The deeper answer
What changes the decision.
Service life starts with water management. Siding is a rain screen, not the only waterproof layer. Wind-driven rain can get behind joints and trim, so the house needs a sound WRB and correctly layered flashing to drain that water back outside. When those details are wrong, the sheathing can fail long before the siding looks worn.
Material changes the maintenance profile. Vinyl is through-colored and does not need paint, but impact damage, heat distortion, and fade can eventually drive replacement. HardiePlank resists insects and fire and holds a crisp profile, while the factory ColorPlus finish carries its own written term. SmartSide offers a long warranty and real wood texture, but its finish and clearances must be maintained according to the manufacturer.
Exposure matters. A shaded wet wall, a high-wind corner, coastal salt, aggressive sun, overflowing gutters, or short roof overhangs all change what the exterior experiences. Inspect the roof edge, gutters, soffit, fascia, caulk joints, and penetrations at least annually. Small drainage problems are cheaper to correct before the wall shows damage.
The practical rule is simple: buy a documented wall system and maintain the water-shedding details. A cheaper material installed correctly will usually outperform a premium material installed badly.