It is a tedious ordeal of having to stay updated with the latest smartphone because your current one is reaching the end of its lifespan. The reasons for the end include wear and tear of the hardware, or the model of your smartphone is not compatible with the latest software. However, there is now good news, as various facilities and features will now ensure that your phone will endure for longer now.
Google and Samsung, two mobile manufacturing giants, have started providing software updates that stay relevant for 7 years, similar to Apple. Currently, updates for most smartphones stop coming after 3 years of launch. In such a situation, the user is forced to buy a new phone. However, after the introduction of 'Right to Repair' laws in many countries, companies are having to change their strategy to increase sales. With this, the average life of these phones is now 7 years.
Experts say that Google has started this feature with their Pixel 8, 8A smartphones, while Samsung have started this feature for their Galaxy S24. Both are moving forward on the path of Apple. Now there will be pressure on other companies to adopt it. According to experts, the argument of phone manufacturers was that all mobiles need to update their software, as the technical process of maintaining outdated software is very complex. In such a situation, to increase profits, companies stop supporting software updates after a few years. However, there is now a huge pressure on all technology companies to make their devices long-lasting.
What is Right to Repair Act?
Right to repair laws have been recognized in many countries including the US, UK and the European Union. Under this, consumers have access to affordable repair mobile phones, appliances and other electronic devices by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or third-party repairers. The aim is to offer a cheaper alternative to expensive replacements to the customers, instead of buying new products altogether. In foreign countries, the product has to be manufactured in the service center of the same company.
In India, The Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MCA) has set up a Right to Repair portal that allows citizens to get their gadgets and vehicles repaired without losing warranty. The list of company that are registered on the portal include companies from automotive, smartphone and consumer durables industries. These are Apple, Samsung, Realme, Oppo, HP, Boat, Panasonic, LG, Kent, Havells, Microtek, Luminous among others. Automobile companies like Hero Motocorp and Honda Motorcycle are also registered on the portal.
After the enactment of the Right to Repair companies have to repair the defective product. Under the provisions, a company cannot outright deny repairs to their products. In fact, due to the stringent repair policies of companies regarding repairs, e-waste is also increasing along with consumer spending. According to a report, more than 20 crore such gadgets, including mobiles and laptops, are lying idle in Indian homes alone.
What can you do to ensure a longer lifespan of your smartphone?
Software updates alone are not enough to extend the life of the phone. For this, it is also necessary to replace Lithium-ion batteries after 2 years. However, professional help should be taken in this.
• Charging port, speaker hole should be cleaned frequently.
• When buying a phone, keep in mind the principle of 'what it will do now', not what might be possible in the future.
• Choose a phone with a better camera and longer battery life that is cheaper to repair if it breaks.