We have become heavily dependent on smartphones. Whether it’s to find the nearest food spot, solve a complex problem, or do something minor lookup weather updates, we depend on smartphones to get through the day. A little hiccup with your phone can send you into a tizzy. So, with so much at risk, we are here with some common symptoms of a dying phone. When you notice any (or many) of these signs, it may be time to say your goodbyes and invest in a better model.
Note: We previously discussed common phone problems and their quick fixes. These are different from signs of a dying smartphone.
With that out of the way, let’s dive right in.
Common & Irreversible Signs of A Dying Phone
Whether you’re using an Android phone or an iPhone, watch out for the signs below. These signs are common in all types of smartphones.
1. The Screen Starts Flickering or Showing Dead Pixels
One of the most obvious signs of a dying smartphone is dead pixels or a flickering screen. After all, the screen is your primary phone interface. It’s also one of the most delicate parts of the phone. So when you notice a flickering image, it indicates a problem with the panel or the data cable that feeds it. These issues are hard to resolve (unless you change the panel entirely) and only worsen over time. Therefore, you should either get ready to change the phone or get it repaired as soon as possible. Remember, the lesser the damage, the less expensive the repair.
2. The Battery Isn’t Holding A Charge
According to experts, most phone batteries (lithium-ion) last an average of 3 to 5 years. That’s about 500 to 800 charge cycles. However, these estimates can vary depending on several factors, such as how often you charge and to what capacity. Even if you keep your phone well-maintained, the battery will slowly lose its ability to hold a charge. This is an inevitable part of the battery’s lifecycle. So, when you notice that your battery isn’t holding a charge and dissipates it very soon, it may be a sign that the phone is nearing its end.
3. You’re Constantly Asking Yourself, “What Happened To My Phone?”
If your phone is acting funny, it may be too late already. Whether some buttons aren’t working, or something else, It’s time for an upgrade if you can’t remember the last time you used your phone without it freezing up or misbehaving in some way. How can you tell if your device is dying? If everything was working fine before and suddenly started malfunctioning, this could mean something wrong with your phone that needs attention immediately. Do not ignore signs like these!
4. Excessive Heating and Slowing Down In A Dying Phone
If your phone starts feeling warm to the touch or heats up when you’re not using it, there’s a problem. This is one of the most serious signs of a dying phone. Excessive heating indicates some hardware damage inside, and if you continue using the phone, it could explode. No, seriously. It’s happened before. So, if you notice this symptom, get your phone checked by a professional immediately.
5. Crashing Apps are causing Sudden Shutdowns And Restarts
We have all been there. You’re in the middle of an important task, and suddenly, your phone crashes. This happens more often than we care to admit, but if it’s frequently happening, it may be a sign that your phone is dying. When apps start crashing and causing the phone to restart on its own, it’s a sign that the processor is overworked and can’t handle the load anymore. This could also be a software issue that can be resolved by resetting the phone or factory resetting it. However, if the problem persists, it’s time to get a new phone.
6. You Never Have Enough Storage
Do you constantly have to delete photos and uninstall apps because your storage is full? While you can always upgrade the storage in the form of a better microSD card, it isn’t always possible. Even phones have an upgrade limit. For instance, older models come with approximately 4 or 8GB of memory storage, which doesn’t cut it with modern apps. If you don’t use a ton of apps (mostly gaming apps) and still use a regular phone camera, 64GB is the bare-minimum memory you should go for. However, most modern smartphones today come with around 1 TB of memory storage, which comes in handy for storing lots of photos.
7. The Camera Has Become Terrible
Today, all of us use our phones as personal cameras. But it’s time to change your smartphone if your photos are coming out cringe-worthy, with grainy details and washed-out colors. Even budget smartphones come with more-than-decent cameras these days. Usually, if your phone’s camera is in single-digit megapixels (your phone will likely have this number beside the camera lens), it’s probably time to consider a replacement. In most cases, the more megapixels, the better the resolution, but not always. Regular mobile phones today have up to 48 megapixels and even more. High-end smartphones like Samsung Z Fold 4 come with even higher 50 megapixels.
8. Tech Support Isn’t Available Anymore
Depending on your smartphone’s age, the manufacturer or your local repair shop may mark it obsolete and stop providing technical support. Usually, phone manufacturers discontinue a particular model in 4 to 5 years. But it’s never a given with the rate of change technology is going through these days. When that happens, you will no longer be able to get any replacement parts or technical assistance. It means if you accidentally drop your phone or it starts glitching out on its own, there’s nothing you can do except get your hands on a new phone.
Final Thoughts About Dying Phones
So, these were some of the most common and irreversible signs of a dying phone. They indicate it’s time to get a new phone. It’s important to take stock of these signs, so you know what to look for during the life of your phone. Your phone is a crucial part of your daily life, and you don’t want it to die on you when you need it the most. Watch out for these signs and when you notice any of them, know that it’s time to part ways with your favorite gadget.
