When To Upgrade Your Smartphone...

Summary

This script discusses the factors to consider when deciding to upgrade a mobile phone. It mentions the shift from frequent annual upgrades to a longer usage cycle of 3-5 years due to a lack of compelling reasons to change. Key points include performance issues, planned obsolescence, software updates, battery degradation, camera quality, storage needs, and physical damage. It advises resetting the phone instead of upgrading, considering the software update policy of new models, and being mindful of marketing tactics. The script also suggests looking at older models for better value and clarity on product performance and updates.

Takeaways

• 📱 The average lifespan of a mobile phone is 3-5 years, with the upgrade cycle extending beyond 2.5 years due to a lack of compelling reasons to upgrade.
• 🔧 Performance issues can be a sign that it's time to consider upgrading your phone, but a reset can sometimes resolve these issues and improve speed.
• 🛠 Planned obsolescence is a strategy used by companies like Apple and Android to encourage upgrades by slowing down older models with software updates.
• 🔄 A standard of 3 years for Android version updates and 4 years for security patches ensures ongoing support and functionality for devices.
• 🔒 Security updates are crucial for maintaining the safety of your device, and a lack of updates can be a reason to consider an upgrade.
• 🔋 Battery degradation is common after a couple of years, impacting the usability of the phone and potentially signaling the need for a new device.
• 📸 Camera quality can degrade over time, sometimes due to software updates, which might prompt an upgrade if photo quality is important to the user.
• 🗃 Storage capacity is a significant factor; with high usage, 128 GB may fill up quickly, and considering a phone with 256 GB or more could be beneficial for long-term use.
• 💔 Physical damage to a phone can make repairs more expensive than purchasing a new device, which is a practical reason for an upgrade.
• 📈 The industry standard for phone usage is trending towards 4-5 years, indicating that devices can be used for an extended period if they meet the user's needs.
• 🛍️ When considering an upgrade, look for offers and exchange schemes that provide good value, especially during festive sales or when the phone has been on the market for a few months.

Q & A

What is the typical lifespan of a mobile phone according to the script?

The script suggests that people generally use their mobile phones for 3-5 years.

How has the cycle of upgrading mobile phones changed over time?

The cycle of upgrading mobile phones has increased from 1 to 1.5 years to more than 2.5 years, as people don't feel the need to upgrade as frequently.

What is the term used to describe when a phone's performance is intentionally degraded to encourage upgrades?

The term used is 'planned obsolescence', which has become popular with both Apple and Android devices.

Why might a flagship or upper mid-range phone still be usable even if it's been slowed down over time?

These phones are still usable because they were initially very fast, and the slowdown is often a strategy to encourage users to buy new phones rather than an indication of actual obsolescence.

What is a recommended action if you find your phone's performance to be too slow?

Instead of upgrading, it is suggested to reset your current phone, which can sometimes resolve issues and make the phone faster.

What is the standard for software updates that manufacturers typically provide for their phones?

The standard is to provide 3 years of Android version updates and 4 years of security patches updates.

Why might someone consider upgrading their phone if software updates have stopped?

Stopping software updates can be a reason to upgrade because new features and security patches are important for maintaining phone functionality and security.

What is a common issue with phone batteries as they age?

Battery degradation is common, with battery life reducing significantly after the first year, and even more in the following years.

Why might a user consider upgrading their phone due to storage capacity?

As people take more photos, videos, and receive messages, the storage can fill up quickly, making an upgrade to a phone with more storage like 256 GB or 512 GB necessary.

What is a solid reason to upgrade a phone according to the script?

A solid reason to upgrade is when the phone has suffered physical damage and the cost of repair is more expensive than buying a new phone.

What advice is given regarding the timing of a phone upgrade?

It is advised to consider upgrading when there is a clear need for new features, and to look for opportunities during festive sales or exchange offers for better value.

Why is it suggested to upgrade to a slightly older model rather than the latest phone model?

Upgrading to a model that has been in the market for 2-4 months allows you to get clarity on the product's performance and the promise of software updates, as opposed to the uncertainty of a brand new model.

What is the final advice given for deciding when to upgrade a mobile phone?

The final advice is to continue using your phone as long as it is running well and only upgrade when there is a specific need or benefit, rather than upgrading just because a certain period has passed.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Deciding When to Upgrade Your Mobile Phone

This paragraph discusses the common lifespan of mobile phones, which is generally 3-5 years, and the shift in upgrade cycles from yearly to beyond 2.5 years due to a lack of compelling reasons to upgrade. It highlights performance issues as a primary reason for considering a new phone, mentioning the concept of planned obsolescence where companies may slow down older models with updates. The script suggests resetting the phone as an alternative to upgrading and addresses the expectation of software updates, recommending at least 3 years of Android version updates and 4 years of security patches. The importance of security patches for phone security is emphasized, along with the impact of updates on phone performance. Battery degradation over time is noted as a common reason for upgrades, as is the need for increased storage capacity, especially with the rise of high-quality cameras and multimedia usage.

05:01

🤖 AI and the Reality of Mobile Phone Upgrades

The second paragraph delves into the hype versus reality of AI in mobile phones, suggesting that while AI is currently a marketing gimmick, it will take a few years to be fully implemented. It advises viewers to continue using their old phones until AI becomes more practical. The paragraph also touches on the importance of considering the exchange scheme when upgrading, recommending to look for opportunities during festive sales for better value. It emphasizes the need to assess the necessity of an upgrade based on personal requirements rather than marketing influences. Additionally, it suggests considering slightly older models for upgrades, as they have been on the market long enough to establish their reliability and software update promises. The script concludes with a reminder to consider the duration of software updates for any new phone and invites viewers to share their thoughts in the comments.

Keywords

💡Mobile Phone Upgrade Cycle

The 'Mobile Phone Upgrade Cycle' refers to the period after which consumers typically replace their mobile phones with newer models. Historically, this cycle was around 1 to 2 years, but as mentioned in the script, it has extended to over 2.5 years today due to a lack of compelling reasons for users to upgrade. The script discusses this shift in consumer behavior, indicating that people hold onto their phones longer unless they encounter significant issues.

💡Performance Issues

In the context of the video, 'Performance Issues' denote the decline in a mobile phone's functionality over time, such as slower processing speeds or reduced responsiveness. The script mentions that if a phone's performance degrades to the point where it hinders usage, it might be time to consider an upgrade, also referring to the concept of 'planned obsolescence' where updates may slow down older devices.

💡Planned Obsolescence

'Planned Obsolescence' is a strategy where products, including mobile phones, are designed to become outdated or less functional after a certain period, prompting consumers to purchase newer models. The script points out that this practice has become common with major brands like Apple and Android, where updates may intentionally slow down older devices to encourage users to upgrade.

💡Software Updates

The term 'Software Updates' in the video refers to the periodic releases by manufacturers that provide new features, improvements, and security patches to mobile phones. The script emphasizes the importance of these updates for maintaining the functionality and security of devices, and a lack of updates can be a sign that it's time to upgrade.

💡Battery Degradation

'Battery Degradation' is the natural decline in a mobile phone battery's capacity to hold a charge over time. The script explains that while new phones may have excellent battery life, this performance typically diminishes after a couple of years, which can be a significant factor in deciding to upgrade a device.

💡Camera Quality

In the video, 'Camera Quality' is discussed in relation to the potential degradation of a phone's camera performance over time, either due to software updates or hardware aging. The script suggests that if the camera quality, a critical feature for many users, declines, it might be a reason to consider upgrading to a new phone.

💡Storage Capacity

'Storage Capacity' pertains to the amount of data a mobile phone can hold. The script highlights that with the increasing use of cameras, messaging, and video recording, the storage space on a phone can fill up quickly, and upgrading to a phone with a higher storage capacity like 256 GB or 512 GB might be necessary.

💡Physical Damage

The term 'Physical Damage' in the video refers to the wear and tear or accidental damage to a mobile phone that can affect its functionality. The script mentions that if a phone has sustained significant physical damage, it might be more cost-effective to upgrade to a new phone rather than repair the old one.

💡Marketing Gimmicks

'Marketing Gimmicks' are tactics used by companies to promote their products, sometimes by exaggerating their features or benefits. The script warns viewers not to fall for marketing strategies that push new phone models with features like AI, which may not yet provide substantial improvements to justify an upgrade.

💡Exchange Scheme

An 'Exchange Scheme' is a program offered by retailers or manufacturers where consumers can trade in their old mobile phones for a discount on a new model. The script advises viewers to consider such schemes when upgrading their phones, especially during festive sales or special promotions, to get the best value for their old device.

💡Software Update Commitment

'Software Update Commitment' refers to the promise made by phone manufacturers to provide a certain number of years of updates for their devices. The script stresses the importance of checking how long a new phone will receive updates, as this can significantly impact its longevity and usefulness over time.

Highlights

People generally use their mobile phones for 3-5 years, with the upgrade cycle extending beyond 2.5 years due to a lack of compelling reasons to upgrade.

Performance issues can indicate the need for a phone upgrade, a phenomenon often referred to as planned obsolescence.

Companies like Apple and Android may slow down older phones with updates to encourage new purchases.

Flagship and upper mid-range phones are very fast, but they may be intentionally slowed over time to prompt upgrades.

Resetting a phone can sometimes improve performance and is a tip for those considering an upgrade.

Software updates are essential, with a standard of 3 years for Android version updates and 4 years for security patches.

A lack of software updates can be a sign that it's time to upgrade your phone for security and feature enhancements.

Battery degradation is common after 2-3 years of use, impacting the decision to upgrade a mobile phone.

Fast charging phones may also fast discharge, contributing to battery degradation.

Camera quality can degrade over time or with software updates, prompting some to consider an upgrade.

Storage capacity is a significant factor, with 128 GB quickly filling up and 256 GB or more being recommended for long-term use.

Physical damage to a phone can make repair costs exceed the value of a new phone, justifying an upgrade.

The industry standard for phone usage is 4-5 years, suggesting that upgrades are not always necessary within the first few years.

Marketing strategies by phone companies may not always align with actual user needs for an upgrade.

5G and AI are often marketed as significant features, but their practical implementation and necessity should be evaluated before upgrading.

Considering exchange schemes and resale value can provide better value when upgrading to a new phone.

Upgrading to a slightly older model that has been on the market for 2-4 months can provide clarity on product quality and software update promises.

The decision to upgrade should be based on need and practical considerations rather than marketing or the mere passage of time.

Transcripts

Friends, when should you change a mobile phone?

Look, to be honest, people generally use their phones for

3-5 years.

A few years ago, the cycle of upgrading a mobile phone was

1 year, 1.5 years, then 2 years.

Today, it has gone beyond 2.5 years.

Because people don't get a new reason to upgrade their

mobile phones.

But still, there are some things that you can consider if

you are going to buy a new mobile phone.

The first thing is performance.

If you are using a mobile phone and it has performance

issues, then you can't change it.

This thing is commonly called planned obsolescence.

This thing has become popular with Apple and Android too.

Whenever a company launches a new phone, doesn't it slow

down the old phone with updates?

Have you observed this type of thing?

This is what happens here.

Because if you look at mobile phones today, the flagship

ones are already very fast.

And the upper mid-range category is also very fast.

But with time, it is made slow in such a way that people

also say that it has become too slow.

Let's go and buy a new phone.

But still, those phones are very usable and they can also

be pulled for a long time.

But if you find the performance to be too slow, which often

happens with continuous usage for 2-3 years, then you can

think of upgrading it. By the way, let me tell you a small

thing.

Then instead of upgrading the mobile phone, it is better to

reset your current phone.

Sometimes a lot of things get solved with it and sometimes

the phone gets a little fast.

So that will also be a tip.

The next thing is that you have bought a mobile phone, but

after that the software update has stopped coming in it.

Look, you know, a standard of 3 plus 4 has been made in

today's time.

3-year Android version updates will come, 4-year security

patches updates will come.

With this, there is assurance in the mind that your phone

will keep running and updates will keep coming in it, which

is a very good thing.

But sometimes if you feel that the updates have become very

less and have stopped completely, then there is a reason to

upgrade. Because let me tell you later, sometimes new

features do not come from the new update, but sometimes

security patches come.

Due to which the security of the mobile phone is enhanced,

which comes due to Android security patches.

But if the new features, the new updates are coming in it,

if the functionality of the mobile phone increases, it is

very good.

But yes, sometimes these updates slow down the mobile phone

a little.

The better thing here will be that if you get an update in

the mobile phone, if your phone runs properly, you don't

have to think about buying a new phone.

Keep running the phone that is running here.

The next thing that is very common while running a mobile

phone for a long time is battery degradation.

That is, if you buy a mobile phone in today's time, it will

have a very good battery life for a year.

But in the second year, the battery will be a little less.

In the third year, it will be very less.

Because battery life is such a thing that there have not

been many changes in battery chemistry in today's time in

smartphones.

Whereas, the emphasis is being given on increasing the

battery's mAh and increasing the charging speed.

And I often say that all the fast charging phones, they are

also fast discharging phones.

Due to which the battery is degraded by using more fast

charging.

And its phone's performance has a huge impact on battery

life.

User removable battery does not come in mobile phones.

Due to which people have to upgrade to a new phone by

getting tired.

And that is a solid reason.

If we talk about camera quality, then the camera quality of

the phone is generally the same.

In some cases, I have seen that after software updates, the

camera quality degrades.

If you use a camera, then the camera quality has degraded.

Sometimes this is not even the fault of the hardware.

You can still think about upgrading.

And you can still think about upgrading when your mobile

phone's storage is reduced.

That is, in today's time, the base model comes with 128 GB.

But 128 GB is not so recommended in today's time.

Because there is a camera in a mobile phone.

People often take a lot of photos.

A lot of messages come.

People do a lot of video recording.

And the truth is that here 128 GB will be filled very

quickly.

In today's time, 256 GB is the standard.

And 512 GB is required if you really want to pull the phone

for a long time.

If we talk about it, then the phone usually runs well.

As long as there is life in it.

People also use mobile phones for a long time in today's

time.

And the fall comes from the physical damage.

If you want to change it, then you should change it.

Because repair becomes more expensive than buying a new

phone in today's time.

With this, I can tell you that it is often behind upgrading.

Don't see that it's been two years.

Now let's upgrade it.

If the phone is running well, then it can be pulled for a

long time.

And gradually, an industry standard will continue for 4 to

5 years.

The next thing with this is that sometimes see how many

upgrades are coming in the mobile phone.

Because every year there is not much new in the mobile

phone.

So even in two years, the number of new things has

decreased.

And the company does a lot of marketing.

So don't come in the game of marketing.

And see that you need that particular feature.

So you should.

Until a few years ago, 5G was a very big feature.

Because of which people took out mobile phones.

And those phones will sell you.

In today's time, AI is running here.

In the name of which companies sell a lot of mobile phones.

But I say that AI is very much at the surface level even

today.

Actually, AI will take a few years to be implemented very

well.

Until then, keep running your old phone.

And the AI that is coming now is a gimmick.

See what are the features that are required here.

And if we want to change the mobile phone, then always see

the offer of the exchange scheme.

If your old phone is not strong, then see in the exchange

and go somewhere.

And see that when the festive season comes.

When Amazon's Great Indian Festival Sale comes here.

See what is the value of mobile phone in your resale.

Plus what is the offer.

And after that, if you do an upgrade on a good phone.

Then you will get a better value.

So this is a simple thing.

There is no need to see every offer and upgrade.

You have to see the need.

What do you need?

If you need it, then upgrade it.

If not, then don't do it at all.

And yes, while upgrading, make sure.

How long is the software update coming to that phone.

And whenever you upgrade, don't always do it on the latest

phone.

I want to give a tip.

Always do it on a slightly older model.

Which has been in the market for 2-4 months.

Because in 2-4 months, you get clarity.

What exactly is that product?

And what is the promise of software update?

I will give you a tip from here too.

If you are upgrading the phone at any time.

So this is the story.

Rest, you guys have a question.

When do you upgrade?

In 2 years, 3 years.

Or as long as your phone is running.

Till then you keep running.

If you do this type of thing.

Then it is absolutely right.

Rest, don't forget to tell your opinion in the comment

below.

If you like the video, then like it.

Subscribe to the channel.

Thank you for your time.

I will see you in the next one.

Goodbye.