to buy a new phone instead. Here are the things you can consider to know what is best for your phone:
- Functional phone with a little kink:
It should have little or no effect on the lifespan of your phone.
- Crack takes up more than a quarter of your phone:
If the screen is already showing visible dead pixels and several faulty components, your phone may only last a while or may stop working soon.
Battery status
The battery is the most important part of your device because without a battery, nothing else on your phone will work. Here are some things to keep in mind to extend the life of your battery and avoid battery replacement.
Charging cycles
Phone batteries have an average charge cycle of 500 to 800. This means that if you charge your phone multiple times a day, your phone's battery life will be shorter than that of someone who charges their cell phone every other day.
Heat
Heat damages your battery because it puts more strain on the battery. Therefore, you should avoid placing your phone in a hot environment or on surfaces that can easily heat up.
Outdated external or internal hardware
Mobile games vs. incidental use
If you only use your phone for casual purposes, such as browsing the web or streaming movies, the hardware on your device can last up to three years. After three years, you can expect your apps to take longer to load than normal.
If you often use your phone for mobile games, it can last 1.5-2.5 years. There are new smartphone games and updates that over time may no longer be compatible with your device's hardware, resulting in slow performance.
Low-end/pre-owned vs. high-end phone
If you bought a lower model or a used phone that is already outdated or not supported by the manufacturer, you may only have 1-2 years of use left. A new phone that falls on the high-end level can offer more.
For cheaper models with users who only need their device for calling and texting, there is no real limit to the lifespan of your phone as it never gets old enough for these basic functions.
Outdated operating system software
Because your phone's hardware is tied to your operating system, it will eventually become outdated and unable to perform new operating system updates. Here are some things you need to know about your smartphone's operating system:
- How long does iOS support last?
Most iPhones receive system and security updates for five to seven years after release, which is significantly longer than Android devices.
- How long is the Android operating system supported?
Android devices only receive operating system updates for the first 2-3 years after they are released. Buying an older model or a used device will shorten its lifespan.
Some Android vendors with a large portfolio often focus on premium and mid-range models. On the other hand, entry-level phones are often overlooked and unsupported after a while.
How to extend the life of your smartphone
There are several ways to extend the life of your phone so that you can use it for as long as possible before replacing it. Here are a few ways to improve the lifespan of your device:
Charge your phone between 20%-80%
Please note that your phone's battery has a limited number of full charge cycles. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep the charge between 20% and 80%.
Use a screen protector
A screen protector is useful to protect the screen of your device and extend its lifespan. Screen protectors are widely available, both in stores and online.
If you're concerned about the extra cost of a screen protector, consider this: even the most expensive ones are cheaper than repairing or replacing your smartphone's broken screen.
Buy a strong protective cover
Phone cases are an excellent way to protect your device from a cracked screen or serious damage if it is accidentally dropped. There are different types of phone cases with different levels of durability and protection that you can buy in stores.
There are bulky specialist cases that are ideal if you work in physically demanding industries where the risk of injury is higher. If you work in an office, there are also slimmer cases available to protect your phone.
Delete unused apps
It's best to uninstall apps you rarely use as these apps running in the background will only drain your battery and hardware resources. It also increases the workload on your RAM and other internal components, slowing down your phone's performance.
Average cell phone battery life?
If you charge your smartphone once a day, it will last approximately 300-500 charge cycles, or approximately 16 months. Charging cycles refer to the number of times the phone's battery is fully charged. Of course, your battery life is determined not only by how often it is charged, but also by how often your phone is used, the type and capacity of your battery, and other factors.
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Categories:ResearchDoor Ash Turner
Auteur:As Turner
https://www.bankmycell.com/
As Turneris the CEO of BankMyCell.com - we compare over 20 trusted buyback stores, analyzing and comparing 100,000 prices every 15 minutes across 700 devices, giving us unique and in-depth market analysis. After graduating from university, Ash Turner has extensive experience in the mobile phone industry as an authority since 2003.Experience with carriers and MVNO subscriptions:Working for global network operators and MVNOs such as T-Mobile, O2, EE and Talk Mobile for 6 years.Experiences from manufacturers and brands:He worked for 6 years on web projects with manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung and Blackberry.Experience with distribution, refurbishment and buyback of mobile phones:During his time at Brightstar, one of the world's leading mobile phone distributors, he spent three years as manager of mobile phone buyback and refurbishment site Phone Bank.Media experience:He also served as a weekly industry data columnist for Mobile News Magazine for three years.Experience with buying back and exchanging mobile phones:Since 2009 he has launched several leading mobile phone brands in the UK (CompareMyMobile.com) and US (BankMyCell.com) and is a trusted provider of mobile phone market data to Sky, Forbes, Statista, as well as distributors, MVNOs and mainstream media.Contact him: Tap Contact|Over ons|Linkedin
