There’s nothing we hold closer to us in our everyday lives than our smartphones. It’s such an integral part of our lives that even a few hours off the grid can feel like torture. That’s why it’s so important to stay alert for any of the warning signs that your phone is nearing the end of its lifecycle and needs to be replaced.
Warning Sign 1: The battery doesn’t last as long as it used to
The average smartphone battery lasts for about a day, sometimes even longer if you are not a heavy user. If your battery drains quickly, then it may be time to get a new phone. Lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries are the norm for most smartphones and while they are great for a number of reasons (namely their fast charging capabilities), they do degrade over time. For example, a lithium-polymer battery can lose about 20 per cent of its capacity after 1000 charge cycles, so it’s a very natural sign that your phone needs to be replaced.
Warning Sign 2: The casing is cracked
The shell of the smartphone should be able to withstand a few small drops and falls. If the case is already cracked or dented, there is a good chance that it will not withstand any more damage. If you have dropped your phone a few times and the case has become damaged, then it’s time to think about getting a new one.
Warning Sign 3: The screen is cracked
The screen of the smartphone is easily one of the most important parts of the device. And while it’s vital to the usability of your phone, it’s susceptible to all kinds of problems. Whether it’s direct damage like scratches or cracks from dropping your phone or even more subtle damage like glitching and calibration problems. While the former is certainly fixable (though can be pricey), the latter issue is can be indicative of more underlying issues that aren’t as easy to fix.
Warning Sign 4: You constantly have to reboot your smartphone
Smartphones should not constantly need to be rebooted. While it is normal if you use them a lot, devices that are constantly shutting down or restarting are probably on their last legs. Smartphones with this issue are showing signs of malfunction and will definitely need to be replaced soon.
Warning Sign 5: You notice lags when using your smartphone
Perhaps one of the most annoying signs that your phone is close to its end is lag. Apps and take minutes to load up and the entire user experience just becomes painful. Smartphone lag is a sign that the system is slowing down and struggling to perform as updates become increasingly resource-intensive. It’s a classic sign of an aging phone and will only get worse… perhaps a new phone is what you need.
Final Thoughts
There are many more signs that your smartphone needs to be replaced, but these are some of the most common. If you notice any of the warning signs listed here, then it may be time to get a newer phone.