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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,171
Registered: ‎01-14-2017

 

@Jordan2   I don't know if this is true for all phones, but phones now have esim cards.  So no need to transfer cards.  I have changed my phone service without a sim.  I think the very inexpensive phones are locked, so can't change the sim, I think.  Someone else might know better on this.  I just know new iphones don't have them, and I think that is true of samsung phones as well.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,720
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Cellphone Lifespan

[ Edited ]

@NYCLatinaMe wrote:

 

@Jordan2   I don't know if this is true for all phones, but phones now have esim cards.  So no need to transfer cards.  I have changed my phone service without a sim.  I think the very inexpensive phones are locked, so can't change the sim, I think.  Someone else might know better on this.  I just know new iphones don't have them, and I think that is true of samsung phones as well.


I think more expensive phones have esim cards.  Wish they all did!  All phones can be unlocked, but the length of time in which this can happen varies.  Timing also depends on if a phone uses prepaid or postpaid service. Verizon (and prepaid companies that use their towers) automatically unlocks phones after 60 days, but if postpaid, all contracts have to be fulfilled.  AT&T and T-Mobile have different policies.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,986
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

@NYCLatinaMe I know iPhones have eSim Cards but I think Motorola and Samsung have physical cards ( at least the models I'm looking at). 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,269
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

I only replace phones every 4+ years. Routinely buy Amazon unlocked refurbished galaxys. These are great phones at a great price.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,432
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Cellphone Lifespan

[ Edited ]

@Carolina925 wrote:

I agree with @gardenman . I replace mine when it no longer holds a charge. I didn't realize charging it each day would be bad for it but learned my lesson. Mine was starting to die and before I could get a new one, I had a family emergency where I needed to be on the phone a lot but was unable to because of the battery. Ridiculous that they're not replaceable but I've learned it's just how it is. Mine is now about 3 years old. When it's time to replace, I'll not get the "newest and best" since I don't use mine for much other than calls and texts. I'm home during the day and don't have a need to use my phone as my computer. 


#1 son was a telephone person without saying his exact profession but he told me not to charge it everyday and not to charge it 100%, always stop at about 80%. I had the one he got in 2007 which was called the 2G and I burned it up overcharging it in my car when traveling.  It got so hot it "died." He told me that I should NOT have kept it on the charger in the car for more than a few minutes.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 25,195
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

My Samsung S22 Ultra is almost 3 years old and will be paid for next month.  I normally would hand my phone down to DH and buy the newest flagship.  But that's when I used my phone for DH's job, booking jobs for him.  I still use it to watch YT and IG, check on the weather, shop online, text, take photos and make phone calls.  I don't think I'll be trading up at this time now that DH is retired.  Phone does everything I need.  Well almost everything.  Luckily, we have ins on our phones.  I can't make network phone calls since I thru my phone on the road after my wreck...uh oh.  I can make wifi calls tho.  I'll have to pay my co-pay to get it fixed.  I don't even want to know what the Galaxy S25 Ulta can do Smiley Surprised  

 

There will come a time when your phone carrier will stop supplying updates for your phone.  Sooner or later the problems and limitations will convince you upgrade.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,457
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

I keep my phones until I no longer get security updates.