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ZDNET's key takeaways
With proper care, modern smartphones can provide reliable service for five years or more.
Key advancements like longer support cycles, have made annual device upgrades unnecessary.
Repairs and maintenance allow phones to last even longer.
Each year, smartphone manufacturers convince you to upgrade -- sometimes even before you've paid off your current device. Every new launch promises brighter screens, better cameras, stronger processors, and so on. While each generation brings improvements, the reality is that the differences from one year to the next aren't as dramatic as you think.
Also: How much storage does your phone really need in 2026? Probably less than you think
It also doesn't help that mobile devices are significantly more expensive. Flagships cost well over $1,000 nowadays. Couple that with broader economic insecurities, and many people have begun holding onto their phones longer. According to a 2025 survey by Reviews.org, the average American now keeps them for about 29 months.
That survey got me thinking: how long should you hold on to your phone to maximize its value? After looking at the data, I've concluded that five years is best. This is not a hard-and-fast rule, but five years is the perfect amount of time to get the most out of your purchase and enjoy important updates. Here's why.
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