People have mentioned some ways to extend your phone's lifespan. It would be helpful to get specific tips and recommendations on what exactly you should do to keep your phone working longer and prevent it from breaking down prematurely.
I'll add something that often gets overlooked: keep an eye on how many apps you've got installed and clear your cache regularly, because a bloated system makes the processor work overtime, which speeds up degradation and drains the battery faster. This is especially important for older phones - over time the system gets more demanding, and if you don't clean out the junk, your phone will start lagging, overheating, and die sooner.
I'm going along with the earlier tips about battery and protection, but don't forget about the software either - sometimes just deleting unnecessary apps can give your phone a second life.
The main thing is take care of your battery: don't let it drain to zero, avoid overheating, and don't leave your phone in the sun :) Also protect the screen and body from drops (a good case and tempered glass really do help), don't stuff it in your pocket with keys and coins, and keep moisture away - these simple habits will extend your device's life by years.
Actually, a smartphone "breaking down prematurely" rarely just happens out of nowhere - it's usually the result of small problems piling up. The battery degrades gradually, the screen gets scratched without you noticing, and at some point your phone starts to feel "old". I agree with the previous answer about protection and battery, but there's a nuance: overheating is more dangerous than cold. If your phone gets hot even in your pocket during summer, you should keep it there less often and take it out into the air more frequently.
There's one thing most people forget about - cleaning the ports. Dust and moisture can make the charging port lose contact, so your phone charges intermittently. You get tempted to put off repairs or keep wiggling the cable around, but that destroys the contacts even faster. Wipe the port periodically with a dry cloth or use a can of compressed air - simple and effective.
And one more thing: don't seal your phone in a tight case right after heavy use. Let it cool down in open air for about five minutes, especially if you've just installed something or been gaming. It's a small thing, but it genuinely helps over time. Really, taking care of your smartphone isn't about "rules" - it's more about a habit of not creating unnecessary problems for yourself.
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