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Essential facts about mobile accessories comparison

  • If you are looking to get the most out of your phone or just protect what is often expensive equipment, you will need to research the best cell phone accessories.
  • From phone cases and screen protectors to wireless chargers and car mounts, the wide variety of smartphone accessories available is overwhelming.
  • Once you know what kind of accessory you need, the key is to make sure you find something that is compatible with your phone model.

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What are my main options?

If you want to buy mobile phone accessories online, you are spoiled for choice. There is a huge range of bits and bobs that you can buy to protect, charge, enhance, and beautify your smartphone. Here are some of the main options:

  • Case. The right smartphone case will protect your phone from drops and bumps and maybe even turn it into a much more stylish piece of equipment at the same time. Check out our section on the types of phone cases available further down the page and take a look at our guide to the best phone cases if you’re ready to start shopping.
  • Screen protectors. Most of us have cracked or simply shattered at least one smartphone screen over the years. A screen protector is a thin film of plastic or glass that provides an extra layer of protection against scratches and cracks. Our guide to the best screen protectors can help you make the right choice for your phone.
  • Car phone mounts. Car phone mounts attach to your dashboard, window, or air vents so you can watch your phone while you drive. They come in handy when using your smartphone for GPS navigation, and some also come with car chargers so you can boost your battery power while on the go. For more details, see our guide to the best car phone mounts.
  • Wireless chargers. These handy accessories allow you to charge your phone’s battery without connecting it to a cable and a wall outlet. They reduce clutter and offer a convenient way to make sure you have enough charge to last all day. Find out more in our guide to the best wireless chargers.
  • Power banks. These portable devices allow you to charge your smartphone or tablet while on the go. They use a battery to store energy and can be very useful if you need to be away from power outlets all day.
  • Wall chargers and cables. Lost your phone charger or cable? You will find many replacement accessories to help you power your device.
  • Headphones and headphones. If your phone has a headphone jack, a wide variety of earphones and headsets are available. If there’s no outlet, or you just want to get rid of the cables altogether, there are plenty of wireless options available as well. Of course, if you want to share your audio with the world, you can also consider a Bluetooth speaker.
  • Stands / tripods. Finally, you can also buy a range of mounts and tripods. The mounts allow you to prop up your phone for easy viewing, and some offer charging capacity. Smartphone tripods are convenient for anyone who wants to improve their smartphone photography skills and experiment with different techniques.

How to compare mobile phone accessories

It is always a good idea to compare mobile phone accessories before purchasing. Consider the following features when comparing your options.

Compatibility

The most crucial thing that you need to check is whether the accessory you are considering is actually compatible with the model of smartphone you own. Read the fine print carefully to verify which models the accessory is designed for, and if you’re not sure which phone model you have, check the original packaging or instruction manual.

OEM vs third-party products

Buying accessories from the same company that made your phone – the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) – means you can find products specifically designed to work with your phone. However, these accessories tend to be more expensive and the options available are limited.

Buying phone accessories from third-party manufacturers opens up a much wider range of options, many with more affordable price tags. However, due to their generic nature in many cases, they may not offer the same performance as OEM equipment.

Customer reviews

If possible, read the reviews of other customers before purchasing, especially if you are purchasing third-party products online. Was the accessory delivered as described? Does it work as promised? Have previous buyers encountered any issues or issues with the product?

It will help you buy with a little more confidence, but it’s always worth checking the return policy just in case.

Price

Your budget will also affect the accessories you choose. While you tend to generally get what you pay for, it certainly doesn’t mean that the more expensive option is a better choice than the cheaper alternative.

Choosing a cell phone case

With thousands of choices available, shopping for a smartphone case can be a bit overwhelming. Plastic and silicone are popular material options, leather offers a sleek look, and some rugged cases combine a hard exterior material with a softer interior layer for added protection.

To help you make your decision easier, let’s take a closer look at the main options you can choose from:

  • Leather and shell cases. Slim cases allow you to keep your phone’s sleek appearance while providing an extra layer of protection, but they’re not known for their tough protection. Hard cases are also available, and some include bumpers for additional impact protection.
  • Flip cases. These cases provide open protection for your phone screen and can be folded down when you need to use your device. Many also serve as a stand if you want to watch videos on your device.
  • Wallet phone cases. As the name suggests, these cases look a lot like a wallet for your phone. They often also include storage locations for your cash, cards, and driver’s license.
  • Heavy suitcases. Also known as rugged and durable cases, these accessories are designed to protect your phone from heavy drops and harsh treatment. Great for traders and farmers, they can absorb impact and reduce the risk of damaging your device, but they also tend to be bulky and heavy.

Are you looking for a case for your iPhone? Check out our guides to the best iPhone 12 cases and the best iPhone 11 cases.

3 things to consider

There are a few other factors you should consider before purchasing cell phone accessories:

  1. Check the return policy. When you buy mobile phone accessories online from a third-party manufacturer, there is always a risk that the product you are purchasing is not compatible with your phone. That’s why it’s a good idea to check a retailer’s return policy before you buy – so if you buy the wrong thing, you should be able to get your money’s back.
  2. Advanced accessories for smartphones. We’ve only scratched the surface of the growing range of smartphone accessories available. From portable smartphone microscopes to mobile game controllers and video stabilizers, there is an impressive variety of high-tech accessories on the market. Do a little research and you might be surprised at what is out there.
  3. Compare the prices. Don’t assume you have to pay RRP for any cell phone accessories. Compare prices from multiple retailers for discounts and specials, and search for coupon codes to help you find a better deal.