---
title: "How long does a smartphone last?"
description: "A smartphone lasts 2–6 yr. How that compares to other things, and where the number comes from."
url: https://atoneplace.net/how-long/smartphone/
site: "At One Place"
---

# How long does a smartphone last?

**Typical lifespan: 2–6 yr**

A pocket computer with a touchscreen and cellular radio.

> Typical replacement interval, not the point of failure.

## How that compares

*Smartphone against things of a similar time.*

- Laptop: 3–8 yr
- Car battery: 3–7 yr
- Red fox: 2–15 yr
- Giant Pacific octopus: 3–5 yr
- Wild turkey: 3–13 yr
- Smartphone: 2–6 yr
- Electric scooter: 2–6 yr
- Raccoon: 2–16 yr

## What that means over time

*Assuming the typical lifespan above and immediate replacement.*

| Period | How many you would buy |
| --- | --- |
| Per year | 0.333 replacements |
| Over 10 years | 3.3 of them |
| Over a 30-year mortgage | 10 of them |

> Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.

## More about a smartphone

- [How much does a smartphone weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/smartphone/) — 130–240 g
- [How much does a smartphone cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/smartphone/) — 100–1,800 $
- [Smartphone vs Tablet](https://atoneplace.net/vs/smartphone-vs-tablet/) — Side by side
- [Smartphone vs Laptop](https://atoneplace.net/vs/laptop-vs-smartphone/) — Side by side

## Common questions

### How long does a smartphone last?

A smartphone lasts 2–6 yr. Typical replacement interval, not the point of failure.

## Related pages

- [How much does a smartphone weigh?](https://atoneplace.net/weight/smartphone/)
- [How much does a smartphone cost?](https://atoneplace.net/cost/smartphone/)
- [How long does a television last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/television/)
- [How long does a laptop last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/laptop/)
- [How long does a desktop computer last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/desktop-computer/)
- [How long does a games console last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/game-console/)
- [How long does a printer last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/printer/)
- [How long does a tablet last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/tablet/)
- [How long does a computer monitor last?](https://atoneplace.net/how-long/computer-monitor/)
- [Smartphone vs Tablet](https://atoneplace.net/vs/smartphone-vs-tablet/)
- [Smartphone vs Laptop](https://atoneplace.net/vs/laptop-vs-smartphone/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)