Getting the right accessories early on helps you get the most out of your new phone, whether you’re targeting protection or just expanding its functionality. Find out exactly what you need to get with this quick guide!

Start with the Screen

Screen accessories are something that most people delay, and it’s almost always a source of regret. A screen protector should go on before the phone goes into the pocket for the first time.

Tempered glass is the most popular option, and for good reason, giving you:

• Solid durability
• Smooth touch response
• Reliable impact protection

If something hits your glass hard enough, the protector will absorb the impact and crack instead of your display. While your tempered glass may crack on hard drops and need replacing, a $15 replacement will beat a $300 screen repair every time.

A Case You Can Rely On

The case market is enormous today, and a lot of it is just noise. Before buying anything, you’ll need to be honest about how you actually use your phone. Are you taking it to the gym, or just leaving it on a desk all day?

A magnetic case would ideally be the first thing to buy here since loads of other fun accessories depend on it, especially if you’re in the Apple ecosystem. That includes power banks, MagSafe wallets, car mounts, and more.

Case Options

For Android users, look for cases with built-in grip rings or textured backs, especially if you’re working with a larger phone where one-handed use is already awkward.

If you’re looking for low-profile protection for your lifestyle, you’ll want a slim hybrid case (typically with a hard polycarbonate back and soft TPU bumpers). 

Two Charging Solutions

It can pay to have at least two charging options. The charger that came in the box (if one was even included) probably isn’t the fastest charger your phone can handle.

What does that mean?

Most flagships support 25W, 45W, or even 65W+ fast charging, but the bundled adapter is often limited. It’s absolutely worth checking out your phone’s supported charging spec and buying a matching GaN charger.

Wireless Charging

Now that you’ve sorted out your wired charging needs, it’s time to think about wireless. MagSafe-compatible chargers and power banks dominate the market with fast charging and multi-device support. If you have an iPhone 12 or newer, grabbing a MagSafe charger can make daily charging nearly effortless.

Android users can match those MagSafe speeds with a high-quality, Qi2-certified wireless charger as well! It’s also a good idea to pick up a power bank while you’re at it to ensure your phone never runs out of juice on the go.

Next-Level Earbuds

Most phones don’t include a headphone jack anymore. If yours do, the bundled earbuds are usually something you’ll quietly throw in a drawer within a week. Wireless earbuds, then, are the obvious move.

You don’t need to spend $200+ for a great pair of earbuds either. The $50-$100 range offers excellent picks like the Galaxy Buds FE or the Soundcore Liberty 4. Anything within this range from a major brand should hold up well for daily use.

You can save even more by skipping ANC if noise cancellation isn’t a huge priority for you. Driver quality trumps all here.

A Top-Tier Car Mount

Navigation on a phone rattling around in a cupholder is bound to be a safety issue rather than just an annoyance. A mount for your car can cost under $20 and is genuinely one of the more practical accessories on our list.

A magnetic mount (ideally a MagSafe-compatible one) is an easy pick if you’ve just picked up a new iPhone, as long as you already have a MagSafe-compatible case. Dashboard suction mounts are more universal but can fail in hot weather, so choose wisely.

Desk Mounts and Stands

If you’re someone who uses their phone for:

• Video calls
• Recipes
• YouTube while cooking

You’ll find a portable stand to be an incredible help for everyday use. Similarly, mini desktop stands are sturdy, easy to fold flat, and travel very well if you’re someone who travels frequently with their full setup. 

Additional Cables

Extra cables are highly situational and shouldn’t be your first purchase, but they’re always nice to have. A dedicated cable in your everyday bag and one by your desk can be incredibly convenient. If you’re springing for one, go for cables that feature braided nylon rather than the standard rubber-coated ones.

Level Up Your New Phone

Finding the right accessories is so crucial before you dive into the MagSafe vs. wireless charging debate. Getting accessories right at the start is a wonderful way to save money on repairs later, and makes your new phone so much more useful day-to-day. From protection to utility, even the smallest new accessory can change the way you use your phone. Get started today with our essentials!

The post What to Buy After Getting a New Phone: A Complete Accessories Checklist appeared first on .