How Long Do Tablets Last: When to buy a new tablet

Tablets are now an important part of our lives. People prefer to use them because they have a bigger screen that makes it easier to see what is going on. Tablets are the best of both worlds between phones and laptops. People understand this and that is why they are so popular.

But this raises a question — how long do tablets last? Well, it would be great if they lasted forever, but it turns out, that’s not an option! Read on to see how you can tell when it’s time to get a new tablet. If you need more information you can visit on tablets hive.

Ideally, we want a tablet to last around five years. A tablet should last up to 5 years with proper care, but it can last longer than that. We don’t have an exact number, but we would guess that a tablet would run well for about five years without major issues.

How Long Do Tablets Last

What do we mean when we say how long do tablets last? We are talking about how long the tablet works well and is not broken.

Everyone has different expectations for their tablets. But here is a guide on what to expect from a tablet, based on the most common types. We will look at Android tablets, iPads, drawing tablets (Wacom, XP Pen, etc.), and Windows and Chrome tablets.

Physical lifespan of tablets

The tablets that are available today are typically made of plastic and metal. These materials make the tablet very durable.

unfortunately, the screen is not very tough and can be easily scratched or damaged, which is why it is important to use a tempered glass or scratch guard. Additionally, using a case can help protect your tablet from accidental damage.

Just like with other tablets, you can add a scratch guard to your Wacom, Huion, XP Pen, etc. and take care of it so that it lasts for a long time. The weak point of these tablets is the screen–the more you use it to draw, the more wear and tear there will be.

Software lifespan of tablets

This is an important part. You need to keep your device updated with the latest software. That’s because your device needs to stay up-to-date with internet technology and security threats.

Your tablet’s hardware might not be able to keep up with the demands of the software that it is running. When this happens, your tablet manufacturer will stop supporting your device. Let’s look at the most popular names and see where each one is the most popular.

iPad

Apple is one of the best companies for software updates. They offer software updates for a long time for their different devices. For iPads, Apple typically offers software updates for around 5 years. iPads are great because there are only a few types of iPads available at any given time. The software on iPads is tested and optimized so that you can have the best possible experience using them.

But keep in mind that your computer’s performance might decline over time, even if you update the software. This is because your computer will have to work harder to deliver the same results. You could continue to use your iPad after software support stops, but we recommend you use it only for simple tasks like watching videos or using it as a remote or display. If you need to do anything more complex, we suggest finding an alternative device.

Android tablets

Some manufacturers and OEMs use the Android operating system on their tablets. But the number of years that they release software updates varies. If you have an Android tablet from a good manufacturer like Samsung or Lenovo, you can usually expect software support for 3 to 5 years.

Even after the security patches stop coming out for Android tablets, you can continue to use your tablet if you are happy with its performance. However, we recommend that you do not store any sensitive data on it.

Windows tablets

If you own a Windows tablet, Microsoft will support your software for about 10 years. Microsoft, a Redmond-based software company, releases fewer software updates than other companies but your tablet will still work properly as long as the hardware supports it. But realistically speaking, Windows being the most common operating system out there, it is open to a lot of malware and bloatware that can slow down tablets. You can expect your tablet to last around 4-5 years.

Chromebooks 

Tablets that run ChromeOS are gaining in popularity. This is because they are more affordable and more manufacturers are installing ChromeOS on their devices. ChromeOS is a type of software that runs on Chromebook devices. If your device is listed on this ChromeOS database, it will be supported by Google for at least six years.

OS-Agnostic tablets

Devices like Wacom drawing tablets or XP Pen graphic tablets are good for drawing. You will not have many software problems on these devices. You can expect software patches for 4-5 years, but this may vary depending on the manufacturer. As we mentioned in the physical lifespan section, using the tablet regularly reduces its life.