Six Ways to Determine Whether Your Android Device Needs to Be Rebooted
Mobile phones evolve at a rapid pace. What was the latest innovation yesterday may be obsolete today. If you’ve been using the same Android phone for a long time, you’ve probably wanted to change it, but you don’t know if it’s the right time to do so. Fortunately, there are several signs that can help you make that decision. From performance issues to lack of support for the latest features, this guide will explain how to know if you should change your Android phone.
- Is it time to upgrade to a new cell phone? Watch out for these signs
Reading the signals your Android phone is sending you is the best way to know when it’s time to upgrade. All you have to do is interpret what’s happening on your device to determine if it’s time to sell your phone and get a new one. Specifically, you should look for the following signs:
- Insufficient memory space
One of the first signs that you need a new phone is that you don’t have enough storage space. If you’re constantly getting notifications that your storage is full, even after deleting apps and files, it’s likely that your device is no longer able to meet your needs.
Apps, photos, and videos are taking up more and more space these days, so if your phone is constantly running out of memory, it means that its capacity is getting old. In other words, your phone may already be considered old. Also, keep in mind that its performance will be affected by full storage.
Additionally, RAM plays a crucial role. If your phone has low RAM (less than 4GB, for example), you may experience slowness when switching between apps or multitasking. Nowadays, you should opt for phones with at least 8GB of RAM to ensure good performance in the long run.
- No longer receiving new updates
Another major factor is OS update compatibility. If your phone no longer receives Android updates, you’re missing out on new features and exposing yourself to security vulnerabilities. Manufacturers often end support for devices that have been on the market for two or more years, stopping sending out security patches and performance improvements.
If your phone is stuck on Android 10 or earlier, chances are that many of the latest apps won’t work properly or aren’t optimized for your device. So, you should consider upgrading to a newer version that promises several years of updates. Here you can see how many updates each mobile brand offers so you can make the best decision.
- Battery does not last
Battery life is one aspect that suffers the most as time goes by. After all, all lithium batteries used in mobile phones lose capacity with each charge/discharge cycle. If you notice that your phone’s battery is draining quickly, even after charging it to 100%, this is a clear sign that the device is approaching the end of its life.
Modern batteries are designed to last between 2 and 3 years with normal use, but after that time, their capacity drops dramatically. If your battery doesn’t last even a day, don’t become a slave to your charger and replace your phone.
- Incompatibility with modern features
New versions of Android are constantly introducing innovative features, such as an improved interface, integration with smart devices, privacy improvements, and productivity tools. If your phone isn’t compatible with these features, you’ll miss out on a more complete and secure experience.
It is also common for many apps and services to require more advanced hardware to function properly. For example, augmented reality apps, games with better graphics, or video editing tools may not be compatible with older devices.
- Slowness and constant failure
Having a slow phone for no apparent reason is like screaming for a new phone. If apps take a long time to open, freeze frequently, or restart automatically, your device is likely no longer able to handle the demands of the current software. This often happens on phones with older processors or low RAM.
- Defective screen and other physical damage
Physical damage, such as a cracked screen or faulty charging port, can be very expensive to repair. Additionally, if your phone has a low-resolution or low-refresh rate (60Hz) display, it may not be able to meet current standards, as AMOLED displays and 90Hz or 120Hz refresh rates are becoming more common.
- Okay, I want to renew... what do I do with my old phone?
If you have already decided that you want to upgrade your Android phone, it is important to dispose of your old device in a responsible manner, and why not get some money for it? One of the best options is to use a used phone-selling site.
Updating your Android phone is not just about getting the latest model; it’s also about ensuring that your device can efficiently meet your daily needs. So don’t wait for your phone to let you down at the wrong moment. Evaluate these signs and make a decision that best suits your needs.