Weekly poll results: most people change phones every two years

18 February 2018
Slightly more people hold on to their phones for 3 years or more than get a new one each year.

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  • ?
  • Anonymous
  • nm8
  • 18 Feb 2018

Best thing about today's smartphones is, depending on the kind of usage, even a low-end/midrange device can last you quite a long time, unlike the early 2010s, where you were practically forced to get a proper smartphone (midrange price category and up), because the budget ones were pretty bad. Now, I can grab a cheap low-end Sony, Samsung, Xiaomi, LG, etc and it'll last quite a while. At least in my opinion.

    • m
    • msm5
    • 00c
    • 18 Feb 2018

    Changing your phone every two years is not true and nonsense "kids voted"

      Last time I changed my phone was in early 2016. Still like my galaxy a5 2016. Good camera, great display. The things that are alarming to me is the battery and gpu. In 2 years battery is already degraded. The phone shuts down at 15% battery. And gpu is very weak it can't even play 1080p 50fps videos. Still haven't decided which phone should I get...

        • J
        • JonB
        • uS{
        • 18 Feb 2018

        I believe that technology is already there (i.e. 1GB RAM, 2GB RAM, 4GB RAM, 6GB RAM, etc.), however most manufacturers start to sell the phone model with the least specs, then released a supposedly "upgraded/higher" version on the next year. Consumers not realizing that this might be a marketing scheme to sell more units on the market.

          • M
          • Mario
          • vV5
          • 18 Feb 2018

          I changed my phone every year.. For me 2 years is too old to used.. I love technogy and I work very hard to earn money so I can buy any phone I want.. Currently I use HTC U11 as my daily driver and Huawei P10 as my back-up phone..

            Anonymous, 18 Feb 2018After 4 years, I changed my iPhone 5 for an iPhone 7. I kno... moreWell, after 2 years battery starts to degrade the most. And since "all" flagship smartphones these days comes with non removable battery, its just easier to change your phone.

              • M
              • Megatron
              • tZ0
              • 18 Feb 2018

              Yup, I usually change my phone in average of 2 years... but with my new phone, im trying to change it in about 3 years... i think its possible...

                • ?
                • Anonymous
                • rAW
                • 18 Feb 2018

                Ya people do change there phones after couple of years but I get bored from a phone in like 5 months and then I push myself to spend 6-7 more months with it , and finally I replace it with another phone .. some phones are still lying in drawers .. but the replacement cycle should not be more then 2 years if your pocket allows

                  Changing your phone every two years is crazy because phones are getting expensive besides since 2013, all the phones that came out are dependable and working. I have Sony Xperia Z and i bought it 8 June 2013 meaning I have it for 5 years and its really good phone I never faced an issue with it, though, it felt from me countless times and those falls were really really bad, but, it the phone took it and never broke. In the end, I was happy that I bought a durable phone. :)
                  I would say buy a phone every 4-5 years its better, then you'll feel a huge difference/upgrade when you buy a new one

                    • d
                    • dudecool
                    • vkS
                    • 18 Feb 2018

                    Faizal Firdaus, 18 Feb 2018S6 series was launched less than 03 years ago and you've us... morealmost 3.5years :P

                      dudecool, 18 Feb 2018Ive had my S6 edge for 3.5 years now..due for an upgrade bu... moreS6 series was launched less than 03 years ago and you've used it for 3.5 years :p

                        Than changing phones every 2 years, I'd advice to consider the additional price you're going to pay for a new phone vs cost to replace your battery. If the difference is less than the new features you get from a new phone, the go for the new one else change the battery and use the current phone. Most of the phones works fine even after 2-3 years, but not battery.

                          • d
                          • dudecool
                          • vkS
                          • 18 Feb 2018

                          Ive had my S6 edge for 3.5 years now..due for an upgrade but lack of small phones on the market has stopped me from upgrading earlier, got no idea how much longer ill have it.. seems like the small phone market is dead now

                            well since my contract last for 2 years then it's reasonable to get a new phone when it's up you usually get a deal when it's time to upgrade since my contract is due around Nov I usually wait for the black Friday deals always get a good deal

                              • ?
                              • Anonymous
                              • vV5
                              • 18 Feb 2018

                              Seriously guys, Im still using my iPhone 5S. I will replace it if its broken.

                                • D
                                • AnonD-731363
                                • SH3
                                • 18 Feb 2018

                                Anonymous, 18 Feb 2018After 4 years, I changed my iPhone 5 for an iPhone 7. I kno... moreWell maybe.
                                I have my Vibeshot from which now have almost 3 years and works like a brand new úhpne despite i am a heavy gamer.
                                But bought Moto X4 on its release date here in my country in Slovakia and now i am using this phone. Gonna sell my Vibeshot to a friend who have S3 mini but its dying now.
                                He complained that phones small like that are no longer available on a phone market.

                                  • ?
                                  • Anonymous
                                  • 043
                                  • 18 Feb 2018

                                  AnonD-731363, 18 Feb 2018Well even having one till dies is enough. Buying new phones... moreAfter 4 years, I changed my iPhone 5 for an iPhone 7. I know somebody who still uses his, and he probably will until it dies. But seriously, if you are a GSMArena reader, you are probably interested in stuff like that, and that means you don‘t have to use it until it completely dies. 1 year change is pathetic, 2 years is also really early, but after that, it is reasonable if you want a change to experience the latest technologies.

                                    • S
                                    • Sunil
                                    • D0c
                                    • 18 Feb 2018

                                    I will change quite rarely as long as custom ROM support exist.

                                      • D
                                      • AnonD-731363
                                      • SH3
                                      • 18 Feb 2018

                                      Well even having one till dies is enough. Buying new phones every few weeks or months like WTF. Because you always have to sell your new device for less than you bought it.