Our guide to all the phone accessories you’ll ever need - Android
Our smartphones are an increasingly essential part of our day-to-day. These devices fit in our pockets, but have taken the place of so many other gadgets and products. From calculators to cameras and everything in between, we can almost do it all on our phones. Nothing’s perfect though, but luckily, the ever-growing phone accessories industry makes up for any shortcomings.
Your new phone doesn’t have a headphone jack? There are a lot of excellent wireless options to choose from. Want to make sure that the beautifully designed device doesn’t get damaged? A case or screen protector is useful. Worried about the phone battery dying in the middle of your day? A power bank is a must-have. In this buyer’s guide, we take a look at the many phone accessories, from the necessary to the niche, that you can get!
As you go further down this page, you’ll see that there are many types of phone accessories available. While all of them help enhance your smartphone experience, not every add-on is necessary. There are a few accessories that we think are essential though.
One accessory that is a must-have for most users is a protective case or cover. Phones nowadays come with beautiful designs, glass builds, and large displays, and it sucks to have to cover it up. But the only way to make sure that the device stays in good condition is with a case. Unfortunate accidents can happen even if you are careful, and a shattered screen or glass back can be expensive to repair.
Next on the list is a power bank. Most phones give you at least a day of battery life with average use, but “average” is the keyword there. Your phone battery will drain really quickly if you use the camera a lot, play a lot of games, use the phone for GPS navigation all day, or any other battery-intensive activities. A good portable power bank will ensure that you never have to worry about a dying phone battery ever again.
Another accessory that will be essential for many people is a pair of Bluetooth headphones. Only a handful of phones come with good built-in speakers, and the future of the headphone jack is still in limbo. Luckily, Bluetooth headphones and earphones are getting better and better with every generation, and there are plenty of fantastic options to choose from now.
Just looking for a quick recommendation? Here’s what we suggest:
For more product categories and recommendations, as well as explanations on first-party vs 3rd-party accessories and more, keeping reading!
Before diving into the many accessories you can get for your phone, let’s first talk about who makes them. Some OEMs make their own accessories to support a particular smartphone or a range of devices. A lot of OEMs release cases for their phones, but some, like Samsung, have a much wider range of accessories on offer.
As the name suggests, the OEM behind your phone does not make third-party accessories. These products are intended to either plug some holes in the accessories market, or offer an alternative to first-party options that are often significantly cheaper. Both varieties of accessories have their fair share of pros and cons though.
The biggest advantage with a first-party accessory is the fact that these are made with a particular phone or range of phones in mind. So, while the Google wireless charger works with other devices, it is the only option if you want to enjoy fast charging speeds with the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL.
On the other hand, a distinct lack of variety is the major issue with first-party accessories. Only a handful of OEMs release accessories, and it’s mostly cases and covers. Samsung is one of the few companies that has a decent portfolio of accessories on offer. OEM accessories are also notoriously expensive, and you’ll often find as good, or even better, alternatives from third-party companies.
The good news is that things are slowly changing. More and more companies are releasing accessories like wireless chargers, Bluetooth earphones, and more. Granted, the inevitable locking up of available functionality based on what phone you’re using is an unfortunate consequence.
Third-party accessories have the leg up in a lot of aspects, since they often fill existing gaps in the accessories market. Third-party companies dominate categories like phone holders, screen protectors, microSD cards, and a slew of Bluetooth accessories. Even in areas where OEMs attempt to compete, like cases, third-party case makers boast a much larger range of options. These options are generally more affordable as well.
The cons with these accessories are two-fold. The generic nature of these products may not always provide the best results. Standard wireless chargers work well enough, but with some devices you’ll see slower charging times then you’d receive with a first party charger.
The much bigger issue though is sorting through the hundreds of options available, with many coming from companies that aren’t well known, or even unheard of. Buying a bad charger, cable, or power bank could have severe consequences incuding potentially damaging your device. Device compatibility is an overlooked issue. Some accessories may not work with your phone at all, so it’s definitely important to do your research first.
Before you buy an accessory from a brand you’re not familiar with, just be sure to check for the following:
Read more: How to spot fake reviews on Amazon
31/07/2020 10:00 PM
31/07/2020 01:43 PM
31/07/2020 05:30 PM
31/07/2020 12:00 PM
31/07/2020 08:56 AM
2014 © Canadian apps and news
