When should I replace my phone?

  1. You cannot upgrade to the latest operating system.

If your hardware manufacturer hasn’t offered an upgrade to the latest OS version, it’s time to bite the bullet. The device might be too old to support. For example, you might be using an older processor. Devices with 32-bit processors cannot run 64-bit operating systems. This is exactly the same as for iOS 11, 64-bit operating systems. It cannot be installed on older iOS devices such as iPad4 or iPhone 5. When buying a new Android smartphone, make sure it works with the latest version of Android. The operating system is not guaranteed.

  1. Security patches can no longer be installed.

As #EventProf, you probably travel a lot and need to use public Wi-Fi. Therefore, it is important not to experience a security breach. If you cannot upgrade to a new operating system, keep at least one version of the operating system that currently receives security patches. This Wikipedia article explains checking if an Android version is no longer supported. A sure sign of getting a new device soon! If you prefer Android, choose a manufacturer that is a good Google partner and automatically submit those monthly patches. Or stick with Apple as they tend to provide support for a more extended period of time.

  1. Your factory does not support your device.

Although Apple tends to support security updates for a longer period of time, if your device is more than five years old, you are out of date. Check the Apple website to see if your device is out of date. These devices may be too old for network traffic to be encrypted with the latest protocols. This could expose sensitive data to hackers.

  1. Your cell phone is terribly slow.

Even after a full device reset, the device becomes painfully unresponsive. I open the app or press a button, but it looks like I’m using Windows 95. Enough time to drink a cup of coffee These indicate that faster processors have arrived that can handle new operating system updates. Apple recently admitted that the device’s battery life is getting shorter, but if the device is still slow after replacing the battery, you’ll need to upgrade your phone.

  1. The app seems to crash more on the device.

If an important app keeps crashing on your device but not on someone else’s device, the problem might be with your device and not the app. The device has two types of memory. One is for storage (e.g. all photo files) and the other, called RAM, is actually for running the operating system and apps (e.g. when browsing photos). There are various allocations within RAM, including memory thresholds for each individual app to run. On low-end devices, this limit can be much lower. Hence, you may face more crashes than your peers who chose mid-range or high-end products with better RAM allocation.

  1. Your battery lasts only a few hours.

Batteries are designed to last 300 to 500 cycles before reaching 70% of their capacity.

If you can still upgrade to the latest operating system versions and security patches, you may be able to replace the battery. If so, follow these charging tips to extend the life of your new battery.

  1. You want VR / AR.

Virtual reality and augmented reality are hot topics in the event industry. Make sure your device is compatible with your VR headset. If not, check out this handy list of VR-enabled smartphones for your next upgrade. Augmented reality, where digital objects and information are placed in the environment, is also available only on modern devices.