Replacing a smartphone (or not) - YouLookFab Forum

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Replacing a smartphone (or not)

Astrid

Veteran

I would be interested to hear how you decide whether to replace a smartphone or not. I have to say I'm personally very reluctant to pay a lot (or any amount) for a phone. I can always think of something better I could buy. I would actually buy a cheap phone without internet access to do the truly necessary calls and would be happy that way, if not for the fact that I'd then be totally out of the loop with a lot of my friends. It's just the way to keep up-to-date now... I usually use my phone for communication only - and some browsing during the half hour on public transport. Sometimes also at home if I'm too lazy to power up the computer. I prefer to take pictures with a real camera and I still use my iPod for music on the go (which I only do for long train journeys) because of battery power issues and sound quality.

My current phone is the Samsung S3 mini which I've had for almost three years now. Definitely sufficient for me as far as features go, but now I've had issues with the mini USB for the last few days in addition to recurring battery problems. I've already replaced the battery once which seemed to fix it for a while, but now it's sometimes powering down or restarting on it's own again and I can't get it to charge consistenly (already applied some gentle force on the contacts which fixed it from not charging at all to charging sometimes). I wonder if it's time for a replacement, but I honestly have a case of bad conscience when I think about replacing a phone that is technically still functional. I mean I can still work around the problems...

I would want my new one to work as long as possible, so I don't want to spend too little money. But I don't want to spend much at all.... Okay, I'm officially nuts. Not sure what I'm asking for. Maybe absolution for buying a new phone.

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23 replies

Latest reply was from Aziraphale

rachylou

Veteran

I get a new phone maybe every two - three major generations when the tech seems to have changed significantly enough and I can get a good laugh out of the salespeople when I show them what I'm trading in, lol. I think the port on your phone starting to go means it's time

RoseandJoan

Veteran

My S3 mini just gave up the ghost too. I searched for a reasonably priced phone with a long battery life and good camera (by the time I have grabbed my camera the kids, dog or both are gone), I was about to change network and choose a contract for the Sony Xperia Z5 compact but because I am lazy and switching providers is a hassle plumped for an old iPhone. I am now officially classed as 'every middle aged man on the train' by a leading techie magazine

I do think my phone browsing has increased significantly more than I would like with my new phone and I am annoyed that I compromised. In all honesty I would work out your priorities and buy accordingly.

JAileen

Veteran

I replaced my iPhone a few months ago. I had a 4S and went to a 6SPlus. I had had my old phone for nearly five years. I definitely don't need the latest and greatest. I replaced my phone because the battery was starting to give out, and Apple wasn't going to support the phone anymore. I think I could have waited six more months. I ended up going with the Plus over the regular because I wear reading glasses and I could read things on it without my glasses!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You need to get an iPhone (I have a 6Plus). Sorry it costs a lot of money - but I can't think of a more worthwhile technical investment. Especially at your age. It's the way of the future - and nothing touches the iPhone.

ClaraT

Veteran

I replace my phone every 2-3 years. Apple pricing is such that at some point the balance shifts and they make it cheaper to upgrade than to keep your old phone (at least on our multi-phone plan). So that is my answer to your question.
I'd like to add that I now have an iPhone 6S and I love love love it. So convenient and I actually like that I have to figure out how to use technology to stay current. I can manage boarding passes and groupons, for example (no paper!) and it takes really good photos. (I'll add one from yesterday morning. My camera phone!). Texting (which I do a lot with my kids to manage rides and schedules) and email are easy on the phone. Just because you have a phone doesn't mean you'll turn into an always-on-your-phone drone. Podcasts during your commute make it a joy to be on the bus. For me, it makes my life easier and more fun. Just some food for thought

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crazyone

Veteran

I sympathize with your feelings about not wanting to spend too much time with a smartphone, but as a young person on-the-go, I'm finding that a lot of things are *smartphone-only* and it would be very challenging to go back to a "dumb-phone". A lot of websites/companies are starting to design primarily for mobile--a typical computer-based browser format is an afterthought if done at all.

I walk around a lot and don't have a car, so the combination of google maps+a public transportation app+uber/lyft/fasten means that I'm so much more mobile than before, even/especially when I'm outside of my hometown. For example, I'll go to further away (but much cheaper) grocery stores by walking there and then take a ride share with my groceries back.

So if your phone is still functional, you should keep it if keeping current isn't a priority for you (though the random powering down seems like a problem to me), but I recommend staying with a smartphone.

Diana

Veteran

I tend to keep my phones for a fairly long time -maybe 4-5 years? Basically I switch when either 1) my battery life declines to a point where I have to charge it all the time - it's never worth it to replace a battery! - or 2) the operating system/apps have advanced so much they run super slow on the old phone. I currently have an iPhone 5s that's around 2 years old and is still working just fine.

I was a pretty late converter to smartphones but honestly I can't imagine not having one now. The two big things for me are: maps - I have an atrocious sense of direction and get lost all.the.time, so maps are so useful, and also good from a safety standpoint if you are traveling alone, etc - and texting - I HATE actually talking on the phone and much prefer to text or email , and it s really, really hard to do that on a flip phone! Plus many, many little things, like being able to have airline boarding passes on your phone, call an uber from wherever, etc.

Astrid

Veteran

Rachylou, you're probably right...

Jules, I actually had a look at the Xperia Z5c too, mostly because my dad has an older Xperia and is happy with it. But it's definitely too expensive and I think a lot of the price is because of the allegedly good camera which I don't need. And I'm sceptical about picture quality anway. All those pixels on a sensor that tiny can only spell disaster. I've been thinking about the Moto G3 which is available right now for 175€. Oh and I'm not on a plan, I prefer prepaid. So I have to pick my phone and pay full price at once.

Jaileen, that makes sense with the glasses. My best friend has the 6S, bought in a fit of madness after breaking up with her boyfriend.

Angie, that won't be happening. Ever. I just can't see paying so much just to have Apple products. I'm the same with computers. I do my personal stuff on a DELL from 2009 running Linux without a hitch which I got for free... If I had the money to buy an iPhone right now I would put it aside and go without a phone because it would mean that two thirds of my plane tickets to New Zealand were paid.

Clara, I guess if you're on a plan which makes it cheaper that way that's another thing... As it is I think I can do everything as it is on a cheaper phone as well, besides the pictures maybe. But as I already said, I love my DSLR. I would never want my phone to replace a real camera. So it's not something that pulls a lot of weight making my decsision. Awesome view, btw!

Astrid

Veteran

Crazyone, the S3 was actually my first smartphone - I was without one until three years ago! I think even my little brother had one long before me. And you're right, I won't go back. Because it is convenient. For all the reasons you mentioned, but also because it means I won't have to always lug my computer around with me for personal stuff when I'm home with my parents.

Diana, good point about the maps!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

All the mobile providers here have switched to a default model where you don't have to buy the phone outright, and they give you a discount on monthly service, so it's not a big one-time expense. There's also the pay-as-you-go option, where you don't have monthly service but you pay per option (data, voice) and you can bring your own phone that you already have, or buy one.

I also had an iPhone 4S until last month. The battery wasn't holding charge, and most of the apps I needed to use were starting to not support it anymore. I went to a 6S and switched from AT&T to Verizon. There were no big problems with switching providers and phones. I shouldn't have waited so long, actually - there are a lot of new features that make my life so much easier, and the cost per month is actually about the same. I don't use my phone for voice calls much at all, though obviously it has that ability. I use it to check info online, use apps to order things, get directions and look up maps or locations of stores, check the weather, read my kindle books, listen to music and audiobooks, text with friends and family...

If you don't want an iPhone I've heard good things about the Android-based Samsungs. With a cellphone battery, same as a laptop, once it stops holding a good charge there's nothing you can do but replace it. I'd say 'invest' a good chunk of change in a smartphone with good features from a reputable manufacturer - maybe not the newest and greatest, but something that's been out for a year or so - and you should be able to keep your phone for several years.

kkards

Veteran

I love my smartphone. I got on early, and honestly, I don't kniw how I'd lived without it. On the other hand, I don't upgrade until my current phone is close to dead....
Can you look at a good phone, but one of the "last generation" so it's not as expensive, but can still run most of the current apps etc.

Astrid

Veteran

Laura, I have that pay-as-you go which you mentioned. I pay 10 € a month and the data and call time that's covered is enough for me, I don't think I was ever over it. I don't want to do the other option because I don't want to be bound by contract for 24 months... My current one is the Samsung S3 mini, so I know Samsung a bit. But I do think I prefer the Motorola mentioned above over a new Samsung. Samsung has all that bloatwear and the Motorola comes with almost clean Android. Because while I love my Linux laptop I don't really want to root my phone... It really bothers me how much crap I have on my S3 mini which I don't even need and I can't get rid of it. Only the S4 mini is comparably priced to the Motorola when you look at Samsung. And I know that one because my sister has it, it would be not much of a step up. And I don't want to spend the 500€ necessary for a better Samsung.

kkards, good idea - although the older flagships that are still available are still too expensive for my taste.

I guess I'm pretty set on the model, now it's just a question of whether to buy right now or to wait until something different comes along or my phone really gives out.

Astrid

Veteran

Okay so I went to have another look and came how with a phone. I bought the Motorola - just inexpensive enough not to give me stomach cramps. I've already started to configure my stuff and the first impression is positive. Definitely nicer than my old one (and so much bigger!).

crazyone

Veteran

Nice! I had a Motorola before I got my iphone 6 in late 2014. It was a good phone, I think you'll like it.

Echo

Veteran

I agree that it gets to the point where an older phone costs more than a newer one. When we changed our phones out a year or two ago, I had an old phone that wasn't "smart", and we were going to get our children the same. Just a basic phone on which they could call or text. But that would have cost exponentially more than upgrading everyone to the newest phones. And while I balked about this, DH decided that because it was less expensive month-to-month to get new phones on a payment plan and upgrade them regularly than it was to purchase the phones (or in the past we had them for free using "points"), that's what we would do.

So we have the newest phones every two years and pay less each month than we did before. Go figure. And despite me being resistant to newer technology, I use the phone for more than I ever thought I would - GPS, grocery lists, new programs for school like Plickers, taking photos (the resolution was better than my pricey camera), etc.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

My dear, Astrid. You could always rob a bank!

Astrid

Veteran

Crazyone, thanks! I forgot how long it takes until you have everything running to your satisfaction...

Echo, I definitely think you get used to it in everyday life! I didn't think it was really necessary three years ago, but downgrading now seems impossible.

Angie, don't give me ideas.

ManidipaM

Veteran

I just replaced mine. After putting up with almost a year of screen flickers that were not doing my migraine record ANY good despite very minimal use. I do not recommend waiting quite so long. When the rim started to crumble was the right time, very likely. But like you say, other priorities. Plus they were less than a year old! (Angie might bid me to Purgatory if I spoke this way about clothes, shoes, or, ulp, bags!)

ManidipaM

Veteran

And I went from S4 to 5S. Yay for better battery and no noticeable bloatware. But I find it a bit puny (prefer bigger phones).

Astrid

Veteran

You're right, different priorities. I would have replaced my only pair of decent shoes without hesitation and just invested the necessary money. Keeping my fingers crossed this was the right choice and that it will work for a long time.

Glory

Veteran

I would get a new phone Astrid. You mention that it is how you keep in the loop and that is very important. I replace approximately every 2-3 years but it is based on my monthly contract which is usually 2 years.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Glory! I did get a new one, I'm actually writing on it right now.

Aziraphale

Veteran

I replaced my old iPhone 4 just yesterday! I love having a smartphone -- they are just so useful, and like you say, you really need one to keep in touch with people. The ability to text quickly changed my life. Often I need an answer to a question soon-ish but not right away --like, am I doing carpool pickup today? -- and I don't want to phone and interrupt the other mom in public. Texting is a perfect solution. They can answer right away, or whenever they feel like it, and nobody is inconvenienced. It's also nice to be able to share pictures, use Google maps, search for information etc while you're out.

But like you, I didn't want to replace my old phone "just because". I think we throw away technology too freely. However, the iPhone 4 was starting to have function issues that newer phones can handle -- like connecting with the cloud etc. Eventually (after four years of use) my phone started to have battery issues. I waited until it totally died -- like, it wouldn't even turn on -- and then felt fully justified in getting a new one. (I got an iPhone 6S, which seems good but I can't really comment on it just yet because it's brand spanking new).