Americans are retaining smartphones for extended periods. Enthusiastic cellphone advertisements might imply that every American consumer eagerly rushes to acquire a brand-new smartphone annually, even if their existing one functions perfectly well.
However, a recent survey presents an alternative narrative.
When researchers at Reviews.org queried 1,000 U. S. adults regarding their mobile devices, the findings were illuminating:
- - The average individual maintains a phone for approximately two years and five months.
- - Consumers are spending an average of $634.35 on a smartphone, significantly lower than the retail prices of most new premium devices.
- - The most frequently owned Apple smartphone is the iPhone 13, which is four years old.
The survey, published on September 25, illustrates a community of smartphone users divided by opposing interests: enticed to acquire the latest device yet restrained by the urge to continue utilizing their current one.
An expert said that it's evident that people aren't pursuing the latest and most advanced smartphones, because they are opting for second-hand devices or receiving hand-me-downs.
New smartphones come equipped with remarkable features, accompanied by substantial costs.
The Pros and Cons
Retaining an old phone incurs no additional expense, provided it has been paid for. Conversely, purchasing a new device can result in a considerable financial outlay.
The iPhone 17, unveiled at an “Awe Dropping” event in September, boasts enhanced battery life, wireless charging capabilities, and a launch price ranging from $799 to $1,199.
Samsung's flagship Galaxy S25, introduced in January during its annual “winter reveal,” features a camera upgrade and performance enhancements, with a list price varying from $799.99 to $1,299.99.
Each new smartphone's marketing campaign "creates the impression that consumers are continuously upgrading their devices," Huh commented.
The majority of consumers appear to resist this compulsion
A third of American iPhone purchasers in 2024 had retained their previous device for three years or more, according to survey data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP).
Consumers are indeed maintaining their smartphones for longer durations, as evidenced by recent surveys.
In a 2024 interview with CNBC, Hans Vestberg, then-CEO of Verizon, remarked that consumers were not upgrading their phones as frequently as they had in the past.
Some said customers now keep their devices for well over 36 months, which is quite lengthy, and others also can recall a time when changing phones every year was an exciting experience.
Use of Smartphones - Now More Powerful
The inaugural iPhone was launched in 2007. Eighteen years later, while smartphones have become significantly more powerful, each new generation delivers fewer substantial advancements in performance and features.
Additionally, prices continue to escalate. The original iPhone debuted at a price of $499.
Numerous factors may motivate consumers to purchase a new smartphone. When Reviews.org inquired of users to list their reasons, the most common responses included:
- - Improved performance, 22%
- - Battery problems, 18%
- - New functionalities, 13%
- - Damaged or lost device, 13%
- - Desire to possess the latest model, 8%
The research indicates that a considerable number of smartphone purchasers do not upgrade merely due to a desire for the latest model.
“As we examine the new iPhone 17 collection, we must acknowledge that fewer consumers are likely to discard a perfectly functional iPhone, regardless of whether it is one year or five years old, in favor of acquiring a new iPhone featuring the latest advancements,” stated Michael Levin and Josh Lowitz.
New smartphones frequently offer improved functionalities and increased capacity. However, they come with a cost.
When is the appropriate moment to upgrade?
A discussion on Reddit regarding the longevity of smartphones elicited numerous responses concerning when and why consumers choose to upgrade.
One contributor mentioned changing devices “on a 5-6 year cycle,” which concludes “when the battery begins to show signs of wear. ”
Another participant indicated retaining a phone “until it ceases to receive updates. ” Manufacturers typically discontinue updates after a certain number of years.
A third commenter humorously remarked, “until the [expletive] breaks."
As long as an older smartphone remains functional and continues to receive updates, there is no compelling rationale for its replacement, asserted Courtney Lindwall, a home and technology writer at Consumer Reports.
“If your device can no longer obtain security patches and operating system updates, which are released quite regularly, it is likely time for an upgrade,” she noted.
“Furthermore, I believe there are methods to prolong your phone’s lifespan that do not necessitate purchasing an entirely new device. For instance, replacing your battery is not overly costly.”
Should you decide to upgrade, Lindwall suggested that significant savings could be realized by opting for a refurbished phone rather than a new one.
Moreover, if you opt for a used device, she recommended considering purchases through a certified refurbishment program, such as the one managed by Apple.
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