I just calculated something interesting about the lifespan of current phones.

If you invest six thousand yuan in a device, the only way it’s really worth it is to use it for at least five years.
That means an annual depreciation of just 1,200 yuan, which is quite reasonable considering the prices we handle now (between 4,000 and 8,000).
This is where the right choice of phone processors comes into play.
After the first year, if you didn’t choose the right chip, the phone becomes practically unusable, especially on Android.
I’ve seen many cases like that.
In 2025, when I talk to people about which processor to choose, I always encounter the same question: Snapdragon or MediaTek?
For most, the Snapdragon 8 Supreme remains the most sensible option.
It’s not the latest model, but here’s the point: phones with this chip already have almost no profit margin, so the price is much more affordable.
I’ve tested it in various applications and without issues, it easily lasts the five years you need.
The important thing is to combine this with a decent phone brand and well-optimized software.
MediaTek is also strong with its 9500 series, which you mainly see in OPPO and Vivo.
If you’re a fan of those brands, it’s not a bad idea either.
The reality is that these modern phone processors are already powerful enough for anything you do.
The real difference lies in software optimization and build quality of the device.
That’s what determines whether your phone remains usable in three, four, or five years.