How Long Do Tablets Last (Tablet Lifespan)

Drawing tablets are a terrific tool for artists and designers looking to tinker with their love of digital art. But how long does a drawing tablet last?

The longevity of a drawing tablet can vary depending on the specific use and maintenance of the device. For most, though, the average lifespan of a drawing tablet is about 3-5 years if you maintain it properly. Next, let's take a look at the factors that affect the service life of different types of tablets.

How Long Do Drawing Tablets Last?

Battery-free pens in some mid-range and high-end models also eliminate the worry of internal battery degradation. At the same time, advancements in pressure sensitivity and display technology ensure drawing tablets maintain their durability.

Software incompatibility is the biggest challenge for how long a drawing tablet will last. Consistent software updates are necessary if you want the device to function for years.

If you want your drawing tablet to last as long as possible, consider these tips:

1. Avoid using sharp objects

A well-built tablet uses high-quality materials that can withstand everyday wear and tear. This includes a sturdy chassis that can handle bumps and drops without breaking, a scratch-resistant surface, and pressure-sensitive pens built to endure repeated strokes.

Lower-quality materials might scratch, crack, or become unresponsive to pressure sooner, impacting the user experience and potentially requiring replacement. Never use a ballpoint pen or pencil on the surface of your tablet—these can scratch it, damaging it permanently.

2. Properly store it

As with all electronics, keep your drawing tablet out of direct sunlight, anywhere with excess moisture, and out of extreme temperatures.

3. Frequency of use

Frequent use puts wear and tear on the tablet and directly affects battery life, especially when it is associated with drawing pens. Some mid-range and lower-end models still rely on internal batteries for pen functionality. However, these pens can degrade quickly, requiring frequent replacement.

4. Maintenance

Regularly clean your tablet's surface using a soft, lint-free cloth. Don't use harsh chemicals or cleaners, as these tend to damage the surface. Also, maintaining the tablet's pen by replacing worn nibs will ensure the sensitivity and functionality of your tablet.

However, regardless of your maintenance schedule, the quality of the tablet matters.  With proper care, your drawing tablet should last up to 5 years with daily use. Some can last up to 10 years with reduced use.

Take these basic precautions to extend the lifespan of your drawing tablet.

How Long Do Samsung Tablets Last?

Besides drawing tablets, how long can you expect other devices like Samsung tablets to last?

According to Samsung, "Samsung tablets can last for at least five years."

What determines the longevity of a Samsung tablet? Several factors.

For example, the model of the tablet is essential. Samsung's top-selling tablets include:

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

Samsung Galaxy Tab A8

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite

However, the specs of the tablet are equally important.

Some of those features include:

Battery Life:

Samsung tablets use lithium-ion batteries. Their batteries last for around 3-5 years, but their lifespan could be shortened by heat and frequent charging cycles.

Software Updates:

Samsung also provides software updates for years after their devices are released. These updates can also improve performance and fix security vulnerabilities. But the older your tablet gets, the more prone it is to security threats slowing down its functionality.

Hardware:

The average lifespan of a tablet is also dependent on the hardware installed. The touchscreen can become less responsive or even wear out entirely as time passes. Solid, reliable hardware increases the lifespan of the tablet.

So, how many years does a tablet last? With Samsung, you can expect at least five years of use with proper care.

How Long Do Apple iPads Last?

Most Apple iPads last between 4-7 years with normal use. That's according to one report from Lifewire. However, some iPads may last even longer. Some people use iPads that were released nearly a decade ago.

So, when you're trying to determine how long Apple iPads last, what factors should you consider?

The two greatest factors contributing to the longevity of this popular Apple tablet are build quality and its history of providing software updates. For example, the Apple iPad Air 2 was released in 2014, and as of 2023, it was still receiving software updates.

Other factors contributing to the iPad lifespan include:

App support—Apple continues to support older iPads with new apps and updates.

Model & hardware—Newer iPad models tend to have a more powerful processor, better battery technology, and better build quality than older models.

Storage capacity—If you use your iPad frequently, you'll probably need plenty of storage space. Sufficient storage capacity can ensure ease of use.

Battery cycles—Like all lithium-ion batteries, iPad batteries degrade over time with repeated cycles. So, while the battery is good in the short term, it can be less powerful over time.

Tip: How Can I Make My Tablet Last Longer?

So, what if you want your Samsung tablet or iPad tablet to last to its full capacity?

Tip 1. Maintain It!

Maintain your tablet's hardware by doing the following:

-Keep it clean. Regularly wipe down your tablet's screen and back using a soft, device-appropriate, dry microfiber cloth. Don't use chemical cleaners.

-Avoid extreme temperatures. Don't leave your tablet in direct sunlight or extreme cold for extended periods. Heat can damage the battery life of your device and its internal components—all of which shorten the device's lifespan.

-Use protective cases. A robust and protective tablet case prevents scratches, drops, and dings. Using a case is a good idea if you drop your tablet frequently.

-Be gentle with the ports. Whatever you do, don't force cords into your charging port or headphone jack. This causes long-term damage to the connectors.

Tip 2. Pay Attention to the Battery

Charging matters. To protect your battery life, don't drain it completely before plugging it in. Wait until your battery reaches around 20%. Frequent full discharge cycles can shorten the lifespan of your battery.

Also, always use the appropriate charger for your device. The original charger the tablet comes with tends to be the best option. Using incompatible chargers could damage your battery.

Don't charge your device when it's hot or in a hot environment. This puts unnecessary stress upon the battery.

Tip 3. Keep It Updated

Software updates debug your tablet and enhance your tablet's performance. This ultimately extends the life of your tablet.

Also, be sure to close out of apps that are not currently in use. Allowing multiple apps to run in the background drains battery life and slows down your tablet.

We also recommend managing background processes and deactivating any that you don't need, as this also results in a drained battery.

Tip 4. Use it Correctly

How you use your tablet matters. Usage habits like high screen brightness, leaving your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on when not in use, and not leveraging power-saving mode all reduce your tablet's lifespan.

Reduce your screen brightness, turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and enable power-saving mode for the best performance out of your tablet for the long haul.

Conclusion

When asking about how long tablets last, the most important factor is what type of device you're asking about.

While Samsung and iPad are the most popular manufacturers of tablets, there is another option.

Xencelabs offers high quality, long-lasting tablets, specifically for drawing. Xencelabs drawing tablets come in small and medium sizes and are bundled with our shortcut key remote, Quick Keys.

Regardless, maintaining your tablets with proper daily care is one of the best ways to ensure the longevity of your device.

Keep your tablet clean, updated, and protected to get the most out of your tablet.