new cell phone

[Deleted]

How often to you get a new cell phone?

I wait until the one I have stops working. My current iPhone SE is several years old. I am wondering if I should be proactive and get a new one now.

[daisylu]

When it starts having consistent issues that do not seem to have any easy fix, which usually seems to be around the 4 year mark for me.

[minnesotapaintlady]

I buy older models new and it seems to work out to spending about $300 every 2-3 years.  I hold onto them until something gets annoying.  My current phone is 2.5 and it's getting where it will go from 30% to 0 in like 10 minutes if we're out in the cold.  I can deal with that ok, as 90% of the time it's near a charger anyhow either at my desk or in my car, but it's new thing is there is a small black spot in my camera lens.  It happened about a year ago too and the Googles said try whacking it on the edge to move it out of the frame and that worked, but it came back a week or two ago and hitting it is not working this time. Having a blob on all my pictures is not cool at all.  

I'm semi-shopping.

[giramomma]

Usually, then I buy the best refurbished model on groupon that I can get for 200-250.

I don't remember when I got my iphone 6. I think it was a cast off from DH. I replaced it in 2021 with an iPhone10. I'm still getting software updates. It turns on, and I can use it to communicate. I don't plan on replacing it anytime soon.

I'm also not a phone person. I am trying really hard to get down to 8-9 hours of device time a day, including my work hours.

[andi9899]

When they start having issues. Mine usually last about 2 years. I practically live on my phone though, so it gets a ton of use.

[resolution]

I use my phones until they can no longer do what I want them to do.

My current phone is close to 6 years old, and the banking app recently stopped working. It requires Android 9, which my phone doesn't use because Motorola stopped providing updates to it several years ago. That would normally be my trigger to replace it, but the bank is 2 blocks from my house so I have just been walking there on the rare occasions that I need to deposit a check.

[grumpyhermit]

Used to be every few years, when contracts were still a thing. Now, when the battery charge starts to deplete to the point it annoys me. My current phone (Galaxy s10) is late 2019, and was bought on one of the last "renewal" deals so only paid like $200 for it.

My next phone will be the first one I have ever paid full-retail for, so I'm going to hold this one as long as I can. The battery is still usable, but definitely showing sings of age, and I am seriously considering doing a battery replacement through somewhere like BestBuy that claims to use OEM parts.

Those phone itself still performs fine.

I would do the battery replacement myself, but I have never once had an aftermarket battery be anything but garbage.

[minnesotapaintlady]

Dec 6, 2023 15:41:28 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

When they start having issues. Mine usually last about 2 years. I practically live on my phone though, so it gets a ton of use.

Same.  Mine gets used for EVERYTHING and even when I'm at work on a computer my phone is normally busy streaming either videos or music so I have background noise.

[MN-Investor]

My previous phone was an iPhone 8 Max bought in the fall of 2017, so, six years ago. Apple stopped providing OS updates for it this fall which forced me to buy a new phone since I needed the latest OS to be able to update my Apple watch. Oh well. Now I have an iPhone 15 Pro Max. I'll probably keep it until Apple no longer provides OS updates for it.

[soupandstew]

I replace mine when the battery life is disgustingly short and I can't update my apps.  Due to DH's hearing loss, my phone is literally our lifeline since we got rid the landline costing us $130/mo.  The burglar alarm system, the surveillance cameras, everything is set to my phone.  I currently have an iPhone 12 and plan to give myself a 14 early next year.  DH keeps his longer, but he's starting to bitch that he can't update his apps and I'm saying, "Dude, that's on you" so we'll see.  He went from a 5 to a 12, and keeps talking Android but that will also be on him as well b/c I'm not learning a system I don't use.  I don't care what he has but has to own his responsibility for understanding it.

[Cookies Galore]

I just replaced my beloved Pixel 4a (purchased early December 2020) with a Pixel 7a. So three years on the dot isn't so bad. I was going to try to go a few more months with the 4a but I decided to take advantage of a Black Friday deal on the 7a (on sale for $375; normal price $499). The 4a was my perfect phone but the battery life was suffering and Google is stopping support for that phone, which is a kind of a deal for me since I use my phone to log into work remotely and I access my council email on my phone.

[laterbloomer]

I buy refurbished from a local guy and keep them until something major is wrong. Last time the phone took a swim with me. With previous phones this guy was able to replace the battery for me very cheaply. I really like having a paid off phone, it let's me plan hop for savings easier.

[minnesotapaintlady]

Dec 6, 2023 21:10:07 GMT -5 Cookies Galore said:

I just replaced my beloved Pixel 4a (purchased early December 2020) with a Pixel 7a. So three years on the dot isn't so bad. I was going to try to go a few more months with the 4a but I decided to take advantage of a Black Friday deal on the 7a (on sale for $375; normal price $499). The 4a was my perfect phone but the battery life was suffering and Google is stopping support for that phone, which is a kind of a deal for me since I use my phone to log into work remotely and I access my council email on my phone.

I'm sort of tempted to give the Pixel a chance due to all the good things I've been hearing about it, but I'm so firmly entrenched with Samsung, I'm not sure I can do it.  S3, S4, S5, S6, and now S9.  Whenever I get a new one I just log into my Samsung account and it sets the new phone up just like the old one. 

I have been doing compares of the Pixel 7 (I think Pro) and the S22 though, so maybe... I'll probably wait until after Christmas, maybe people will be trying to unload unwanted gifts.   Also, in Jan/Feb the S24 is supposed to land and rumor is it will have AI enabled applications.  That should drop the prices of the older ones.

[toomuchreality]

Yeah. You should get a new one, for sure. Then mail me the phone you're replacing! 😁

Good luck, in your decision!

[Cookies Galore]

Dec 6, 2023 22:29:56 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Dec 6, 2023 21:10:07 GMT -5 Cookies Galore said:

I just replaced my beloved Pixel 4a (purchased early December 2020) with a Pixel 7a. So three years on the dot isn't so bad. I was going to try to go a few more months with the 4a but I decided to take advantage of a Black Friday deal on the 7a (on sale for $375; normal price $499). The 4a was my perfect phone but the battery life was suffering and Google is stopping support for that phone, which is a kind of a deal for me since I use my phone to log into work remotely and I access my council email on my phone.

I'm sort of tempted to give the Pixel a chance due to all the good things I've been hearing about it, but I'm so firmly entrenched with Samsung, I'm not sure I can do it.  S3, S4, S5, S6, and now S9.  Whenever I get a new one I just log into my Samsung account and it sets the new phone up just like the old one. 

I have been doing compares of the Pixel 7 (I think Pro) and the S22 though, so maybe... I'll probably wait until after Christmas, maybe people will be trying to unload unwanted gifts.   Also, in Jan/Feb the S24 is supposed to land and rumor is it will have AI enabled applications.  That should drop the prices of the older ones.

I was a total Samsung person for almost 20 years until I met Pixel, so be warned you might make the switch. 😀
Check out Swappa for phones. My husband bought a OnePlus and a Pixel 6a from there over the years and has had good experience both times. I was going to go that route until I saw Google's sale and they had the color I wanted.

[toomuchreality]

Dec 6, 2023 22:29:56 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Dec 6, 2023 21:10:07 GMT -5 Cookies Galore said:

I just replaced my beloved Pixel 4a (purchased early December 2020) with a Pixel 7a. So three years on the dot isn't so bad. I was going to try to go a few more months with the 4a but I decided to take advantage of a Black Friday deal on the 7a (on sale for $375; normal price $499). The 4a was my perfect phone but the battery life was suffering and Google is stopping support for that phone, which is a kind of a deal for me since I use my phone to log into work remotely and I access my council email on my phone.

I'm sort of tempted to give the Pixel a chance due to all the good things I've been hearing about it, but I'm so firmly entrenched with Samsung, I'm not sure I can do it.  S3, S4, S5, S6, and now S9.  Whenever I get a new one I just log into my Samsung account and it sets the new phone up just like the old one. 

I have been doing compares of the Pixel 7 (I think Pro) and the S22 though, so maybe... I'll probably wait until after Christmas, maybe people will be trying to unload unwanted gifts.   Also, in Jan/Feb the S24 is supposed to land and rumor is it will have AI enabled applications.  That should drop the prices of the older ones.

See? This proves my point. You should get a new phone and send me your old one.
I had a Samsung S7, and currently have an S8 edge, so your S9 is my logical next step!
I can wait until after Christmas. 😁

[jerseygirl]

Dec 7, 2023 14:13:43 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

Dec 6, 2023 22:29:56 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I'm sort of tempted to give the Pixel a chance due to all the good things I've been hearing about it, but I'm so firmly entrenched with Samsung, I'm not sure I can do it.  S3, S4, S5, S6, and now S9.  Whenever I get a new one I just log into my Samsung account and it sets the new phone up just like the old one. 

I have been doing compares of the Pixel 7 (I think Pro) and the S22 though, so maybe... I'll probably wait until after Christmas, maybe people will be trying to unload unwanted gifts.   Also, in Jan/Feb the S24 is supposed to land and rumor is it will have AI enabled applications.  That should drop the prices of the older ones.

See? This proves my point. You should get a new phone and send me your old one.
I had a Samsung S7, and currently have an S8 edge, so your S9 is my logical next step!
I can wait until after Christmas. 😁

I think this belongs in Girl Math!

[toomuchreality]

Dec 7, 2023 16:42:00 GMT -5 jerseygirl said:

Dec 7, 2023 14:13:43 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

See? This proves my point. You should get a new phone and send me your old one.
I had a Samsung S7, and currently have an S8 edge, so your S9 is my logical next step!
I can wait until after Christmas. 😁

I think this belongs in Girl Math!

🤣🤣🤣 You're probably right. At least from my point of view. 🤣🤣🤣

[Opti]

Dec 7, 2023 14:13:43 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

Dec 6, 2023 22:29:56 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I'm sort of tempted to give the Pixel a chance due to all the good things I've been hearing about it, but I'm so firmly entrenched with Samsung, I'm not sure I can do it.  S3, S4, S5, S6, and now S9.  Whenever I get a new one I just log into my Samsung account and it sets the new phone up just like the old one. 

I have been doing compares of the Pixel 7 (I think Pro) and the S22 though, so maybe... I'll probably wait until after Christmas, maybe people will be trying to unload unwanted gifts.   Also, in Jan/Feb the S24 is supposed to land and rumor is it will have AI enabled applications.  That should drop the prices of the older ones.

See? This proves my point. You should get a new phone and send me your old one.
I had a Samsung S7, and currently have an S8 edge, so your S9 is my logical next step!
I can wait until after Christmas. 😁

TMR, I need an IPad that works with a stylus. Work your magic on those upgrading peeps out there. 

[minnesotapaintlady]

Dec 7, 2023 14:13:43 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

Dec 6, 2023 22:29:56 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I'm sort of tempted to give the Pixel a chance due to all the good things I've been hearing about it, but I'm so firmly entrenched with Samsung, I'm not sure I can do it.  S3, S4, S5, S6, and now S9.  Whenever I get a new one I just log into my Samsung account and it sets the new phone up just like the old one. 

I have been doing compares of the Pixel 7 (I think Pro) and the S22 though, so maybe... I'll probably wait until after Christmas, maybe people will be trying to unload unwanted gifts.   Also, in Jan/Feb the S24 is supposed to land and rumor is it will have AI enabled applications.  That should drop the prices of the older ones.

See? This proves my point. You should get a new phone and send me your old one.
I had a Samsung S7, and currently have an S8 edge, so your S9 is my logical next step!
I can wait until after Christmas. 😁

I don't think you'd want my old one.  I keep things until they are in pretty bad shape.  Remember...battery sucks, and blob on the camera screen. 

[Opti]

Dec 8, 2023 8:28:34 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Dec 7, 2023 14:13:43 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

See? This proves my point. You should get a new phone and send me your old one.
I had a Samsung S7, and currently have an S8 edge, so your S9 is my logical next step!
I can wait until after Christmas. 😁

I don't think you'd want my old one.  I keep things until they are in pretty bad shape.  Remember...battery sucks, and blob on the camera screen. 

In all fairness to TMR, that blob on the camera might be a feature not a bug. She can disguise where she is calling from when talking to DD2 etc. Same with the battery. 'Oh I'm sorry, my calls drop a lot. The battery is failing'. Could be perfect. 

[Cookies Galore]

Dec 7, 2023 16:42:00 GMT -5 jerseygirl said:

Dec 7, 2023 14:13:43 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

See? This proves my point. You should get a new phone and send me your old one.
I had a Samsung S7, and currently have an S8 edge, so your S9 is my logical next step!
I can wait until after Christmas. 😁

I think this belongs in Girl Math!

This isn't girl math. Girl math would be justifying buying the newest expensive phone by breaking it down into cost per use and expected longevity, and telling yourself it's practically free.

[toomuchreality]

Dec 8, 2023 8:28:34 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Dec 7, 2023 14:13:43 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

See? This proves my point. You should get a new phone and send me your old one.
I had a Samsung S7, and currently have an S8 edge, so your S9 is my logical next step!
I can wait until after Christmas. 😁

I don't think you'd want my old one.  I keep things until they are in pretty bad shape.  Remember...battery sucks, and blob on the camera screen. 

I haven't had to pay more than $50 to have a battery replaced, but the "blob" on the camera screen does concern me. My S8 edge is still working well, most of the time. Although it did have issues for a few weeks, allowing me to respond on this website.
I don't what caused that, or what made it start working again.
It does take great pictures of my grands (both kids and dogs), so I think I'll just keep the phone I've got, for now.
Thanks anyway.

I definitely still think you need a new phone though. "Just do it!"

[toomuchreality]

Dec 8, 2023 8:51:56 GMT -5 Opti said:

Dec 8, 2023 8:28:34 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I don't think you'd want my old one.  I keep things until they are in pretty bad shape.  Remember...battery sucks, and blob on the camera screen. 

In all fairness to TMR, that blob on the camera might be a feature not a bug. She can disguise where she is calling from when talking to DD2 etc. Same with the battery. 'Oh I'm sorry, my calls drop a lot. The battery is failing'. Could be perfect. 

This made me laugh. Thanks.

If I had great negotiating skills, I would have gotten a new tablet, when the screen came unglued, on mine. I still consider getting a new battery put in it and having the screen reinstalled. I loved that thing. But it doesn't have enough memory, to be worth repairing, any more. And the memory can't be upgraded.

I'll keep you in mind, if I come across someone giving away the kind of new electronic, you're wanting! Heck, I'll keep you in mind, if I find one for less than $50!
I've got you, girl! 😊

[daisylu]

I did buy my latest phone before the last totally went kaput. My Samsung Galaxy Note 20 was 3 years old and starting to act up, so I took advantage of a Black Friday special and upgraded to a Samsung Z Flip Fold 5. And it is awesome! After my first Nokia phone with Cingular Wireless, all others have been Samsung. Their Smart Switch is the best thing ever!

[Cookies Galore]

Dec 8, 2023 18:55:33 GMT -5 toomuchreality said:

Dec 8, 2023 8:28:34 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

I don't think you'd want my old one.  I keep things until they are in pretty bad shape.  Remember...battery sucks, and blob on the camera screen. 

I haven't had to pay more than $50 to have a battery replaced, but the "blob" on the camera screen does concern me. My S8 edge is still working well, most of the time. Although it did have issues for a few weeks, allowing me to respond on this website.
I don't what caused that, or what made it start working again.
It does take great pictures of my grands (both kids and dogs), so I think I'll just keep the phone I've got, for now.
Thanks anyway.

I definitely still think you need a new phone though. "Just do it!"

Newer phones, not even the latest of 2023, would blow your mind with the photo quality. Plus a phone that old isn't getting android system updates or security patches. Check out Swappa for affordable new(er) phones.

[movingforward]

I recently just replaced my galaxy note 10 after 4yrs. There really wasn't anything wrong with it but work pays for my phone and I am allowed a replacement every 3 yrs, so i gave the old phone to my dad. He is still living in the dark ages and has no mobile. Apparently, he still thinks it is 1950 where if he breaks down on the side of the road someone is going to stop and help him. He is 76 yrs old and lives in the desert. I'm so afraid he is going get a flat or something in 110 degree weather with no phone to call for help. I gave him my old phone 2 months ago and he still has not set up service. Anyway, I digress...

[toomuchreality]

Dec 9, 2023 10:15:16 GMT -5 movingforward said:

I recently just replaced my galaxy note 10 after 4yrs. There really wasn't anything wrong with it but work pays for my phone and I am allowed a replacement every 3 yrs, so i gave the old phone to my dad. He is still living in the dark ages and has no mobile. Apparently, he still thinks it is 1950 where if he breaks down on the side of the road someone is going to stop and help him. He is 76 yrs old and lives in the dessert. I'm so afraid he is going get a flat or something in 110 degree weather with no phone to call for help. I gave him my old phone 2 months ago and he still has not set up service. Anyway, I digress...

The same thing happened with my dad, when he was about that age. He had a cabin in the mountains he was building, by himself, for the most part. We got him a couple of different phones over the years. My sister set them up for him. He never could remember how to use them, so he never did.

[resolution]

Dec 9, 2023 10:15:16 GMT -5 movingforward said:

I recently just replaced my galaxy note 10 after 4yrs. There really wasn't anything wrong with it but work pays for my phone and I am allowed a replacement every 3 yrs, so i gave the old phone to my dad. He is still living in the dark ages and has no mobile. Apparently, he still thinks it is 1950 where if he breaks down on the side of the road someone is going to stop and help him. He is 76 yrs old and lives in the desert. I'm so afraid he is going get a flat or something in 110 degree weather with no phone to call for help. I gave him my old phone 2 months ago and he still has not set up service. Anyway, I digress...

My parents are in their 80s and I had a similar issue. Initially when they were going to drive across the country to visit, I took them to Wal-Mart and bought a TracFone with a year of prepaid service, and made them take it with them on the road trip.

When the pandemic hit and everyone was stuck at home, I upgraded them to a smart phone so they could read ebooks from the library. I bought a google pixel and then set up service from Mint Mobile, added all the family members as contacts, and mailed it to them. The service automatically renews every year, so I don't have to worry about them losing service. However it is still hit or miss if they take the phone with them when they drive places. At least I know they bring it on longish trips. They do call to complain every time the service renews, but they can't use it well enough to change it over to their own credit card.

[NoNamePerson]

My DIL just sends a text and says new iPhones ready to be picked up. I pick it up and say thank you!  Works for me.