Let's talk about such an interesting phenomenon as the 'obsolescence' of a smartphone.
It's time
Each user sooner or later comes to the conclusion that it's time to buy a new phone. There are really important reasons for this: breakdown, loss of the device, battery wear or a noticeable decrease in performance. But there are also other reasons, less weighty, I would even say, irrational. I think many people are faced with the fact that the phone is simply boring, boring and not happy as before, but at the same time it works properly. Another situation that is found everywhere is the so-called 'obsolescence' of the device. This is the case when 2 GB of RAM is no longer enough, and the processor no longer “pulls” new games, but it still performs its previous functions – calls, writes SMS, goes online, and so on.
The realization that it is time to change the phone comes at different times after the purchase. Someone changes a smartphone every 2-3 years, and someone every year or even six months. This moment depends on the user himself, on his desires and preferences. If a person is interested in new technologies and mobile devices, then he will most likely want to buy a new version of the flagship.
I believe that the most optimal period for replacing a smartphone is two years. It was by this time that the wear of the battery was noticeable and two new generations of flagships were released. But this does not mean that the phone cannot be used, it is just that the battery does not hold a charge so confidently, there are slowdowns, software updates do not come out, and so on. This is only the so-called 'obsolescence' of a mobile device, the actual one comes after 4-5 years.
The 'old' flagship
For about 2 years I have been the owner of a smartphone LG G2. I managed to buy it immediately after the announcement LG G3, I came across a very advantageous offer. It dropped in price quite quickly, almost twice in just a year.
The smartphone is powered by a Snapdragon 800 processor and has 2 GB of RAM on board. It's not very much by modern standards, but it is still capable of running almost all modern games and works flawlessly. LG The G2 was famous for its autonomy and, you know, in two years I didn't notice any battery wear at all. The phone, as before, works quietly from morning to evening, and about 15% of the charge remains with 3-4 hours of display operation. True, I have long since abandoned the official firmware in favor of CyanogenMod 13, although it received an official update to Android 5.1. The shell LG UI is very good and has a lot of significant advantages, but still 'naked' Android is closer to me. Since installing the custom, I completely forgot about the problems and just use the device on an ongoing basis, without worrying about updates.
I am ardently opposed to all kinds of device protection (bumpers, covers, films, protective glasses, etc.), and, of course, the smartphone has already lost its presentation after long-term use – the glossy plastic cover is rubbed and covered with small scratches, chips appeared on the edges from falls. It is fair to say that the glass has no visible scratches, only small ones that are visible from a certain angle, and in general the device turned out to be quite strong – it calmly survived several very serious falls.
The phone still makes me happy in terms of performance and autonomy. But he is all the same boring, and already wants something new. However, there are no objective reasons for buying a new smartphone, so you have to restrain yourself and force you to think rationally. Especially the price tags for flagships help with this.
Overall, I am pleased with the choice in favor of LG G2 – the purchase was successful.
Smartphone selection rules
Taking this opportunity, I want to share with you two rules for choosing a smartphone for purchase.
First rule: the best budget smartphone is the former flagship
Many who have very limited capital, for some reason, do not pay attention to the previous versions of the flagship devices. After all, if a smartphone has been on the market for more than a year, then it most likely has already dropped well in price. I'm talking about phones in the Galaxy S lines from Samsung, G series from LG, HTC M, Mi from Xiaomi and so on.
Take, for example, the good old Samsung Galaxy S5 and the Samsung Galaxy A5 close to it. According to eBay, the S5 costs about $ 250 for a new device, while the A5 starts at $ 350. Another example is the budget LG G4C ($ 170) and the former flagship LG G3 ($ 230). The first loses in absolutely all respects, and costs only $ 50-70 cheaper. I think the logic is clear to you. For almost the same money, you can get the best-performing device on a modest budget.
Another thing is that previous versions of flagships often immediately disappear from the shelves of most chain retailers after the announcement of a new version, so as not to create competition within the line. So you have to work hard to find where to buy a smartphone or order online. Also, do not forget about all kinds of costs. If a smartphone is left in its packaging for a long time after production, then it may have problems with the battery. Most likely, you will have to forget about the guarantee.
Second rule: don't chase software updates
Many people are familiar with the commandment of programmers 'if everything works properly, don't update'. The same rule applies to mobile devices. Manufacturers often do not pay enough attention to developing updates for no longer relevant gadgets and make them just for show. Also, many companies are suspected of deliberately reducing the performance of devices through updates in order to stimulate the consumer to buy another smartphone or tablet. This is mostly about the company Apple.
Search the internet for comparisons, for an example of how iPhone 4S works on 'native' iOS 5.0 and latest 9.0 in the same tasks.
So I strongly advise you not to chase new OS versions. Better watch how the device works out of the box.
Conclusion
I urge you to think rationally, because it is we, the consumers, who create demand and vote with the ruble. If we take a more deliberate approach to the issue of buying a smartphone, and not buy another flagship every year at breakneck speed, then the manufacturer will have to take a more responsible attitude to its products. Think carefully before buying the next device.
I invite you, dear readers, to discuss the issue of replacing a smartphone in the comments.