Despite glossy marketing and annual launch events, most American consumers are not rushing to buy the latest smartphones. A new survey by Reviews.org shows that the average user keeps their phone for two years and five months. Other surveys suggest even much longer first-time usage time up to close to four years. This finding challenges the image of constant upgrading suggested by major smartphone brands. According to the same survey, the average price paid for a smartphone is € 602, far below the typical retail price of new flagship models. The most common Apple iPhone in American pockets today is the Apple iPhone 13, a model released four years ago. Kelly Huh, a staff writer at Reviews.org, said the findings reveal that consumers are becoming more practical. “It shows that people aren’t going for the latest and greatest phones,” Huh said. “They’re getting a used phone, or getting a hand-me-down.”
Premium features, premium prices
While both models offer improved battery performance, wireless charging, and camera upgrades, their cost has pushed many consumers to reconsider frequent upgrades. For many, the decision to hold on to an older device is as much financial as it is practical.
Consumers delay upgrades beyond three years
Data from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) supports this shift. One-third of Apple iPhone buyers in 2024 had used their previous phone for more than three years. Verizon’s former CEO, Hans Vestberg, confirmed the trend in a 2024 interview, saying that customers “now hold their phone way over 36 months.”
This slowdown in the replacement cycle reflects a changing smartphone landscape. Modern devices, while more expensive, are also more durable and capable of lasting through multiple software updates.
Performance and battery top upgrade reasons
When Reviews.org asked consumers why they eventually upgrade, the most common reasons were faster performance (22%), battery issues (18%), and new features (13%). Only 8% cited a desire to own the newest model. CIRP analysts Michael Levin and Josh Lowitz noted that even with the excitement surrounding new models like the Apple iPhone 17, most buyers today will not replace a working phone simply for new features.
Refurbished phones gain ground
Courtney Lindwall, a home and tech writer at Consumer Reports, believes extending a phone’s life is often the smarter move. “If your phone can no longer get security patches or system upgrades, that’s probably the time to upgrade,” she said. “Beyond that, there are ways to extend your phone’s life that don’t require buying an entirely new device.” Lindwall recommends certified refurbishing programs, such as Apple’s official refurbishment service. “A refurbished phone from the right kind of program can be basically indistinguishable from a new phone,” she said.
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