For posterity, two things make phones unusable over time - a lack of software support and the death of internal batteries. No (smart) phone can be truly 'long lasting' with regard to these two things.
Out of the box, the phones with the best long term software support are Apple devices, and a distant second now might be Samsung. However, both of these can be prolonged depending on device. Often with Android, you can install Lineage OS for renewed software experience and security updates. Many phones have replaceable batteries, with the ease of replacement being essentially up to manufacturer.
My recommendation for a tight budget is then either a used/refurbished iPhone with a really good case and a battery replacement (<100 dollars if you live near an apple store) or a similar used/refurbished Android phone from a large manufacturer (Samsung, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Sony, etc... ) that has a high ifixit score, user serviceable battery replacement, and active community supporting the device's software and circulating parts.
pastelash t1_irt584c wrote
Reply to need a new, long lasting & durable phone, suggestions? by vampire_punk
For posterity, two things make phones unusable over time - a lack of software support and the death of internal batteries. No (smart) phone can be truly 'long lasting' with regard to these two things.
Out of the box, the phones with the best long term software support are Apple devices, and a distant second now might be Samsung. However, both of these can be prolonged depending on device. Often with Android, you can install Lineage OS for renewed software experience and security updates. Many phones have replaceable batteries, with the ease of replacement being essentially up to manufacturer.
My recommendation for a tight budget is then either a used/refurbished iPhone with a really good case and a battery replacement (<100 dollars if you live near an apple store) or a similar used/refurbished Android phone from a large manufacturer (Samsung, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Sony, etc... ) that has a high ifixit score, user serviceable battery replacement, and active community supporting the device's software and circulating parts.