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Smartphone technology has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, with consumers paying for the privilege.

Some of the very latest handsets on the market come with a price tag of around £1,000 – sometimes even more. They are huge investments, and that’s why it’s really important to get them covered with mobile phone insurance.

Gadget Cover can arrange specialist mobile phone insurance for your gadget for a price that fits your budget. Our policies include protection against things like accidental damage, liquid damage and theft, with the option to add extras for an additional fee, such as cover against loss.

Gadget Cover policies are packed with a huge range of benefits as standard, including discounts on policies paid annually, the first month of cover free and unlimited claims. We also offer a 14-day money back guarantee and UK-based customer support.

 

Understanding and extending a smartphone’s lifespan

When it comes to which smartphones on the market have the longest lifespan, it’s tricky to say for sure. This is because how long a smartphone lasts largely depends on how the owner treats it.

As Chron explains, knowing the factors behind your smartphone’s lifespan can help you to extend its life and make it an all-round better investment. These factors include:

 

Damage

Smartphones are fragile pieces of kit, and even minor damage can affect the inner workings of your device. Investing in a decent case and screen protector is really important, as is keeping your phone away from water.

No matter how much you try to protect your device, accidents can and do happen. This is why having the protection of mobile phone insurance is a must.

 

Battery

It goes without saying that a smartphone cannot perform any function without a functioning battery! The majority of smartphones contain lithium-ion batteries that shouldn’t be exposed to excessive heat. You shouldn’t let the battery constantly drain to 0% either, as this can actually reduce its lifespan.

Chron advises to be careful with removable batteries, too. This is because they can be easily lost, and they usually contain small and breakable components that can get bent out of shape.

 

Obsolescence

Smartphone brands are constantly working on new and updated versions of their handsets, which tempts users to continuously switch their devices for the latest model. What’s important is that you take the time to think about the features you really need on your smartphone, so that you don’t end up paying for things you never use.

 

Usage

Just like any other piece of tech, the daily use of your smartphone is guaranteed to take its toll over time. You can ensure the longevity of your device by keeping it away from excessive dust, cleaning it regularly – and carefully – using a cotton bud, and making sure that you don’t press down on the screen too hard.

 

Apple vs. Samsung – which device lasts the longest?

If you’ve decided that it’s time to invest in a new smartphone, then obviously, you want to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

Two of the leading smartphone manufacturers, Apple and Samsung, recently had their devices tested for their longevity.  Researchers who conducted the study, published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology and cited by Science Daily, found that brand is more important than repairability or memory size in extending the life of a product.

Perhaps surprisingly, the researchers discovered that iPhones have an extra year of typical use than devices made by Samsung. This is despite the fact that the two manufacturers are similar in terms of device quality and innovation.

After assessing depreciation rates based on a range of factors – including battery size, repairability, data capacity and screen size –  the researchers found that Samsung smartphones lose their value quicker and reach the end of their ‘economic’ life after 54 ½ months. Apple smartphones, on the other hand, reach the end of their economic life after 67 months.

Again, it’s worth pointing out that looking after your smartphone is the best thing you can do to extend its life.

 

Best phones for battery life

If battery life is a big deal for you, then TechRadar recently rounded up the best phones with the longest-lasting batteries currently on the market. Some of the top devices on the list include::

 

1. Huawei P30 Pro
   

   This is Huawei’s latest plus-sized phone, boasting a sizeable battery pack along with its impressive quad-lens camera setup. The smartphone can easily last a full day, even if it’s being used to stream films or you’re constantly on social media. This is a great phone for budding photographers, due to its top-notch camera and battery combo.

2. Moto G7 Power
   

   The G7 Power has a hefty battery capacity of 5,000mAh. More than that, though, the device is great for gaming and watching content, thanks to its large display. It’s a big phone, but its quality battery is a good trade-off.

3. Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus
   

   Not only has the S10 Plus got a strong battery life, but its quick wireless and reverse wireless capabilities mean you can easily exchange battery life between devices if you need to. You could easily use this device all day long without it needed a charge.

4. iPhone X
   

   iPhones aren’t typically known for having decent battery life, but the X is optimised in such a way that you wouldn’t be able to tell that it has half of the battery capacity as larger Moto batteries. It can also last all day long without you needing to plug it in.

 

Which is the best phone for you?

If you’re looking to upgrade your phone, lifespan is just one of a number of factors you’ll want to consider when picking the device that’s right for you. Other factors include things like price, features and functionality. Our recent blog, ‘What phone should I buy in 2019?’ may help in your decision.

Whichever smartphone you end up buying, you can take out mobile phone insurance with Gadget Cover. Get a free, no obligation quote today!