Competition in the mobile phone market is forcing manufacturers to constantly improve old models and release new ones. A modern smartphone lives 3-4 years, this is the period allotted for the release of software updates. But during the “life” of the device, there are also some factors created by manufacturers that provoke a person to prematurely purchase a new gadget.

Programs for replacing an old smartphone with a new one at a discount

With mobile technologies that change at the speed of light, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest devices. In this regard, they began to actively develop programs, for example, Trade In, which slightly facilitate the transition to a new expensive thing.

Devices assembled as part of the program are either reused or recycled. Life spans can be extended for 85% of devices using upgrade or reuse programs. The goal is to keep all gadgets out of landfills.

To do this, you need to bring old phones to the store for evaluation. Its value will be determined based on the current market demand for the devices used. If both parties agree with the estimated amount, then it is taken into account as a discount on the purchase of a new smartphone in the store.

Short term support and updates

Problems with updating arise as the smartphone begins to age, especially if it is an Android device.

Determining the limits for safe use of an Android phone can be more difficult, as these phones are not as standardized as the iPhone. But overall, Android stops updating software if it is more than three years old. After 3 years, it is better to purchase a new phone.

The product cycle on Android phones is less consistent than on the iPhone. There are hundreds of manufacturers that use the Android system. Such measures are due to the dubious work of the old model with the latest version of the OS.

Complex disassembly of the device

Repairing mobile phones is partly difficult because many parts are squeezed into a very small case that is mounted to be resistant to numerous mechanical influences.

And some manufacturers deliberately take additional steps to make repairs difficult for consumers. For example, Apple sometimes used the Pentalobe screw instead of the more common Torx. There is no rationale for this, since both screws offer almost the same functionality. But Apple chose weird screws specifically to make it harder for consumers to repair their phones.

Expensive repair

Most smartphones have built-in parts, such as batteries, which are difficult to replace or repair. Repairing directly from the manufacturer or an authorized service center is the most expensive option. At the same time, repairs carried out by a computer store can save money, but manufacturers often punish those who follow this path. For example, Apple refuses service if it finds other third-party components, such as logic cards or microphones.

Slowing down old phones with firmware

In 2018, it was discovered that Apple introduced updates that slow down the phones to prevent them from accidentally disconnecting. The company was fined € 10 million for hiding the fact of slowdown software and did not provide customers with clear information about the main characteristics of lithium batteries, including their average life expectancy, how to maintain them or how to replace them in the company's iPhone.

As soon as the intentional actions were revealed, Apple temporarily reduced the cost of its low-quality battery replacement program. The result was impressive and caused a decrease in demand for new iPhone models.

We overpay for promoted models, hoping for their quality and durability.But the facts cited more and more convince that even the most expensive phones do not guarantee us this.