Here are some ways to keep your mobile phone in the best possible condition.
Smartphones are super-fragile high-tech devices that cost hundreds of euros, but you wouldn’t think so from the way many people treat them. You’re more likely to see someone with a cracked screen than with a mobile phone in perfect condition. It really does pay to look after your smartphone. You’ll spend less on repairs and enjoy using it more in the short term, and you’ll also get more money for your device when you upgrade it!
Buy a case
Design teams spend weeks, months and even years perfecting the look and feel of a smartphone, so putting it in a case can seem a shame. However, you won’t regret it when your phone survives a nasty drop. Plus, most cases look just as good (if not better) than the original design!
Don’t fall into the trap of buying the cheapest case possible. Good shock absorption is just as important as appearance!
Carry it separately
If you carry your mobile phone in the same bag or pocket as your keys, you’re asking for scratches, while other heavy items can cause dents. Keep your phone in a separate bag compartment or trouser pocket to avoid accidental damage!
Look after the battery
Batteries lose capacity over time. An average lithium-ion battery lasts between 300 and 500 charge cycles. However, you can extend your battery life beyond this limit. A study by Battery University suggests that the 300–500 figure really only applies if you charge your phone from 0 to 100%, i.e. a “full discharge cycle”. By topping up your phone in short bursts and keeping it charged between 40 and 80%, you can significantly extend the life of your battery. You should also unplug your phone when it reaches 100%, as the “trickle charges” that keep it topped up can wear out the battery. A good smartphone charger is just as essential because it charges the battery properly.
Don’t take your phone into the bathroom
Bathrooms are not only grim, they’re also full of water. There are plenty of potential hazards: you could drop your phone in the sink, in the shower or, worse still, in the toilet. Even steam from the shower can damage your device!
In short: no bathroom. Ever.
Clean it
Even if you don’t use your phone in the bathroom, it can still pick up a lot of germs while you’re out and about.
The best tips for cleaning your phone can be summed up like this: don’t use antibacterial wipes, but a homemade alcohol solution and a lint-free cloth, and only clean it once a week.
Don’t download unauthorised apps
The world of apps outside the App Store and Google Play is like the Wild West; while there are some good guys, there are also plenty of bad ones. Our recommendation: if an app doesn’t look 100% trustworthy, don’t download it – it could be packed with malware. Stay alert on the App Store and Google Play as well. Although both are well policed, compromised apps have slipped through in the past. Again, avoid anything that doesn’t look completely trustworthy.
Keep your cool
Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can damage your phone. Heat is particularly harmful, as high temperatures can damage the screen, internal components and the battery.
The solution is simple: don’t leave your phone in direct sunlight or in very hot places. If your phone gets hot while charging, try taking it out of its case. If you’re ready to change device, you can always sell your mobile phones.
