We're seeing more and more high-end old models being repurposed as versatile devices: basic tablets, multimedia players, or even security cameras. This trend is driven by their still-sufficient power for simple tasks, combined with attractive prices in the second-hand market. Some users also leverage them to test apps or a new OS before upgrading to a recent model. Do you ever use an old model for other purposes? If so, what for?
Older smartphone models are changing roles.
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Doesn’t this kind of reuse create a long-term environmental problem? Keeping an old flagship running as a secondary device might delay the purchase of a new one, but what about its overall lifespan? A vintage flagship, even when used as a basic tablet, will eventually drain its battery in two or three years. At that point, you either toss it (which is wasteful) or replace the battery (a costly and often logistically tricky process for older models). Not to mention software updates becoming increasingly problematic, leaving the device unstable or vulnerable after just a few years. Is this really worth it from a CSR standpoint, or is it just a last-ditch effort before planned obsolescence kicks in?