In today’s digital age, the cell phone has ceased to be just a means of communication to become an essential tool, incorporating functions such as photography, data storage and Internet access. According to the International Telecommunication Union, in 2023 the 78% of the world’s population aged ten and older owned a phone cell phone.
In Peru, in 2022, the 91.9% of households had a smartphone surpassing for the first time the ownership of televisions (90.6%), according to the Residential Survey of Telecommunications Services (Erestel). In addition, the penetration of these mobile devices in Peruvian homes grew from 88.4% in 2021 to 91.9% in 2022, an increase of 3.5 percentage points. As a result, 9 million 373 thousand 552 households in the country already had a smartphone that year.
In this context, it is logical to think that one of the main concerns of users is related to their cell phones, such as battery life, device performance, the security of their personal data, or whether it is time to change equipment. This becomes even more relevant when each year manufacturers such as Apple or Samsung launch new models with improvements and particular features.
However, beyond the simple need to acquire the latest model, it is important to ask yourself: What technical aspects really indicate that it is time to change our mobile device? To answer this question, El Comercio spoke with Verónica Tamashiro, PR Manager of Xiaomi Peru, and Carlos Valdez, director of the Network and Communications Engineering Program.
Signs that it’s time to change your cell phone
Over time, these devices can start to show signs of wear and tear or become less capable of meeting our needs. So, it’s natural to wonder when is the right time to upgrade your phone and what factors should influence that purchasing decision.
Carlos Valdez identifies several signs that indicate it might be time to upgrade your cell phone. These include:
- Inability to perform essential functions: If your device is unable to take good quality photos, record videos or perform tasks that are a priority for youit could be a sign that you need a new cell phone.
- Obsolescence in networks: If your phone only supports 2G networks and there is already 4G or 5G coverage in your area, this may significantly limit the functionality of your device.
- Performance issues: if you experience slowness constant or frequent system failures may be a sign that your hardware is becoming obsolete.
Also, if you notice that the Software updates are no longer supported With your cell phone, it is likely that the manufacturer is taking for granted Support for that model has endedThis not only affects the user experience, but also puts the security of the device at risk as it will not receive the latest patches to protect against vulnerabilities.
Apart from the technical signs, it is important consider the physical condition of the phoneVisible wear and tear, such as scratches on the screen or a damaged design, can influence the decision to upgrade. However, technical problems, such as malfunctions or lack of compatibility with new networks, are often more important factors in the use of the device.
Tips to extend the life of your mobile phone
Tamashiro offers some recommendations to help prolong the life of your cell phone. First, he advises Always use original cables and chargers to avoid problems such as overheating and battery damage. In addition, it is essential to avoid exposing the device to salt water, as it can cause internal corrosion in the components. It also suggests Keep your mobile phone away from intense heat sources y protect it from possible falls.
Now, regarding whether there is a recommended time to change cell phones, Valdez clarifies that there is no fixed period. He explains that technological progress is rapid and brands constantly launch new models with more features, such as better cameras and more memory. But It is not always necessary to change equipment with every new development. Sometimes the decision is more related to the use we give to the device and our particular needs, he says. He says that changing cell phones depends more on the deterioration of the device and the demands of the user than on a defined time frame.
“It is not always required that much, sometimes there is an issue of consumption by the user.”, he claims.
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How do new technologies influence the decision to upgrade?
Although modern smartphones can last for several years, technological innovations can influence the decision to replace the device. Tamashiro points out that Battery improvements, stronger displays and software updates are attractive for users looking for the ultimate in functionality. “New specs, such as advanced cameras and AI capabilities, can be valuable depending on each person’s needs. (…) The decision to upgrade a device is often influenced by the need to take advantage of these innovations”, points out.
For his part, Valdez assures that “Technological advancement has a significant influence, as it introduces new features and improvements to devices that can making older models perceived as less efficient or outdated”. This leads users to want to change their device for a newer one to take advantage of the latest technological developments and not be left behind.