older phones?

sammyw

I'm looking to replace my childs phone. I have seen some older models cheap but I'm worried that the battery life won't be good now if it's been sitting on a shelf for 2 years. The ones I've seen are unopened, but will they still be ok after all this time? Is it better to pay a bit more for a newer battery? Or are the batteries still the same?

mobilejunkie

I have a whole fleet of older Sony Ericssons; I've never had an issue using them - whether they've been lying idle for years of I've been using them constantly for 3 years (as I do with my main phone, which only needs charging once a week!). I think it depends more on the phone than it's age; newer phones are more sophisticated but battery life is rubbish in comparison.

wretch

I've just started using a motorola v3x again, which I first got some time in 2005/06. I stopped using it for 18 months as I upgraded and left it in a drawer as a backup. I've now sold the newer phone and am using this one as an experiment - can I cope without a smartphone?

So far the battery's lasted really well and goes for a few days between charges.

I'd say give it a try, and if you pick a popular model of phone you should be able to more or less get your money back if you decide to sell it on and go for a newer one.

dangalf

I got a standard Nokia for £10 on PAYG from phones4u last year - old model (will have to check which one exactly) and battery life is fantastic lasts a week or so before needing charging. Battery life on these older phones is much better than newer models mainly cos they don't do all the fancy stuff that eats up energy.

Exemplar

I pulled out my old T39 from its dusty lair (now how old is that!!) and battery lasted 4 days between charges! Try doing that with the modern phones!

jenniewb

I have an old MP3 player (its a nano, 2nd generation, c.2007!) I hadn't used it for about 3 years when my other MP3 player died. I got it out, charged it up, used it for the gym, for day to day use...etc (basicly alot) and it worked all week! Just as if it were new.

Think the batteries waste when they are in use rather then sitting dead in a box, their not the same as the normal duracell/energizer alkali batteries which do drain the longer they sit around gathering dust. Mobile/rechargeable batteries work differently.