Guides
The thinking behind every number on PhoneLifespan— how long phones really last, why it's about software and not specs, and how to spend your money so a phone stays safe for years.
Start here · Buying basicsHow Long Should a Phone Last? The Honest Answer
It isn't the battery or the screen. A phone's real expiry date is the day its security updates stop — and you can find that date before you buy.
Read the guide → (7 min)Why Software Updates Matter More Than Specs
A faster chip won't save a phone that stops getting security patches. Here's what actually happens when the updates run out.
Read → (6 min)ComparisonsAndroid vs iPhone: Which Lasts Longer in 2026?
Apple's long reign on updates finally has real competition. Here's how the support windows actually compare now — with the data.
Read → (7 min)MoneyThe True Cost of a Cheap Phone
A $150 phone with a year of updates left can cost more per month than an $800 flagship. Here's the math nobody shows you.
Read → (6 min)How-toHow to Check If Your Phone Still Gets Security Updates
Two minutes in your settings tells you whether your phone is still protected — and exactly what to do if it isn't.
Read → (5 min)Want the formulas behind the verdicts? See our methodology →