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drpepper318
MIR MIR MIR!

Member since 6/07 8274 total posts
Name: me
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How many years does a phone last?.. on average
I have the iPhone 6.. bought it new exactly 3 years ago. Still seems ok except it doesn’t hold a charge as well as it used to and it occasionally turns itself off or freezes for no reason. Just wondering when it might crap out and I’ll need a new one. I don’t have the type of plan that provides upgrades so I’ll have to research what type I want and buy it separately. Do you think I might have a few more years with it (that’s what I’m hoping for)?
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Posted 11/28/18 1:49 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name: ..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: How many years does a phone last?.. on average
Ugh I feel like they design them to fail. DH's iphone started acting up right at the 2 year mark. He couldn't hear callers if the phone was to his ear - only could hear people if he was on bluetooth or speaker. And the battery started draining ridiculously fast too. And back in the day, you could replace your phone battery, easy. Now they make it that you can't... I wonder why. Hmmm Batteries don't last forever but the phone is still good. But now you have to replace the whole phone.
I feel like the whole thing is such a big scam and racket. Imagine cars failed after 2 years?
These phones are crazy pants expensive- like insane- and they only last around 2 years in my experience.
I had a samsung that i kept for like 4 years but by the time i got rid of it it was barely working and the screen was dim you coudln't even see
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Posted 11/28/18 1:55 PM |
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Otherme
Square head cutie pants

Member since 3/06 6899 total posts
Name:
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Re: How many years does a phone last?.. on average
I think you're lucky you got 3..
Honestly, most phones i've had seem to last about 2 years then rapidly go downhill (doing what you describe - not holding charge, not responding as quickly, freezing) I doubt you'll get more years out of it, sorry
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Posted 11/28/18 1:56 PM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!

Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name: Shawn
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Re: How many years does a phone last?.. on average
Posted by NervousNell
Ugh I feel like they design them to fail. DH's iphone started acting up right at the 2 year mark. He couldn't hear callers if the phone was to his ear - only could hear people if he was on bluetooth or speaker. And the battery started draining ridiculously fast too. And back in the day, you could replace your phone battery, easy. Now they make it that you can't... I wonder why. Hmmm Batteries don't last forever but the phone is still good. But now you have to replace the whole phone.
I feel like the whole thing is such a big scam and racket. Imagine cars failed after 2 years?
These phones are crazy pants expensive- like insane- and they only last around 2 years in my experience.
I had a samsung that i kept for like 4 years but by the time i got rid of it it was barely working and the screen was dim you coudln't even see
One of the main reasons you can't easily replace the battery is for water resistance. Phones that have an accessible battery (a lot of Androids still do), aren't water resistant.
Batteries have a relatively limited lifespan/number of recharges, and when it hits that point, it loses power. The only solution is a new battery.
With no moving parts, and not counting the battery, or physical damage, there's really no reason that a phone can't last 5 or more years.
I usually keep my phones for a few years, then pass them down to one of my kids.
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Posted 11/28/18 2:02 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name: ..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: How many years does a phone last?.. on average
Posted by GoldenRod
Posted by NervousNell
Ugh I feel like they design them to fail. DH's iphone started acting up right at the 2 year mark. He couldn't hear callers if the phone was to his ear - only could hear people if he was on bluetooth or speaker. And the battery started draining ridiculously fast too. And back in the day, you could replace your phone battery, easy. Now they make it that you can't... I wonder why. Hmmm Batteries don't last forever but the phone is still good. But now you have to replace the whole phone.
I feel like the whole thing is such a big scam and racket. Imagine cars failed after 2 years?
These phones are crazy pants expensive- like insane- and they only last around 2 years in my experience.
I had a samsung that i kept for like 4 years but by the time i got rid of it it was barely working and the screen was dim you coudln't even see
One of the main reasons you can't easily replace the battery is for water resistance. Phones that have an accessible battery (a lot of Androids still do), aren't water resistant.
Batteries have a relatively limited lifespan/number of recharges, and when it hits that point, it loses power. The only solution is a new battery.
With no moving parts, and not counting the battery, or physical damage, there's really no reason that a phone can't last 5 or more years.
I usually keep my phones for a few years, then pass them down to one of my kids.
Well in that case I'd prefer to take my chances with the phone getting wet and be able to replace my god-damn battery. So annoying My old Android I could- this latest one from about 2 years ago you can't.
Message edited 11/28/2018 2:03:26 PM.
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Posted 11/28/18 2:03 PM |
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lightblue
LIF Adult
Member since 1/17 2249 total posts
Name:
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Re: How many years does a phone last?.. on average
I also have a 6 and I def need a new one... my wifi sucks in connecting and sometimes it runs slow... trying to hold out as long as I can though because DH recently got a new phone and paying $30 / month for it now on our bill for it.
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Posted 11/28/18 2:05 PM |
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CSK
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/11 892 total posts
Name:
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How many years does a phone last?.. on average
If you have an iphone 6 and you haven't done so already, Apple will replace your battery for a $29 charge through 12/31/18. You'd have to schedule an appointment.
https://support.apple.com/iphone/repair/battery-power
I have an iphone 6 that i had the battery replaced a year ago. I'm feeling a desire to upgrade. I've had it 4 years. I think phone life is somewhere in that 3-5 year range generally depending on use. You hit the 5 year mark and things aren't supported anymore. By year 3 its battery is pretty shot and slow compared to current phones.
I don't think that age range is unreasonable. You can limp anything for however long you want.
as far as battery replacement. water resistance is a part, however, its packaging. They want the thinnest, sleekest phone possible. That means putting in batteries designed around the phone internals, up tight against sensitive items. They are replaceable, but not as easily so.
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Posted 11/28/18 2:20 PM |
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jlm2008
LIF Adult

Member since 1/10 5092 total posts
Name:
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How many years does a phone last?.. on average
2 years.
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Posted 11/28/18 2:31 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name: ..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: How many years does a phone last?.. on average
Posted by jlm2008
2 years.
pretty much. And some of these iphones are $1000 So a grand for something that craps out in 2 years. It's ridiculous. If I spent at grand on a TV and it died in 2 years I'd be pissed
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Posted 11/28/18 2:32 PM |
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How many years does a phone last?.. on average
Didn't Apple admit that they slow older phones down when the software is updated?
I currently have a 3 year old Android (Samsung S6 Active). Keep looking for a reason to get a new one, but it hasn't given me anything. It's water resistance, so when my kid dunks it in the dog's water bowl, it's fine. It's screen is still intact after both myself and my toddler have dropped it a million times. Battery is still good.
I've looked at new phones a few times since I hit the 3 year mark, because that's usually around the time phones start to fail, but nothing is that much of a upgrade to spend $500+ when my phone is still working fine. Also, it's kind of nice not worry about when my kids take my phone, because if they did break it, I've gotten a good run out of it already. I'm almost worried if I did get a new one, they'd just break it.
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Posted 11/28/18 2:37 PM |
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Re: How many years does a phone last?.. on average
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by jlm2008
2 years.
pretty much. And some of these iphones are $1000 So a grand for something that craps out in 2 years. It's ridiculous. If I spent at grand on a TV and it died in 2 years I'd be pissed
You're right....but you use your phone (everyone does!) way more than anyone uses a TV....
I agree it is ridiculous. But the way phones are used these days, they do crap out
I agree with the 2 year mark.
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Posted 11/28/18 2:38 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name: ..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: How many years does a phone last?.. on average
Posted by starbrightgirl8
Didn't Apple admit that they slow older phones down when the software is updated?
I currently have a 3 year old Android (Samsung S6 Active). Keep looking for a reason to get a new one, but it hasn't given me anything. It's water resistance, so when my kid dunks it in the dog's water bowl, it's fine. It's screen is still intact after both myself and my toddler have dropped it a million times. Battery is still good.
I've looked at new phones a few times since I hit the 3 year mark, because that's usually around the time phones start to fail, but nothing is that much of a upgrade to spend $500+ when my phone is still working fine. Also, it's kind of nice not worry about when my kids take my phone, because if they did break it, I've gotten a good run out of it already. I'm almost worried if I did get a new one, they'd just break it.
I agree. The only thing is my freakin charging port is dead. So i Have to charge wirelessly which is not ideal but it works. However, i now have a new car with Android Auto and to use it, you need to be plugged in..... so i need a working charging port. And to replace the charging port is over $200...because- you guessed it- they make these phones impossible to fix without a ton of labor.
Ughhhhh
I don't want to get a new one though.
The prices are insane
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Posted 11/28/18 2:40 PM |
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Re: How many years does a phone last?.. on average
Posted by CSK
If you have an iphone 6 and you haven't done so already, Apple will replace your battery for a $29 charge through 12/31/18. You'd have to schedule an appointment.
https://support.apple.com/iphone/repair/battery-power
I have an iphone 6 that i had the battery replaced a year ago. I'm feeling a desire to upgrade. I've had it 4 years. I think phone life is somewhere in that 3-5 year range generally depending on use. You hit the 5 year mark and things aren't supported anymore. By year 3 its battery is pretty shot and slow compared to current phones.
I don't think that age range is unreasonable. You can limp anything for however long you want.
as far as battery replacement. water resistance is a part, however, its packaging. They want the thinnest, sleekest phone possible. That means putting in batteries designed around the phone internals, up tight against sensitive items. They are replaceable, but not as easily so.
i did this and my charge is still non existent...
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Posted 11/28/18 2:45 PM |
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NYCGirl80
I love my kiddies!

Member since 5/11 10413 total posts
Name:
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Re: How many years does a phone last?.. on average
3 years is a long time for an iPhone. Mine just hit 2 years and if I don't leave it plugged in all day, it dies in 2 hours tops. My Touch ID just stopped working,t too. I'm in desperate need of a new phone but am not yet ready to deal with the annoyance of going to the store for a new phone.
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Posted 11/28/18 2:55 PM |
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Re: How many years does a phone last?.. on average
Posted by BaysideForever
Posted by CSK
If you have an iphone 6 and you haven't done so already, Apple will replace your battery for a $29 charge through 12/31/18. You'd have to schedule an appointment.
https://support.apple.com/iphone/repair/battery-power
I have an iphone 6 that i had the battery replaced a year ago. I'm feeling a desire to upgrade. I've had it 4 years. I think phone life is somewhere in that 3-5 year range generally depending on use. You hit the 5 year mark and things aren't supported anymore. By year 3 its battery is pretty shot and slow compared to current phones.
I don't think that age range is unreasonable. You can limp anything for however long you want.
as far as battery replacement. water resistance is a part, however, its packaging. They want the thinnest, sleekest phone possible. That means putting in batteries designed around the phone internals, up tight against sensitive items. They are replaceable, but not as easily so.
i did this and my charge is still non existent...
My mom did this and killed the phone totally, lol.
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Posted 11/28/18 3:10 PM |
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MaZz
* Lovin my baby girl!!! *

Member since 2/09 6243 total posts
Name: Gina
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How many years does a phone last?.. on average
Weird you just asked this question because I just picked up a used iPhone 6s for my dd to play games and it doesn’t hold a charge at all. It drained a good 50% without anyone touching it. Very disappointed, but I think I’m going to go to Apple and have the battery replaced for $29 (until the end of this year) then replacement goes up to $49 I believe.
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Posted 11/28/18 4:25 PM |
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PitterPatter11
Baby Boy is Here!

Member since 5/11 7632 total posts
Name: Momma <3
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How many years does a phone last?.. on average
I usually keep phones for 3 years.
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Posted 11/28/18 5:10 PM |
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jeanyus27
Life is beautiful

Member since 8/08 2543 total posts
Name:
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Re: How many years does a phone last?.. on average
I get a new iphone every 2 years. I've never had an issue with the battery. They say it's bad if you leave it charging overnight or for a long time. So I never do that...I make sure I charge it for about an hour at night & then unplug it.
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Posted 11/28/18 5:47 PM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19461 total posts
Name: L
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Re: How many years does a phone last?.. on average
I kept my Samsung S4 for 5 years. I now have a 9.
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Posted 11/28/18 6:06 PM |
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