Electronics

[BunSnoop]

I currently have a Motorola Tracfone that I purchased from QVC or HSN about 5 or 6 years ago. It works perfect - no problems.  (I don't use my phone often.  Majority of the time I only use the phone for the Maps feature, to obtain directions, and the camera.  I never text and make and receive very few phone calls).  I use a land line phone for the majority of phone calls).

Just curious - how often do you replace your phone?  Do you wait until it starts having a problem and then look for a new one or do you keep yours typically for a certain number of years and then replace?

I'm trying to figure out whether I'm due for a new phone.

[I am still oxox]

At least every 3-4 years 

[gadgetgal613]

When it becomes obsolete.  Phones, like all electronics, contain toxic chemicals and rare earth minerals which can't be recycle easily or at all.  I'd rather not contribute to the toxic trash. 

[We rescue cats]

Mine is an iPhone 11 pro, I think its about 5 years old. I need to charge it daily so 'Im being told, "It's time" but I'm not sure. What do you use to make that decision?

[Kachina624]

@We rescue cats.  When the manufacturer no longer updates and supports it.

[fingerlakesny]

I still have a landline too. My cell phone is probably 5 or 6 years old. I only use it when I'm going somewhere in my car. I have a gps, so I don't use that feature on the phone.

[Sooner]

I trade mine about every two years.  I trade in electronics and feel that it is a better value. You get something for the old device, get a new warranty and don't worry about it being able to handle the new updates.

[cindyNC]

I tend to keep mine for quite a while.  I finally made the jump from a Tracfone Samsung phone (quite old) to an iphone 13 pro max a few years ago.  I got tired of carrying both a camera and a phone when I went on vacation. 

Purchased the iphone unlocked from Apple and use it with Tracfone.  I'd like a newer iphone (weighing less), but some of the newer models don't work w/tracfone. 

[kaydee50]

When I change carriers.  I had an AT&T "go phone" for at least 5 years.  Had a problem with them and switched to a Tracfone last year.  Unless I have to, I would keep my phone forever--rarely use it.

[Susan Louise]

Welp, we're out of the 'norm'...

We finally upgraded last summer for the 1st time in 24 years. DH and I got our 1st cell phones with Verizon when we got married in 2000.

Yes, no joke...we used the same LG basic flip phones for 24 years!

All those years we had the same basic flip phones. Sadly we HAD to upgrade because Verizon wasn't going to support what we were using anymore...ugh.

I still wish we were using our old phones. We didn't have to recharge them nearly as often and I find using the new Samsung android to still be awkward.