What is the first thing that comes to mind when you obtain a smartphone?
This is because carrying a smartphone without a cover is like to driving a vehicle without bumpers, and no one wants their new device to shatter, crack, or be dinged. According to Allied Market Research, individuals will spend $107.3 billion on mobile phone accessories by 2022, more than double the $61 billion spent in 2014. The most popular item in this category is protective cases.
But here’s the reality about those extras: Some products that claim to secure your phone do not function. One question is whether a screen protector, which is a thin plastic or glass film that covers your phone’s screen, genuinely prevents glass from shattering when it strikes the ground. People are often urged by salespeople at mobile phone outlets to purchase pricey extended warranty plans for their phones, despite the fact that many of these plans may be avoided.
So, let’s take a look at what safeguards your phone and what doesn’t. To reach our findings, we spoke with repair and warranty specialists and collaborated with The Wirecutter, which is owned by The New York Times and analyses screen protectors and cases.
Most of the time, a case, a screen protector, or a combination of the two is all that is required. You should think hard before purchasing an extended warranty, but if you’re concerned about damage, loss, or theft, you should check into an insurance plan.
Screen protectors are simply one part of the solution.
It’s always heartbreaking to see a shattered phone screen. Screen protectors are thin plastic or glass films that may be adhered to the screen of a smartphone. The makers claim that their goods would protect your screen from scratches or breakage if it is dropped face down.
However, screen protectors are not the only solution.
According to an iFixit, a firm that provides components for mending gadgets, most cracked screens are caused by strikes to the corners or edges. When the corners or edges of a smartphone collide with the ground, the force is concentrated in a tiny area, increasing the likelihood of it breaking than if it had fallen face down.
Screen protectors, on the other hand, assist safeguard screens from acquiring scratches, which damage the structure of the display and may lead to major fractures in the long term. But don’t expect them to assist you if you drop your phone.
According to Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, those who want to use their phone for a long time should consider obtaining a iPhone 8 screen protectors since scratches from home keys or regular wear and tear are typical.
Fortunately, screen protectors are reasonably priced.
Reasons to Purchase a Case
A case that covers the corners, edges, and back of a smartphone is the greatest method to safeguard it all around. A decent case can protect your phone from scratches and will cushion the impact if you drop it.
There are hundreds of various types of cases available, made of materials like as leather and plastic.
There are advantages and disadvantages to using cases and glass protectors. A case increases the device’s size and weight, while a screen protector increases its thickness.
If you can only afford one accessory, a case is preferable over a screen protector since it protects more of the phone.
“We would absolutely suggest a case before a screen protector,” said Nick Guy, who assesses phone accessories for The Wirecutter. ” Most people don’t need a glass protector, but they’re so inexpensive that there’s no excuse not to have one.”
Don’t get the extended warranty.
Many smartphone manufacturers and vendors offer extended warranties that will replace or repair your phone if it breaks. The disadvantage is that the cost of the warranty programmes, which average about $80 per year, is sometimes more than the cost of repairing each damaged gadget separately.
Consider the SquareTrade iPhone warranty programme. Insurance for two years, covering things like drops, spills, and issues, costs about $150.
As a result, insurance becomes necessary. “Device protection plans” are phone insurance plans that cover lost or stolen phones. Most of the time, these policies cover damaged things as well. Warranty programmes, on the other hand, only cover faults or damage. Insurance policies that cover loss, theft, and damage are available from carriers like as AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint, but they cost almost twice as much as SquareTrade’s warranty programme.
“If it works when you open the package,” Mr. Arnum remarked, “it will probably operate good for a long time.” “You should really consider if these are the dangers you wish to protect against.”
Mr. Arnum believes the solution is self-evident: if you’re going to pay for insurance, get one that covers loss and theft.
The main reason you shouldn’t pay for protection is because it doesn’t address the most serious issue with smartphones: the battery. When batteries run out of juice, which occurs around every two years, they are not replaced for free under warranties or insurance policies.
Mr. Wiens added. To replace a worn-out battery with a new one, repair companies often charge between $40 and $80. This is a reasonable fee to pay to give your smartphone another shot.