Instead of upgrading your smartphone every year, users can extend the lifespan of their devices by purchasing a protective case, replacing the battery, or deleting unused apps.
As smartphone prices continue to rise, prolonging the upgrade cycle can save users a significant amount of money in the long run.
Here are some simple solutions that can be applied right now to ensure your smartphone runs well for an extended period, as suggested by CNET.
Always Update Software
To keep your smartphone running smoothly and without issues, users should upgrade the operating system and apps to the latest versions as soon as they are released. Updates often include bug fixes, security patches, new features, and performance improvements, helping the phone operate faster and more smoothly.
Software updates and patches can help your phone run more smoothly. Photo: Macworld.
Both iOS and Android support automatic updates for the operating system and apps. Users can check this feature in the Play Store and system settings. Security patches on Android are typically released at the beginning of the month, while iOS updates are launched after a testing period or on an irregular schedule for critical security patches.
For iPhone, the automatic mode will download the update within 1-2 days after release and update when the device is plugged in overnight. If users want to update immediately, they can go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Delete Unused Apps
Smartphones have limited storage capacity, so users should pay attention to apps that are rarely or no longer used. Regularly deleting old apps that have not been used for a long time will free up storage space, potentially preventing background apps from draining the battery and affecting performance.
iPhone users can delete apps by pressing and holding the icon on the home screen and then selecting Delete App. On Android, go to the settings or press and hold the icon on the home screen to delete the app. The iOS operating system also supports deleting apps while keeping their data, or automatically removing them after a period of inactivity.
Use a Protective Case
A protective case helps reduce damage when the phone is dropped or impacted. Photo: CNET.
Some people dislike using protective cases because they make the phone bulky and reduce its aesthetic appeal. However, if you want to increase the durability of your smartphone, a case is a useful accessory as it can minimize damage when users accidentally drop the device or experience a strong impact.
Users do not need to buy an expensive case; however, the cost of a case is much cheaper than the price of replacing a cracked screen or damaged parts due to impact. Additionally, a case helps maintain the smartphone’s condition like new for resale at a higher price if users choose to upgrade their device.
Regularly Clean Your Phone
No one wants to hold a phone covered in dust or grease. Even with a protective case, areas such as the charging port, microphone, speaker grille, and headphone jack often accumulate dirt. Therefore, users should regularly clean these components with cotton swabs to remove dirt that may affect daily usage experience.
Moreover, a soft cloth can be used to wipe the screen, edges, back, and camera to keep the device clean, ensuring clear photos since the lens is free from dust or sweat.
Dirt in the charging port or headphone jack can cause the smartphone to malfunction. Photo: RD.
Pay Attention to the Battery
The durability of a smartphone can also be improved by avoiding situations that cause the battery to overheat, such as holding the phone directly under sunlight, using it in high-temperature environments, or running heavy tasks when the battery is low. Although devices are equipped with optimization modes and will shut down when overheating, the lifespan of the device can still decrease if the battery is not properly cared for.
The maximum capacity of the battery will decrease after prolonged use. However, users can replace the battery instead of buying a new smartphone if the upgrades are not truly necessary. Typically, replacing the battery can extend the phone’s lifespan by several months, or even years. Users can take the device to an authorized service center, a reputable store, or purchase a battery themselves to replace if they have experience.
