How long can a handphone last?

[acsurfer]

I have a Samsung Galaxy S4, and it seems like Lollipop is going to be the last version of Android update for my phone.

1. Assuming that my handphone is in good condition forever, how long can I use it until? Can I use it until 2020, 2030 and above?

2. Newer apps will always be able to be installed into my handphone (Lollipop) correct?

3. Now are there people still using Samsung S1 or S2 or S3? Or maybe Note 1 or Note 2? Do these phones still work today?

Thanks

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

Hello.

While software support for the Galaxy S4 has ended, if you can still get some parts for it like replacement batteries, it should last a good few years. However, as time goes on, you may find yourself needing to upgrade when apps start supporting newer builds of Android (and subsequently dropping support for older ones) and when the move to 64-bit is progressing (the S4 is 32-bit).

To answer your last question, I still have a Galaxy S2 in the house. It still works, but as you'd expect from a 5 year old phone, it's extremely slow.

 

[acsurfer]

S7 and Note 5 are they 64 bit?

I guess only the bit is the main limitation factor that a phone cannot be used anymore? Other stuff like memory, storage space, chip, display, camera only affect performance and speed.

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

S7 and Note 5 are they 64 bit?

I guess only the bit is the main limitation factor that a phone cannot be used anymore? Other stuff like memory, storage space, chip, display, camera only affect performance and speed.

Yes. Both the S7 and Note5 are 64-bit capable.

Explaining how long a phone lasts needs a bit of nuance. It's not just processor, memory, software and architecture that determines how long a phone lasts. It's also up to the manufacturer of the device to determine how long they officially support a device for.

Generally speaking, newer devices with more powerful processors, better memory, faster storage, better displays and cameras have a better chance of lasting a long time. However, while that concerns the general workability of the device, OS and software support is still up to the OEM. Usually, software support is 2 years, but in the case of the Nexus, OS support is 2 years while security patches go for 3 years.

 

[libra89]

Ditto what @D13H4RD2L1V3 said.

As for your last question, my sister uses an S3. To me, the battery is pretty much done but it still works for her. She can still use Instagram, take pictures, do whatever she wants. She has been using it for years, at least three years.

 

[acsurfer]

What does "It's also up to the manufacturer of the device to determine how long they officially support a device for. " actually mean?

If the software support is 2 years (assuming it ends at Lollipop), I can still install apps (32 bits) and use it on my S4 for many years correct?

My thinking is it is the same like PC, correct me if I am wrong. Lets say it in PC form, if I am using Windows XP and the support have stopped (no longer have updates for XP), I can still install software that the requirement is minimum Windows XP.

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

What does "It's also up to the manufacturer of the device to determine how long they officially support a device for. " actually mean?

If the software support is 2 years (assuming it ends at Lollipop), I can still install apps (32 bits) and use it on my S4 for many years correct?

My thinking is it is the same like PC, correct me if I am wrong. Lets say it in PC form, if I am using Windows XP and the support have stopped (no longer have updates for XP), I can still install software that the requirement is minimum Windows XP.

It means that even if a device is theoretically capable of supporting a newer version of the OS, it is up to the manufacturer to determine if they want to make that old device work with the new OS.

And yes, you can still install the latest version of apps on the S4 for some time after support is dropped. However, after a while, due to the evolution of software and the addition of new hardware stuff, you may have to settle for an older version of an app that may have less features compared to the latest version.