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Since most modern phones use glass on the front and back, you should be extra careful while handling one to avoid scratches and, even worse, shattering the screen. Below, I’ll share what I do to protect my phone from drops and scratches.
A Soft Case to Protect the Body
A soft phone case is one of the main tools in my arsenal to protect my phone from scratches. I use a soft case because it absorbs shock, thus offering better protection against drops. This is exactly what you need because even if you take all the precautions not to drop your phone, accidents do happen.
A soft case also reduces the chances of your device slipping and dropping by offering a better grip than a hard case. Of course, there are someways to protect your smartphone from scratches without a case. Still, nothing beats having a physical barrier that provides an extra shield.
I useCordking’s iPhone 11 silicone case, which, aside from being a soft case, covers my phone’s camera bump. If you have a different phone model, just look for a compatible case made of leather, TPU (soft plastic), or silicone.
A Tempered Glass Protector for the Screen
The soft phone case mainly helps protect the back of the device from scratches. Additionally, I use a tempered glass screen protector to protect the front glass. There are differentreasons why I use a screen protector. However, the two main ones are that it provides drop and impact protection by acting as a shield and protects the screen against scratches.
I specifically went with a tempered glass screen protector as it offers better resistance against scratches and impact than plastic alternatives. Plus, it feels like I’m using my actual phone screen rather than some coating atop the screen.
For my iPhone 11, I haveAilun’s glass screen protectorandSupershieldz’s screen protectorfor my Pixel 6a. Both companies have similar options for newer phone models, too. Once you have one,applying a screen protector to your phoneisn’t hard, so you don’t need to go to an electronics shop for help.
A Lens Protector for the Camera
Using a camera lens protector isn’t something that many think of. However, I prefer having all scratch-susceptible surfaces on my phone covered at all times. While my iPhone’s case extends to the camera bump, it doesn’t offer protection against the individual camera lenses.
I have a camera lens protector on my device to take care of this. If you’re unfamiliar with camera lens protectors, these are typically thin transparent covers you can place on your phone’s camera lens.
Like the screen protector, I prefer to use a glass lens protector. Most importantly, I prefer an ultra-thin camera lens protector that doesn’t affect the snuggly fit of my case.ESR’s 2-Pack Camera Lens Protectoris a perfect choice as it only has individual lens protectors. It doesn’t cover the whole camera bump like most options on the market.
Regular Cleaning to Avoid Micro Scratches
Using physical shields can only get you so far. Over time, dust particles and other debris can get in between the phone and the case. As they build up, these small particles can cause micro-scratches. My sure-fire way to prevent this is to clean my phone and case regularly.
I use a soft microfiber cloth (MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Clothis a good example) with fresh water to clean my phone’s screen. Many alcohol-based smartphone screen cleaners are available online, but I prefer using fresh water. The issue with alcohol-based cleaners is they might cause damage to your phone’s adhesives.
And if you have an iPhone, don’t use cleaning products and abrasive materials.Apple saysthey can damage the oleophobic coating on the screen, which might cause scratches. I also clean my device’s ports using a toothpick with cotton wrapped at the front. Finally, I use a toothbrush with soft bristles to clean the phone’s speaker and microphone grills.
A Phone Grip to Minimize Accidental Drops
The soft case on my phone provides a good grip as a bonus, but having a phone grip on the back is better as it offers improved grip and handling. A phone grip provides something for my fingers to hold onto, ensuring a secure grip compared to holding a phone’s flat and sometimes slippery surface.
This is especially important if you feel your device is larger and you can’t comfortably hold it without being weighed down by its footprint. The phone grip reduces the chances of slippage and thus reduces the chances of accidental drops.
If you need specific recommendations,JCHIEN’s Transparent Universal Finger Griphas a flexible ring that doubles as a stand. It’s good enough to get the job done regardless of your phone model.
Handling My Phone With Extra Precautions in Risky Situations
In addition to all the measures above, I handle my phone with care, especially in risky situations, to avoid drops and scratches. While adding a shield and regular cleaning can enhance protection from scratches and drops, it doesn’t make your phone damage-proof.
Here are some of the universal rules that I live by to protect my phone from drops and scratches:
While these tips aren’t foolproof, they have helped me avoid dropping or scratching my phone in most scenarios. Embracing my strategies can go a long way in helping you keep your phone in pristine condition years down the line. Some of these tips require a little investment on your part to get the right accessory.
Fortunately, you can find all the items you’ll need for under 50 bucks. Lastly, treating your phone with some extra care will save it from a lot of accidental drops and scratches.
