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The Basis for Estimating Smartphone Lifespan: Identifying Factors That Affect In-Use Lifespan

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  • Gordana Kordić

    (University of Zagreb, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, Vukelićeva 4, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Ivan Grgurević

    (University of Zagreb, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, Vukelićeva 4, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

Abstract

Research on smartphone lifespan is of high interest nowadays due to the growing number of smartphone users and the environmental impact associated with device turnover. Although the concept of smartphone lifespan varies in the literature, research defines the in-use lifespan as the period during which the user finds the device useful, i.e., until it becomes obsolete. Smartphone obsolescence is primarily influenced by both technological and psychological factors, making them the key determinants of the device’s lifespan. For this reason, it is essential to dedicate more research efforts to understanding smartphone lifespan and to developing clear guidelines and policies that can shift users’ perceptions, thereby improving lifespan estimation and encouraging prolonged use. This review synthesizes EU regulations and scientific literature, gathering comprehensive knowledge on key segments and events that affect the in-use lifespan of smartphones. Based on the data, several statistics were generated to provide a better understanding of the term “lifespan,” its multiple estimations, obsolescence issues, and factors affecting the estimated length of the in-use lifespan. Additionally, the research material was used to design a smartphone lifecycle model within the business process management software ARIS and to identify the End of Life (EoL) phase accordingly.

Suggested Citation

  • Gordana Kordić & Ivan Grgurević, 2025. "The Basis for Estimating Smartphone Lifespan: Identifying Factors That Affect In-Use Lifespan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-33, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:6160-:d:1695083
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anders S. G. Andrae & Mikko Samuli Vaija, 2014. "To Which Degree Does Sector Specific Standardization Make Life Cycle Assessments Comparable?—The Case of Global Warming Potential of Smartphones," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 5(2), pages 1-21, November.
    2. Jui-Che Tu & Xiu-Yue Zhang & Sin-Yi Huang, 2018. "Key Factors of Sustainability for Smartphones Based on Taiwanese Consumers’ Perceived Values," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-22, November.
    3. Souphaphone Soudachanh & Stefan Salhofer, 2025. "Unveiling Environmental Potential in Smartphone Repair Practices in Vientiane Capital, Laos," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-16, January.
    4. Iosif Botetzagias & Eirini Grigoraki & Giorgos D. Kokkoris, 2024. "Using the Theory of Planned Behavior for Explaining Mobile Phone Recycling: The Role of Subjective Norms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-11, October.
    5. Anders S. G. Andrae & Mikko Samuli Vaija, 2017. "Precision of a Streamlined Life Cycle Assessment Approach Used in Eco-Rating of Mobile Phones," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 8(2), pages 1-24, August.
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