how long do you keep your cell phone?

[Permanent Temp]

I got a Moto G because it can be used around the world. I've had it since 2013 and only got it be cause Cricket was switching over their cell phone towers and what not so our old phone weren't going to work anymore.

That's usually the only reason I'd replace a phone. Also if it breaks. With cricket you have to pay for your phone upfront usually which is fine for me. I got this one at a big discount because of the switch over.

I really only use my phone, for calls, texts and occasionally internet so if those things work its good for me. Sadly though this one does have a built in battery so once that dies I will get a new different phone.

[scfr]

I've only had a smartphone for 16 months. I'm hoping it will last for at least 5 years.

[kork13]

I've had my Moto X since Mar'14, and sadly my battery capacity is starting to dwindle. I used to be able to go 2 days between charging if I used it sparingly. Anymore, I can barely make it 10-12 hrs without a charge, and even less if I use it alot. I really like the phone, and would happily keep it for another 2 years if I could... but I think I may soon be forced to get a new phone... From everything I'm reading, replacing the Moto X battery is diffficult at best, risky at worst. For whatever reason (profits, obviously ), the phone was designed not to get the battery replaced.

In the past, I've had my previous 3 phones last me 3-4 years.

[disneysteve]

For whatever reason (profits, obviously ), the phone was designed not to get the battery replaced.

The battery life definitely seems to be the limiting factor in keeping a phone as long as you'd like.

[Nutria]

From everything I'm reading, replacing the Moto X battery is diffficult at best, risky at worst. For whatever reason (profits, obviously ), the phone was designed not to get the battery replaced.

I'm sure that money plays a factor, but engineering definitely plays a part: on a really thin gadget, an easily removable case becomes a weak point. And the battery connectors need to be more rugged (meaning "thicker").

Anyway, with the right tool, it looks easy enough to disassemble.

In the past, I've had my previous 3 phones last me 3-4 years.

People want slim. Slim means less lithium polymer (where the energy is stored), which means (1) the "stuff" drains quicker, because (2) the phones draw more power because they do more. Thus (3) they needs to be recharged more often, and (4) so the chemical breaks down quicker.
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[LivingAlmostLarge]

Till my phone breaks. I just got a google nexus 5, unfortunately by moto g was only 10 months old. I am hard on my phones. They last on average a year with me and the kids. Thus why I get cheap phones. My nexus was $220 and my moto g $180. I need to be more careful.

[MaureenMassey]

Well using my phone since one year and it is in a condition that no one can use. Will buy a new phone soon. Cannot keep phones for more than two years.

[Jennsnoopy]

Just like disneysteve I had an iPhone 3 for a very long time. I had to upgrade because the current OS was not going to work on the phone and all my apps would not load. It's frustrating that Apple has planned obsolescence in their line. I am very easy on my phones and would love to keep them longer. Still, I do a lot of things on my iPhone so I put up with it. But I'm one of those that when I buy a new phone, I'm hanging onto it until I'm forced to upgrade it.

[amarowsky]

I update my phone every year. To get the newest best android phone usually costs between 300-450$ if you get the inevitable promotion price. For example, I did the buy one get one free (plus about 200$ worth of bonus stuff) with the galaxy s7 edge. Split the other phone with my brother.

Personally I think it's a waste of most peoples time to keep leaning on an old phone. Even people who lightly use their phones, spend 30 minutes a day looking at it, browsing the web, playing games, checking their accounts, shopping, or communicating. At 365 days a year that's 182 hours or roughly 7 full days of use of a phone. I would say average users are double that, or 14 days a year.

It seems like a waste, to not have the best performing, most effective, and highest quality phone. Especially when you use it almost every day for a significant amount of time and features.

There is probably an argument for the opportunity cost of annual upgrades outweighs the savings holding on to an old junker phone . The x% faster loading and charge time saved alone is probably worth it for anyone who earns even a modest wage.

Another thing, is if you buy the newest phone every year, you will be getting rid of a newer phone (roughly 1 year old) phone every year. I usually sell my current phone between $150-300 depending on condition and time I'm willing to spend selling it. This further makes my 400$ upgrade ($200+/- after selling old) even more worth it for the 365 hours I'll be using it the next year.

The newest phone is generally one of the best investments you can get for the value and improvement of your entertainment and productivity.

Again, this mainly counts for busy/social people, in most cases, those that are working as well. Imo.

[FLA]

I am easy on my phones, last 3-4 yrs usually. I buy Apple phones.