A new battery costing $10 to $80 and a few simple habits could help an older Android phone last longer, as phone prices climb.
Before paying hundreds of dollars for a new phone, try a new battery. Engadget reports that a worn-out battery is often behind a slow, laggy Android phone, and replacing it can cost $10 to $80. A few free habits can help too.
IDC forecasts the average smartphone price will top $580 in 2026, up nearly 28 percent from last year. Engadget ties the jump to a global memory shortage. Carrier deals that promise a free phone deserve a close read. The cost may be hidden in financing or expensive data plans.
A weak battery charges more slowly and drains faster than it did when new. It can also slow the whole phone, because it cannot deliver the quick bursts of power the processor needs. The result is slow loading, lag and sometimes freezing. Many people blame the phone and buy a new one.
Turn on your phone's battery-saving mode. It dials back features such as screen brightness to use less power. Some Google Pixel phones also have Adaptive Battery, which limits how long rarely used apps run. Many Samsung phones put less-used apps to sleep to save power.
Charging habits matter too. Engadget suggests keeping the charge between 20 and 80 percent, even overnight. Citing LiTime, it says this reduces chemical stress on the battery and can help it last two to three times longer than one that is always charged to 100 percent.
A sturdy case and a screen protector improve your grip and absorb shock if the phone falls. A rubber or silicone case may not look sleek. Still, a case for an older phone costs little, while a shattered screen could push you into buying a new phone.
Software updates bring security patches that close gaps hackers could use. Many apps also need the newest Android version to keep working properly. The catch is that new versions are built for newer phones. An older processor with less memory may struggle, and the phone can get slower. Engadget says that tradeoff may still be worth it.
No phone lasts forever, and eventually you will need to replace it. These steps could let you wait a bit longer.
If your Android phone feels slow, try a new battery and gentler charging habits before spending hundreds on a replacement.
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