Top 5 Ways to Protect Your New Smartphone

Smartphones have become essential tools in our daily lives, serving as our communication devices, cameras, work assistants, entertainment centers, and more. With premium smartphones now costing upwards of $1,000, protecting your investment is more important than ever.

In this article, we'll explore the top five most effective ways to keep your smartphone safe from damage, extending its lifespan and maintaining its value.

1. Invest in a Quality Case

A good protective case is your smartphone's first line of defense against drops, bumps, and scratches. When selecting a case, consider these factors:

• Protection Level: Cases range from slim designs that offer basic protection to rugged cases that meet military drop-test standards.
• Material: Common options include silicone, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), polycarbonate, leather, and metal. Each material offers different levels of protection and aesthetics.
• Features: Look for features like raised edges to protect the screen when placed face-down, covered buttons, and precise cutouts for ports and cameras.

For maximum protection, consider a dual-layer case that combines a shock-absorbing inner layer with a hard outer shell. Brands like OtterBox, Spigen, and our own HellCase offer excellent options for various smartphone models.

2. Apply a Screen Protector

The display is typically the most fragile and expensive component of a smartphone to repair. A quality screen protector can prevent scratches and may even save your screen from cracks during a fall.

There are three main types of screen protectors:

• Tempered Glass: The most popular option, offering excellent protection, touch sensitivity, and clarity. They're more expensive but worth the investment.
• Polyurethane Film: These flexible protectors offer good scratch protection and are self-healing for minor scratches, though they don't provide impact protection like tempered glass.
• Nano Liquid: A newer option, these liquid solutions are applied to the screen and harden to form an invisible protective layer. They're great for scratch resistance but offer minimal impact protection.

Proper installation is crucial for bubble-free results. Many retailers offer professional installation services, or you can follow online tutorials for DIY application.

3. Get Insurance or Extended Warranty

Physical protection is essential, but having financial protection is equally important. Consider these options:

• Manufacturer Warranty Extensions: Many phone manufacturers offer extended warranty programs that cover hardware failures beyond the standard warranty period.
• Carrier Insurance: Most mobile carriers offer monthly insurance plans that cover theft, loss, and accidental damage.
• Third-Party Insurance: Companies like SquareTrade offer competitively priced protection plans for smartphones.
• Credit Card Benefits: Some premium credit cards offer purchase protection that may cover your phone if purchased with that card.

Read the fine print carefully to understand what's covered, deductibles, claim limits, and replacement policies.

4. Establish Safe Handling Habits

Physical protection is crucial, but developing safe handling habits can prevent many accidents:

• Never place your phone near liquids
• Use a lanyard or pop socket for secure grip
• Don't put your phone in the same pocket as keys or coins
• Avoid extreme temperatures, which can damage the battery
• Use a dedicated phone pocket in bags to prevent scratches
• Always place your phone screen-up when not in use

5. Regularly Back Up Your Data

While this doesn't physically protect your device, it protects something even more valuable—your data. Regular backups ensure that even if your phone is damaged beyond repair, your photos, contacts, and other important information remain safe.

Both Android and iOS offer integrated cloud backup solutions (Google Drive and iCloud, respectively). Additionally, you can use third-party services like Dropbox or manual backups to your computer. Set up automatic backups to ensure you're always protected.

Conclusion

Protecting your smartphone requires a multi-faceted approach. By investing in quality physical protection, insurance, developing safe handling habits, and backing up your data, you can significantly extend your device's lifespan and preserve its value.

Remember that prevention is always less expensive than repair or replacement. A small investment in protection today can save you hundreds of dollars down the line.