How Long Should Your Tech Actually Last?
We've all been there: your phone suddenly won't hold a charge, or your expensive earbuds stop working on one side. Before you throw them away or spend hundreds on an upgrade, read our practical guides below to find out if your device is actually dead, or if it just needs a quick fix.
The Reality of Tech Upgrades
It feels like electronics break faster these days, and honestly, you aren't imagining things. As devices get smaller and pack in more features, they rely on tiny internal batteries that eventually just get tired of charging. But here is the secret most manufacturers won't tell you: the vast majority of "broken" tech is actually completely fine—it’s usually just a clogged charging port, a worn-out cable, or a battery that needs a cheap replacement.
The "Repair vs. Replace" Rule of Thumb
Not sure if you should fix your current device or just buy a new one? Use our golden rule:
- If it costs more than 50% of the device's current value to fix it: It is time to replace it. A $200 screen repair on a phone that is only worth $300 today isn't a smart investment.
- If the manufacturer stopped providing security updates: Replace it immediately. Using an old Android phone without security patches makes your banking apps and personal data extremely vulnerable.
- If the only problem is that it dies too quickly: Fix it! A $50 battery replacement at a local repair shop can make a 3-year-old phone feel brand new again.
Find Your Device Below
Select your device below to see exactly how long it should last, the warning signs that it is actually dying, and practical tips to squeeze an extra year or two out of it.