Smartphones are literally our best friends and constant companions, but it gets so annoying when they start lagging at their demanding best. Tired of poor battery drainage or sluggish performance and then storage becomes less, many of us have been through the torture when the most trusted device starts turning into a burden.
But before you head off to see the many offers they have in stores this holiday season, here’s an important thing to think about—these very simple hardware upgrades can be quite affordable and can add many years to your smartphone use.
- Battery replacement
Imagine you are out and about with friends, trying to capture those ecstatic moments on your phone and suddenly the phone just went blank. That’s frustrating, isn’t it?
On average, a cell phone battery normally holds charge for about 2-3 years and, as that time approaches — the ability to hold a charge properly diminishes significantly. This shortens the time you have for using the cell phone and may lead to a sudden shut-off while you are right in the middle of those important moments.
Replacement of batteries is usually not a difficult thing to do. If you know your way around basic electronics, you will easily find replacement batteries on the internet according to your specific smartphone model. Many tutorials are available that guide you through the process step by step. Alternatively, if DIY isn’t your style, local repair shops offer battery replacement services at reasonable prices.
Installing a new battery can prove to be a magical experience for you in using your smartphone. You will get to use it longer and feel less worried about charging it throughout the day. However, with a new battery, normal performance improves —across the board, your apps load faster, and your phone responds much quicker during heavy use like gaming or video streaming.
- Increasing RAM
Have you ever found yourself irritated at the long wait as the switching of apps seemed so hard to perform on your mobile? It could be time that you consider an improvement in the RAM (random access memory) attached to your device. Not enough RAM would slow down operations and crash applications while attempting multiple tasks or even using several resource-rich applications.
Before diving into this whole process, know if your phone is built for RAM upgrades—there are many models today that have soldered RAM, making it impossible to replace. However, for owners of modular phones (like Fairphone), the task is as difficult as changing the old module out for a bigger one.
Increasing your RAM means a better experience overall indeed. Having some set-aside memory will allow your phone to handle various applications simultaneously without the ugly hitches. It comes with automatic and fast-launching for applications and better performance during heavy-duty usage – which is for the multitasking and gaming people.
- Expanding storage
Lack of enough storage space is among the most prevalent frustrations that come with using a smartphone. The storage here refers to that space left after taking photos on adventures; or to download applications that one may wish to try out but know the limited space.
For smartphones with micro SD card slots, an external card can be added, which is pretty much the so-called significant way to increase storage capabilities are cards that can give you as much as 1TB more space! All you need is to put the microSD card in the slot and format it through phone settings; then it is ready to be up and running.
Those who don’t have microSD cards can use cloud storage providers like Google Drive, Dropbox; online file storage. These can help you to free up your space, bypassing all the important documents stored in the device, and saving space while keeping access to your important documents.
Expanded storage means you do not have to delete any more precious photos and favorite apps ever again. More space provides one with even more such things without abandoning or compromising on some previously.
- Upgrading the camera
Almost all smart users consider cameras among the most necessary features of a smartphone. If you love photography but the camera of your device doesn’t satisfy you, then you might want to invest in an upgrade; it’s worth it especially if you have a modular phone, allowing you to swap the camera.
Research if your smartphone model can support camera upgrades and buy a compatible module if available. Many companies dedicated to professional phone repair will certainly be available if you are unsure how to install the upgrade for your device.
Enhanced camera modules significantly boost photo quality by offering higher resolution, improved low-light performance, and advanced features like optical zoom. These improvements empower users to capture stunning images that rival those taken with dedicated cameras.
- Using external accessories
External attachments, while not genuine hardware upgrades in the traditional sense, can immensely complement your everyday use of a smartphone. Additional functionality without any internal change is what accessories deliver.
Types of accessories;
- Battery cases: These are handy cases that come with built-in batteries; they will offer extra power when needed wonderful for intensive users or people who spend hours without seeing any charger.
- Clip-on lenses: If you are serious about taking photography from an amateur level to a more professional one, then clip-on lenses will serve the purpose. You can get wide-angle, macro lenses without buying a new device.
- High-quality headphones: Audiophiles would surely invest in these types of headphones or earbuds as their music and calls would only be better since the sound is richer.
See also: Tecno buds 3 earbuds review: Could be audiophile’s delight
These types of hardware add an extra dimension of functionality to what you have without requiring a huge investment in new hardware. These modifications will allow you to customize your devices as per your needs.
Considerations before upgrading
Before making any hardware upgrades, consider the following essentials. First, check if the replacement parts or accessories are compatible with your smartphone. Then weigh the upgrade costs with the anticipated boost in performance and usability. Furthermore, some manufacturers design their devices with limitations for user access on certain components; check if it is possible to upgrade your model before doing so.
