Survey: Android Users Upgrade Their Phones More Frequently Than iPhone Users

Highlights

• A CIRP survey reveals that 57% of Android users upgrade their phones within two years.
• Compared to this, only 34% of iPhone users upgrade their devices.

In the Android Vs iPhone battle, we now have another data point to debate about. A recent survey conducted by Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP) revealed Android users are quicker to upgrade their phones compared to iPhone users.

The CIRP survey covered the year ending in June 2024 and showed that around 57% of Android users replaced their last phone within two years as compared to only 34% of iPhone users doing the same.

On the other hand, iPhone users usually hold onto their phones for a longer period of time.

The survey found that 32% of iPhone users kept their previous phones for over three years. Compared to this, only 21% of Android users continue using their phones for that long a period.

One of the most obvious reasons for this could be the wide range of Android phones available at different price points in the market.

Moreover, the flooding of budget-friendly Android models in the smartphone market could also be a reason.

Most entry-level phones are not built to last and specs usually become outdated in a short span of time. This can often compel users to update their Android Devices faster, sometimes within three or fewer years.

Another factor contributing to Android users upgrading more frequently is affordability.

Low-cost Android phones make it easier for users to purchase a new device sooner. 

Moreover, Android devices are produced by a wide range of manufacturers, who often provide different features. It gives Android users the option to switch brands to find phones with specific capabilities.

We have seen studies previously highlighted the fact that iPhones retain more value over time.

And if we compare the software updates available both both types of smartphones, the picture gets clearer.

Both Samsung and Google offer around seven years of Android system updates for their flagship models. Other Android phones available in the market often lose support earlier than that. In comparison, iPhones usually receive updates for longer.

The survey also reveals interesting insights for users who prefer buying second-hand phones. It is suggested that Android users are trading in many devices that are under two years old.

These phones often still have modern processors and features similar to current models. It makes these phones a good option for budget-conscious buyers.

In contrast, the second-hand market for iPhones isn’t that viable.

For example, Apple this year introduced its Apple Intelligence feature. To support this AI technology, iPhones need at least 8GB of RAM. This basically means that only newer models like the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max will be able to run Apple Intelligence. That too when these iPhones roll out iOS 18.1.

This makes finding a second-hand iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max more challenging.

Also, second-hand iPhone prices could be high, which isn’t always convincing to pay when buying a used gadget.

However, the whole iPhone users upgrade less frequently theory may finally see a change. The new iPhone 16 model that supports Apple Intelligence is an attractive option to upgrade for anyone who wants to try Apple Intelligence.

FAQs

Q1. How often do Android users upgrade their phones compared to iPhone users?

Answer. According to a CIRP survey, 57% of Android users upgrade their phones within two years, whereas only 34% of iPhone users do the same.

Q2. Why do Android users upgrade their phones more frequently than iPhone users?

Answer. Android users often upgrade more frequently due to the wide range of affordable options available. Budget-friendly models with specs that become outdated quickly encourage more frequent upgrades.

Q3. What challenges exist in the second-hand market for iPhones?

Answer. The second-hand market for iPhones is less viable because newer models required for features like Apple Intelligence are hard to find and often priced high. This makes it difficult for buyers to find affordable, recent iPhone models.

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