Technology moves at a rapid pace, and this is especially true for smartphones. Every year we see new models released with faster processors, better cameras, and more advanced features. But this constant forward momentum means that older devices quickly become outdated and obsolete. So which phones are nearing the end of their lifespan and will soon be obsolete? Let’s take a look.
What Factors Make a Phone Obsolete?
There are a few key factors that contribute to a smartphone becoming obsolete:
- Age – Once a phone is more than 2-3 years old, it’s generally considered outdated by industry standards.
- Operating System – Phones that can’t update to the latest OS version lose access to new features and security updates.
- Specs – Older processors, low RAM/storage, and dated screen technology makes using a phone frustrating.
- Software Support – When apps and services stop supporting older OS versions, core phone functionality is lost.
- Network Support – Carriers phasing out 3G and 4G networks will render some older phones unusable.
When phones begin hitting several of these criteria, they are clearly on the path to obsolescence.
Phones Likely to Become Obsolete Soon
Here are the smartphone models that are showing their age and are likely to become obsolete in the near future:
iPhone 6S/6S Plus
Released in 2015, the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus are now 7 generations behind. While these phones can run up to iOS 15, they are nearing the end of software support. With the A9 chip and a dated camera and screen, performance and image quality suffer. Lack of 5G connectivity is also a factor as networks transition away from LTE.
iPhone 7/7 Plus
The iPhone 7 series was released in 2016 and is still supported up to iOS 16. However, the A10 chip is dated and 5G is not supported. The camera and display are also lacking compared to new models. While they may get another year of use, these phones are clearly showing their age.
Galaxy S7/S7 Edge
Samsung’s 2016 flagship phones are now 3 generations behind. They launched with Android Marshmallow and only support up to Android 8 Oreo. The Exynos 8890 chip provides mediocre performance by today’s standards. With no 5G connectivity and an outdated camera, the S7 series is nearing obsolescence.
LG G5
The modular LG G5 was an interesting design concept in 2016, but lackluster sales led to its discontinuation after just one year. It launched with Android Marshmallow and LG provided an update to Nougat. However, it’s stuck on an outdated version of Android with poor performance specs for today’s demanding apps and games.
Google Pixel
Google’s original Pixel and Pixel XL phones were released in 2016. They launched with Android Nougat and received updates up to Android 10. However, Google has now declared them obsolete and they won’t get Android 11 or any future updates. Dated specs like the Snapdragon 821 chip make them increasingly unusable as apps advance.
OnePlus 3/3T
OnePlus phones are popular for their value pricing. But the OnePlus 3 and 3T from 2016 are now 2 generations behind. They launched with Android Marshmallow, receiving updates up to Android 9 Pie. But with outdated internals like the Snapdragon 820, they provide a poor experience. Lack of 5G and further software updates also contributes to their obsolescence.
Signs Your Phone is Nearing Obsolescence
Wondering if your phone is nearing the end of its viable lifespan? Here are some telltale signs:
- No longer receiving software updates
- Apps crashing or stuttering frequently
- Poor battery life
- Overheating when using demanding apps/games
- Slow processing speed and laggy performance
- Low storage space
- Problems connecting to new 5G networks
- Blurry, low quality photos
- Cracked or broken screen
If you notice several of these issues, it’s likely a sign that your phone is obsolete and due to be replaced. Software updates and apps are designed for the latest hardware, and your outdated phone simply can’t keep up anymore.
When Should You Replace Your Phone?
So when is the right time to retire your old phone and upgrade to something newer? Here are some general guidelines:
– After 2-3 years: Performance starts declining as hardware ages. Newer models will be significantly faster.
– When software updates end: Losing updates means losing access to new OS features and security patches. Time to upgrade.
– When apps are no longer supported: Outdated OS versions will eventually lose app compatibility.
– When your carrier drops older network support: Once 3G and 4G networks start getting phased out, outdated phones will stop working.
– When the battery life declines substantially: Batteries degrade over time. If your phone dies too quickly, it’s a sign of obsolescence.
– When it’s broken or damaged: Once the screen is cracked or components like the charging port stop working, it becomes unusable.
– When new features are desired: If you find yourself wanting new capabilities like better cameras, faster performance, or 5G connectivity, it’s a cue to upgrade.
Conclusion
While it’s difficult to predict the exact moment a phone will become obsolete, we can look at signs like age, software support, specs, and network compatibility to gauge which models are nearing the end of viability. Right now, phones like the iPhone 6S/6S Plus, Galaxy S7/S7 Edge, and LG G5 are clearly in the danger zone. When your phone is more than 2-3 years old and starts exhibiting issues like slow performance and poor battery life, it’s likely time to retire it and upgrade to a newer model. But with some phones lasting longer than others, it’s ultimately a judgement call based on your experience.