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Is it time to question the yearly release cycle for phones? (lemmy.zip)

submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) by shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zip to c/technology@lemmy.world

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So recently I've been seeing the trend where Android OEMs such as Google, Samsung, etc. have been extending their software release times up to like five, six, and seven years after device release. Clearly, phone hardware has gotten to the point where it can support software for that long, and computers have been in that stage for a very long time. From what I can tell, the only OEM that does this currently might be Fairphone.

Edit: The battery is the thing that goes the fastest so manufacturers could just offer new batteries and that would solve a lot of the problem.

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[–] Dariusmiles2123@sh.itjust.works 12 points 2 weeks ago (4 children)

I don’t think there would be any advantage in stopping yearly releases.

I think individuals should stop buying new phones often and that you should still be able to use a 15 year old phone just like you can use a 15 year old computer without security risks (with Linux).

That’s what the system or laws should encourage.

[–] ColeSloth@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 2 weeks ago (3 children)

Well 15 years won't quite work as well due to cell frequency changes and the occasional fundamental software changes, but people could really stand to keep their phones for like 5 years no problem. New stuff coming out isn't usually "revolutionary" most of the time. AI isn't cool enough to want right now, and picture stuff only ever gets a minor improvement. Same for battery life or screen quality.

[–] JovialMicrobial@lemm.ee 1 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Do people really buy new phones every year? I keep mine for a minimum of 4-5 years and always have. I had one for so long that it was no longer supported and I was forced to upgrade.

I guess I just never paid attention to how often other people get new phones, but every year seems excessive.

[–] ColeSloth@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 2 weeks ago

I'd say every other year is pretty close to average.

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