We use and rely on our smartphones more than any other device in our lives.
Apple is estimated to (AAPL) – Get the Apple Inc. sold over 196 million iPhones in 2020, although annual sales have continued to decline from a peak of 231 million in 2015 (but that may not matter since Apple said more than a billion iPhones are used worldwide). Samsung (SSNLF) shipped 270 million phones in 2020, the first time it has fallen below 300 million since 2011, according to another report.
And these phones don’t sit idle. Nearly half of Americans spend 5 to 6 hours a day on their phones, according to a 2021 Statista survey, and that’s outside of work-related use. So it’s no exaggeration to say that most Americans spend a large part of their day in front of their smartphones.
Out of the box there’s a lot your iPhone or Android phone can do, but there’s so much more potential that can be unlocked with the addition of accessories. Or at the very least, the right accessories can make it easier to manage or maintain our beloved phones.
We’ve picked out some of the most popular must-have phone accessories, from Samsung and Apple wireless headphones and car mounts at durable cables and batteries. These phone accessories might be just what you need if you’re looking for a few extra supplies for your home office or getting ready for a vacation trip. Heck, they’ll even make fantastic Christmas stockings for the avid tech lover in your life.
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IPhone Accessories
Anker Nano Pro USB-C Wall Charger ($ 19.99, save 15% with coupon)
How many Apple charging cables have you broken over the years? Anker’s Nylon USB-C to Lightning Cables Not only do they provide fast charging speeds, but they’re built to withstand everyday use. This is something we can’t say about the cables Apple includes with every iPhone.
Apple MagSafe Charger ($ 29.99, originally $ 39)
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If you have an iPhone 12 or an iPhone 13, you can take advantage of MagSafe accessories, like this one MagSafe charger. Place the charger near the back of your iPhone and let the magnets built into your iPhone and the charger itself line up with the wireless charging cradle. In order to take full advantage of the MagSafe charger, you will need to use a 20W USB-C wall adapter, such as the Anker Nano Pro that we mentioned earlier.
Apple MagSafe Battery ($ 89.95, $ 99 originally)
Amazon
MagSafe charging is not just for a wired connection. Apple MagSafe Battery can add about 50% charge to your iPhone, extending your phone’s battery to get you through a long day of use. Even better? You can charge the battery and your iPhone at the same time using just one Lightning cable. And when you’re done, remove it from the back of your iPhone like it’s never been there.
Belkin MagSafe 2-in-1 Charging Stand ($ 84.99, originally $ 99.99)
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Another charging recommendation that we have is the Belkin MagSafe 2-in-1 Charging Stand. This mount includes a MagSafe charger that keeps your iPhone in the air, like it’s floating (you can even turn your phone sideways to watch a movie while it’s charging, the magnets are so strong), and a place to charge your AirPods below this. If you also have an Apple Watch, check out the 3-in-1 version of this same charger.
Apple AirPods, 3rd generation ($ 169.98, $ 179 originally)
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When it comes to wireless headphones and the iPhone, there really is only one option: Apple AirPods. the Latest generation AirPods have an all-new design, work with Apple’s sophisticated spatial audio features for 3D audio, longest battery life of any AirPod model, and resistance to sweat and water. The charging case is MagSafe compatible, so you can charge it on any MagSafe compatible charger.
Apple AirPods Pro ($ 189.99, originally $ 249)
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Apple AirPods Pro offers additional features that you won’t find in standard AirPods. For the additional cost you earn active noise cancellation which blocks out all environmental sound (useful if you’re working from home) and a transparency mode that lets in some ambient noise so you’re not completely cut off from environmental sounds (useful for walking along a busy street).
ZAGG Screen Protectors ($ 9.99 – $ 59.99)
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ZAGG’s range of screen protectors offers all types of levels of protection for your iPhone. You can get basic screen protectors to protect you from occasional scratches and drops, or you can go for something like the Glass XTA with D30 screen protector which is designed for solid protection while not preventing any problem of sensitivity to touch.
Tech21 cases (prices vary)
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Tech21 has a long list of iPhone cases for various iPhone models and its own selection of designs. For example, the EVO Max line is built to withstand drops from 20 feet. The EVO Check is a transparent case with an integrated design that is supposed to survive a drop from 16 feet. Not all Tech21 cases are compatible with MagSafe, just be sure to check it when browsing.
PopSockets PopWallet + ($ 39.99)
Amazon
PopSockets Make it easier to grip your phone and don’t constantly be afraid to drop it. With the addition of MagSafe to the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 ranges, PopSockets returned to the drawing board and created a PopSocket which includes a PopWallet. It magnetically attaches to the back of your iPhone and can be easily removed to give you access to your cards or ID. It can hold up to 3 cards. Not a fan of this design? PopSocket has many options.
Android Accessories
Satechi USB-C to USB-C 100W ($ 19.99)
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This Satechi USB-C Cable offers charging speeds up to 100W, is excessive for Android phones. However, this charging speed ensures that you can use the same cable to charge your laptop, tablet, or phone. It’s made of braided nylon that will stand up to everyday wear and tear, and at 6.5 feet in length, it’s more than long enough that you don’t have to sit next to an outlet every time you go. need to refuel.
Anker Nano II 45W ($ 39.99)
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Now that Samsung no longer includes AC adapters with its phones, it’s a good idea to get your own quick-charging power adapter. Anker’s Nano II 45W USB-C The AC adapter will quickly charge your Android phone, or even a tablet, thanks to its maximum output power of 45W. You can even use it to charge some laptops. What makes it so attractive is its small footprint – it’s much smaller than Apple’s own MacBook Air charger, for example.
The panic we all feel when we see our phone’s battery drop below 20% and we are far from a power outlet. Anker PowerCore portable batteries have long been considered one of the best thanks to their price and capabilities. the PowerCore Slim 10K PD keeps that same promise. It has enough power to charge your phone multiple times, and it does so quickly with charging speeds of up to 20W.
Otterbox cases (price varies)
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Otterbox has made a name for itself with its sturdy cases designed to protect your gadgets while taking a beating, and while that remains true, the company also makes some awesome slim cases that aren’t as bulky. You can find all kinds of cases for the Samsung Galaxy Series, Google’s Pixel series, Motorola and LG. Some cases can be found for as little as $ 8, so be sure to spend some time browsing your respective phone’s page.
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 ($ 107, originally $ 112.97)
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Android phones don’t exactly have an AirPod-like solution for wireless headphones, but the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 come close enough. The fully wireless headphones work with any Android device, deliver up to 7.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, and even include active noise cancellation and an ambient sound feature to block out or let in only the noise you want. There are several color options available, allowing you to show a part of your personality.
Sony WH-1000XM4 ($ 248, originally $ 349.99)
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Not a fan of wireless headphones? the Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones are an awesome piece of kit themselves. Pair the headphones with your Android device and use them to access Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free control, while blocking out any ambient noise around you. There are three different colors to choose.
IOttie Easy One Touch Car Holder ($ 19.95 – $ 24.95)
Amazon
Put your phone in sight and within easy reach when you’re in the car with IOttie Easy One Touch Car Holder. There are several different models, this one uses a suction cup stand up on your dashboard. There is another model that attaches to your air vent. The adjustable arms ensure the perfect fit for almost any Android phone, large or small.
Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of posting.