How Often Should You Upgrade?
In this digital era, modern cell phones positively influence so much in terms of personal and business objectives that it’s tough not to depend on one when navigating everyday life. However, since technology advances so quickly, keeping up with all of the newly released systems and devices may be challenging. When your smartphone becomes old, you’ll find that applications crash more often, software updates are incompatible, and you can’t download new slot games or other products at all. In this scenario, how often should you upgrade your smartphone in order to make sure you can still work the slots?
Buying a smartphone is a costly venture, and it may be disheartening when you upgrade your gadget only to find out that another version will be released a few months later. If you like having the most recent technology in your hands, seek a carrier that provides more frequent upgrades.
They also have monthly payment plans, allowing you to spread the cost out over time. This may assist you in staying current while also relieving financial stress. However, just because you have a choice of an upgrade does not imply that you should always accept it. Today, we’ll discuss whether upgrading your Android phone in 2022 is worthwhile.
Will You Be Rendered Obsolete This Year?
According to Gartner, when mobile carriers switch to 5G networks in 2022, many older devices will become obsolete. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States advises consumers that if they use phones that are a few years old, they may be unable to send text messages, access the Internet, or make phone calls, including 911 calls.
This is because as mobile carriers attempt to update their networks in order to take advantage of the most recent technology, they must periodically shut down obsolete services, such as 3G, to make room for new services, such as 5G. Similar transitions have happened in the past, and AT&T has said that its 3G network would be decommissioned by February 2022.
Verizon announced that it would shut down its 3G network during the same time period by December 31st, 2022. T-Mobile then announced that it would complete the closure of Sprint’s 3G CDMA network by March 31st, 2022, and the shutdown of Sprint’s 4G LTE network by June 30th, 2022.
Furthermore, it has been said that T-3G Mobile’s UMTS network will be decommissioned by July 1st, 2022, although no date has been set for its 2G network. Consider the potential of being unable to call for help, just because you are using an old phone.
For Software Addicts, Android 12
Android 12 was unveiled at Google I/O 2021 and made available to the public on October 4th as part of the Android Open-Source Project (AOSP). Immediately after the Google Pixel 6 was released on October 19th, people had access to Android 12. Still, the company has not issued an official list of devices that are compatible with the new operating system. Many phones launched in the last year or two will almost certainly get Android 12, while others may have to wait.
Given that the Pixel 3 and 4a smartphones also support the beta, it is almost guaranteed that they will touch every current Pixel phone, beginning with the Pixel 3 and moving to the next Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro models. Later this year, Samsung, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi smartphones are scheduled to get the Android 12 upgrade. On the other hand, device manufacturers will be in charge of getting Android 12 onto your phone, which may take months.
So, don’t be surprised if your smartphone doesn’t get the update until 2022. Meanwhile, the new software is available in beta for a limited number of devices, as well as a number of Pixel-branded phones. Currently, the Samsung Galaxy S21 is the best Android model on the market, so that is a worthwhile upgrade compatible with the Android 12 update.
Google has released Material You, a new Material Design language for Android 12, which is a thorough rethinking of the user experience across the whole operating system. The most recent beta version has rounded buttons, a comprehensive range of colors, improved motion and animations, and other enhancements.
Color extraction even enables you to pick a wallpaper. The system will automatically apply the dominant, complimentary, and best-looking colors from that wallpaper to the rest of the UI, including the notification shade, lock screen, and volume controls. Google has made it a priority to guarantee that Android 12 is installed on all of the new Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro devices, which boast an in-screen fingerprint sensor, better cameras, and more.
So, Should I Upgrade?
Before deciding whether or not to upgrade, it’s critical to assess what you truly need from a device. Despite technology evolving at a rapid speed, when comparing one smartphone to the previous one, you will frequently discover that not much has changed. Mostly, aesthetic modifications are made, such as changing the text sizes and styles, the overall size, color, and functionalities. On a regular basis, the picture quality and security components are also enhanced.
These aren’t particularly compelling reasons to spend hundreds of dollars. If all you want to do with your smartphone is snap pictures, make phone calls and messages, browse the Internet, and play a few games, you don’t need to upgrade it every year.
However, the world will outgrow your device, and your smartphone will no longer be deemed “smart” enough. You will be unable to do software updates or download new applications on it at this time and furthermore, if you wish to buy accessories, such as fitness armbands or chargers, you may find it difficult to locate them. If you use your phone for both professional and personal needs, it may be useful to upgrade your operating system more often so that you are always up-to-date with the newest versions.
