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Is it time for a new battery or a new phone?
Kurt "The CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how to check your phone's battery status so you can decide whether to replace it or just buy a brand new phone.
Have you ever wondered if it is better to have yourApple iPhones batteryor just buy a new phone? Lisa from Grafton, Wisconsin recently wrote to us with this question. This is what she asked:
"My iPhone needs a new battery. Is it better to just buy a new phone? Thanks for all the information on your website."
—Lisa, Grafton, Wisconsin
This is a good question. We've discussed how to determine if your iPhone's battery needs to be replaced (which I'll discuss another time). However, let's take a closer look at whether it's really worth replacing your battery when it's about to die, or whether it's simply necessary.on the smartphone.
To know if it's time to replace your phone's battery, you can go to Settings to check the battery status. (CyberGuy.com)
How do I know if my iPhone battery needs to be replaced?
Checking if your iPhone battery needs to be replaced is relatively simple and the process is in your Settings app. This is how you do it.
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Go toInstitutions
Scroll down and selectBacteria
ClickBattery status and charging
Look at the percentage next to itMaximum capacity.If this number is less than 80%, it means your battery needs to be replaced
An indication of whether it is time to buy a new battery for your phone is if the maximum capacity is less than 80%. (CyberGuy.com)
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Replacing your iPhone battery versus buying a new phone: which is the best option?
Whether you should go through the process of replacing your battery or replacing your phone really depends on your iPhone model and whether you prefer a newer model. If your phone is only a few years old and you enjoy the features it currently has, then replacing the battery is definitely the more affordable option for you.
Apple charges a service fee for replacing an iPhone battery. The price of replacing the batterydepends on the modelfrom your iPhone. For example, Apple charges $49 to replace the battery for iPhones older than the X model. The price for most other new models is $69. However, at the time of release, the price is $99 for the current generation of the iPhone 14 family.
iPhone Battery Service is a great way to see how you can get help replacing your iPhone's battery. (Appel)
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We weigh the costs and benefits of AppleCare+
If you have AppleCare+ and your iPhone's battery is less than 80% of its original capacity, your device is eligible for a battery replacement at no additional cost.
What exactly is AppleCare+?
But what exactly is AppleCare+? It is an extensive warranty programoffered by Apple for its devices, including iPhones. It can be purchased as a monthly subscription or as a prepaid for two years. The cost of AppleCare+ varies by device and coverage plan. For example, for an iPhone 14 Pro or 14 Pro Max, the standard AppleCare+ plan costs $199 for two years of coverage or $9.99 per month at time of release.
Considering the cost of repairs: the benefits of AppleCare+ coverage
When deciding whether to purchase AppleCare+, it's important to consider the cost of potential repairs if your AppleCare+ coverage has expired. For example, if you need to replace your iPhone's battery, it will cost you $99 without AppleCare+ coverage. However, if you have AppleCare+ and your device's battery is less than 80% of its original capacity, you are eligible for a battery replacement at no additional cost.
Planning ahead: how long you should keep your phone and the value of AppleCare+ coverage
Another factor to consider is how long you plan to keep your phone. if you're considering itget a new phoneIn two years, it may be worth purchasing AppleCare+ for the two-year coverage period to protect against accidental damage or hardware failure. But if you plan to keep your phone for more than two years, it may be worth considering whether the cost of any repairs outweighs the cost of continuing to pay for AppleCare+ coverage after the initial two-year period.
So AppleCare+ can give you peace of mind and potentially save you money in the long run if you need to repair or replace your device. However, it is important to weigh the costs and benefits based on your individual needs and circ*mstances.
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If you plan to purchase a new phone within the next two years, it may be worth purchasing AppleCare+ during the two-year coverage period to protect you against accidental damage or hardware failure. (CyberGuy.com)
Upgrade vs. repair
Now, if you want the latest and greatest iPhone with all the fancy new features that older models don't have, you can skip the battery replacement process and just buy a new iPhone. It will be more expensive, but you should get what you want if you can afford the cost.
MORE: WHICH APPS DRAIN YOUR PHONE'S BATTERY?
How do I know if my Android battery needs to be replaced?
You can perform the same process to check the battery status of your Android by downloading the appBattery from the Google Play Store. AccuBattery had 4.7 stars at the time of release and allows you to monitor your battery usage, measure battery capacity and get detailed information about the health of your battery. This can help you make informed decisions about when to replace the battery or buy a new phone.
Pro-tip:You can also go toSettings > Battery & device care > BatteryTo turn onEnergy savingmode to extend battery life. Enable energy saving mode on yourAndroid devicehelps you extend battery life by disabling certain features, functions or even apps.
MORE: HOW TO KEEP YOUR PHONE BATTERY LONGER
The cost of replacing an Android battery typically ranges between $50 and $100, depending on the make and model of your phone and where you get it replaced. (CyberGuy.com)
Replacing your Android battery versus buying a new phone: which is the best option?
This will again depend on what you prefer to use the money forget a brand new phonewith the latest features or save money by simply replacing the battery.
The cost of replacing an Android battery typically ranges between $50 and $100, depending on the make and model of your phone and where you get it replaced. This is definitely cheaper than buying a new phone, so consider whether you can live with the phone for a few more years before rushing out to buy a new one.
Kurt's Key Takeaways
Ultimately, the decision to replace your phone battery or buy a new phone is yours. I would recommend saving your money andhave your battery replacedbefore spending hundreds of dollars on a new phone. However, I also understand that some of you may want (or even need) newer features and can't live with an older phone for a few more years. Neither option is bad, so weigh your own needs and make your decision from there.
Do you think our smartphone batteries last longer considering how much we pay for them? Let us know by writing to us atCyberguy.com/Contact.
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Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning technology journalist with a deep love for technology, gadgets and gizmos that make lives better through his contributions to Fox News and FOX Business, starting in the mornings on "FOX & Friends." Do you have a technical question? Get Kurt's free CyberGuy newsletter, share your vote, a story idea or commentCyberGuy.com.
