Purchasing a tablet requires perspective and the ability to ascertain its lifespan. Also, when it comes to the tablet lifespan, it is important to primarily focus on the price point and opt for a device that is expected to last for 4 to 6 years, even if it means paying more upfront.
But then, the tablet retail space is replete with options and therefore, it is nearly impossible to generalize the tablet longevity. Each tablet breed, including iPads, high-end Android tablets, stand-alone drawing tablets, and Windows tablets has a specific stance towards longevity, which is dependent on a host of hardware and software-specific factors.
In the subsequent sections, I shall talk about how long each kind of tablet lasts, which would then help you make a call by collating the same with budget and features.
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How Long Should A Tablet Last?
Well, there is no general guideline as to how long a tablet should last, but the best-case scenario is to have one that serves you well for 4 to 6 years, at least. However, when it comes to the issues, bruises, cracks, abrasions, and software redundancies are common.
But then, as the tablet space is appropriately diverse, different tablets have different lifespans. For example, rugged and durable tablets hardly show signs of wear and tear. Also, graphic and drawing tablets start showing display-specific concerns, quickly enough as the screen is often overused by professionals.
Despite the erratic patterns, tablets do show signs when they need to be replaced. However, you must be aware of the indications to take accurate and time-specific calls.
When should you replace your tablet?
You should consider replacing the tablet if it starts showing the following signs of erosion, regardless of the structural and software-specific composition:
- Eroding battery
- Multiple and frequent app crashes
- Overheating
- Not upgradable to the subsequent software version
- Sluggish app loading
- Perilously slow multitasking performance
- Screen freezes
- Slow or unresponsive charging
- Display cracks
- High repair costs
In case you experience one or some of the issues mentioned here, it might just be the right time to consider a new tablet.
Tablet Lifespan depending on the Type
As mentioned, the life expectancy of a tablet depends on the software variant it runs. Therefore, I shall now segregate the lifespan discussion as per the types of tablets that are currently available in the retail space.
1. Apple iPads
Well, a standard iPad can last for 4 to 5 years, without showing any imminent sign. In case software updates are your primary concerns, an iPad purchased recently or even a few years back, is expected to last for up to 9 years. However, the impact of the updates starts lessening with age. Therefore, it is advisable to consider an upgrade after 5 years or latest, by the time the device turns 6.
2. Android Tablets
The relevance of software upgrades for Android tablets varies with OEM supplying the device. For instance, Samsung promises update support for 3 to even 5 years for flagships. OnePlus supports upgrades for a touch over 3 years. Therefore, it wouldn’t be wrong to assume that the lifespan of an android tablet is significantly lower as compared to iPads as you should replace the same after 4 years.
However, if you only want to use the tablet as a visual resource and aren’t all that concerned about the software upgrades, the tablet can last for up to 6 hours, whereas rugged and durable units can even go as far as 9 years.
3. Windows Tablets
If you believe in replacing a tablet when the software becomes unresponsive to new updates, you should give Windows tablets a try. As the Windows framework doesn’t update all that frequently, you can expect the device to last for 10 to even 15 years, provided you take care of the physical condition.
4. Chrome Tablets
Most Chrome OS tablets like the Lenovo Duet receive updates unless the AUE or rather the ‘Auto Update Expiration’ hits. In most cases, it is close to the 5-year mark.
5. OS-Agnostic Tablets
Graphics and drawing tablets that work as drawing pads are only plagued by physical issues. As you need to use the screen extensively, the display is expected to take the most hit, followed by the shortcut keys. As a general rule of thumb, these tablets can last for almost 5 years and even more, depending on the price.
Factors Involved when Life Span of Tablets are Concerned
If I were to broadly segregate, the lifespan of a tablet depends on the state of the hardware and software of the device. However, if you are into specifics, here are the factors to take note of:
- Battery Life
- App notifications
- Touch Responsiveness
- State of the charging port
- Condition of the volume buttons and power ports
- Availability of accessories to minimize direct interaction
- Speed of multitasking processes
- Storage space
- CPU generation and turbo clock speed
- Tablet Maintenance
Conclusion
Now that I have discussed how long do tablets last, it is important to note that the years aren’t etched in stone and are subject to minor changes. Also, you should keep a close eye on the battery life of the tablets, as in the case of iPads, the CPU downgrades its performance as soon as the battery starts weakening.
Therefore, if you do not want to replace the tablet, on the whole, it is better to switch the battery to give it a renewed performance boost. However, the indications projected by each tablet varies depending on how it has been used and therefore, it is important to take care of the device from every possible aspect to make it last longer and adequately performant.
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