Smartphones have never been cheap, but in recent years, prices have climbed to eye-watering heights. A new iPhone 16 Pro, for example, starts at about $1,000, and a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 can cost well over $2,000. But by keeping the same phone for as long as possible, you can save money while also cutting down on electronic waste. These tips will help keep your phone going for years — and help you escape the endless hamster wheel of phone upgrades.
* Avoid extreme temperatures. Anything below 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit can damage your battery, especially hotter temperatures. Your phone functions best in a room-temperature environment.
* Don't charge your phone overnight. Your battery can only sustain a finite number of full charges, and leaving it fully charged and plugged in for hours each day will wear your battery out faster.
* Replace your battery instead of your phone. Even with all the right precautions, your battery will still get old eventually, but there are plenty of kits and repair services out there that can set your phone up with a new lease on life.
* Clean your charging port. You would be amazed at the amount of lint that can get stuck in there, and it can make charging impossible.
* Use a case and a screen protector. A durable case and screen protector can drastically reduce the likelihood of a cracked screen or busted body after an accidental drop. They'll also keep the phone looking new, which can increase the resale value.
* Install all software upgrades. These upgrades keep malware out and keep things operating smoothly. There's no need for manual installation — just check your settings to make sure that your phone updates automatically.