Above all, choose a phone built to last
In other words, a robust device, resistant to all types of environments and uses. To compare devices objectively on the criterion of durability, there are several standards, such as the IP standard, which measures protection against dust and water, the IK standard, which measures the screen's resistance to shocks, and the MIL-STD-810H military standards.
Repairability is also a key criterion for extending the life of a device. This is possible when your phone is designed so that you can easily replace the parts most likely to break. In France, a reparability index, whose calculation criteria have been drawn up by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, gives you information on a device's ability to be repaired.
Another tip for choosing a smartphone designed to last is the warranty period offered by the manufacturer. Crosscall sets itself apart from other cell phone manufacturers by offering its users a five-year manufacturer's warranty from the date of purchase. This also includes the battery (4), a unique commitment in the mobile phone industry.
Also remember to check the duration of software updates (security and OS upgrades) so that you can enjoy your products for longer, without having to change them!
Now that you've chosen a phone that's built to last, here are a few tips on how to look after it every day.
managing the charging and discharging of your smartphone's battery
The key to a battery that lasts over time is not to let your smartphone discharge completely, but to avoid leaving it on charge for too long. A phone's battery is like a car's rev counter: below 20% you're under-revving, above 80% you're overheating! Many phones offer an 80% charge limit, so you can charge your smartphone with peace of mind!
On the other hand, so-called "fast charge" modes are too intense and degrade your device's battery faster. If you can, the best thing to do is to anticipate your smartphone's charging times, to give it the time it needs to recharge!
Finally, a word of advice: each manufacturer has different charging algorithms, so be sure to find out which charger model is best suited to your phone! In general, it's best to use the charger sold with your phone, or the one recommended by the manufacturer.
Be aware of outdoor conditions when using your phone
Extreme temperatures can damage your phone both immediately and permanently. These degrade the chemical balance necessary for the battery to function properly. So don't leave your phone in the sun or near a heat source, especially when it's switched on.
Like heat, damp or dusty environments can also damage your phone's internal components. To mitigate these risks and guarantee optimal use, Crosscall offers its users devices with high waterproof ratings, able to withstand temperatures ranging from -40° to +71° depending on the model .
Taking care of your operating system
Even if you love to immortalize life's moments by taking photos,it's advisable not to overload your phone with media or heavy applications. As soon as the memory is 80% full, the phone's performance and speed drop drastically. The best thing to do is to sort your phone regularly to free up space.
Regularly update your smartphone's system, particularly for security reasons. These will help your phone resist the ever more cunning cyberattacks.
Finally, turn off your phone from time to time to allow it to empty its "cache". The cache stores data, so you don't have to download it every time you open an application. Emptying the cache gets rid of your applications' short-term memory.
Taking care of your screen
One of the most frequent causes of phone replacement is broken screens. Over 80% of smartphone repairs involve broken screens (5). If necessary, we recommend protecting your screen with tempered glass.
To reinforce the durability of its devices, Crosscall has chosen to equip its screens with a polymer foam undercoat, as well as opting for highly resistant Gorilla Glass. The design of the edges of its smartphones has also been thought out to protect the screen as much as possible in the event of a fall.
The screen can also become damaged over time if overused. We recommend reducing brightness by setting it to an automatic mode that adapts to ambient light. Reducing brightness from 80% to 60% will save several hours of battery life (6). Also, don' t leave your screen on for too long: set it to a sleep mode so that it switches off automatically when you're not using it.
Think repair!
Check your warranty coverage. It is also possible to have your terminal repaired out of warranty by contacting the after-sales service. In this case, a charge will be made for the repair, but it is often less expensive than buying a new smartphone.
Give your smartphone a new lease on life!
Once your smartphone has lived a (long) first life in your hands, there are still solutions that can give it a second youth!
If your phone is still working, you can give it to a friend or relative, or have it reconditioned by sending it to the manufacturer or any other organization that offers this service.
Finally, if your phone really is at the end of its life, you can drop it off at a collection point - often found in cell phone stores, for example - or return it to your operator. In any case, never throw your phone in the garbage can, as this will prevent it from being recycled properly.
Now you know what you have to do!