The Older the Phone, the Better the Life

In an era when everyone is chasing the newest smartphone, I find myself growing fond of "old antiques." Its battery may not last long, and its response might be a bit slow, but it makes life simpler and more beautiful. The older the phone, the more it helps us reconnect with life, focus on ourselves, and make the world a better place.

1. Saving Money

Every year, new models are launched with everywhere advertising, making it feel like you can’t keep up unless you upgrade. But if you think calmly, a new phone costs thousands, sometimes even tens of thousands, while an old phone still meets daily needs. Wouldn’t it be more meaningful to save that money for investment rather than upgrading to a phone with a slightly better camera?

2. Saving Time

Although the lag of an old phone isn’t perfect, it magically reduces the desire to scroll endlessly. When pages load slowly and videos buffer, you naturally stop wanting to play on the phone. In this way, time is "returned" to you — to take a walk, learn something new, or simply sit quietly.

3. Stronger Communication Skills

Without so much time taken up by the phone, you start talking more with people around you instead of interacting with the screen. Conversations at the dining table are no longer interrupted by constant messages, and chats with friends become more genuine and deeper. You begin to notice the sunlight on the street corner instead of the changing number of likes. An old phone helps us take our eyes off the screen and put our hearts back on people.

4. Safer Travel

Looking at your phone while walking is dangerous. The slow response of an old phone makes you less tempted to scroll while moving. As a result, you pay more attention to the road, avoiding common accidents of "head-down" walkers—missing the bus, bumping into poles, or even traffic accidents.

5. Healthier Body

We’re all familiar with shoulder and neck pain, deteriorating eyesight, and delayed sleep caused by prolonged phone use. But an old phone makes these problems less severe. You no longer lie in bed scrolling until midnight or stare at the screen for hours watching short videos. Instead, your body feels more relaxed, your eyes are comfortable, and your sleep naturally improves.

6. Better Focus

A new phone that runs smooth and is fun is too easy to pull you away from tasks. An old phone is less “tempting” — notifications respond slowly, pages take time to load — so you simply put it down. You start to realize your work and study rhythms become more coherent, deep thinking becomes easier, and your efficiency improves. The older the phone, the more focus you have, and the faster you grow.

Not every update means progress; not every purchase is necessary. Choosing to live peacefully with an old phone is also choosing a clearer, more moderate, and warmer lifestyle. The older the phone, the better the life; the farther the screen, the more beautiful the world.

May we all slow down, use older phones, and live fresher lives.