Smartphone accessories well worth the expense
You've got yourself a new smartphone, but how do you get the best out of it? Accessorise!
For every handset you can think of, there are numerous add-ons that make it work better for you and stand out from the crowd. From earphone upgrades and Bluetooth speakers to give your music a boost, to protective cases that not only keep your phone safe from harm, but also make sure it's on trend, there's plenty to choose from.
Here's our pick of the smartphone accessories that are well worth your money...
Selfie add-ons
Selfies show absolutely no sign of dying out, and even for the camera-shy, smartphone self-portraits are becoming the norm. An increasing number of phone makers are paying more attention to the front-facing camera, with the Huawei P10 even introducing the world's first Leica lens in a smartphone selfie cam. If you've already got a selfie stick why not try the Ultra Bright Selfie Light (£19.99) which clips onto any smartphone and packs 36 LEDs to provide an even halo of light, ensuring your selfie is perfectly lit.
Camera lenses
While handsets like the Sony XZ Premium and iPhone 7 Plus offer impressive camera specs, for photography fans that want to take their snaps to the next level without lugging a heavy camera around, an add-on lens could be the answer. The Olloclip Core Lens Set (£99.99) for iPhone 7/iPhone 7 Plus includes fisheye, wide-angle and macro lenses in a small gadget that clips on over the handset's camera. Versions for older iPhones and Samsung handsets are also available.
Photo printers
Once you've perfected your pictures, you might want to transform them into a permanent keepsake, rather than leaving them languishing in your camera roll or Facebook albums for evermore. That's where mini pocket printers come in handy. Roughly the size of a mobile phone, the HP Sprocket Photo Printer (£99) connects over Bluetooth to both Android and iOS handsets and can be used to produce 2 x 3-inch snapshots or stickers using Zink inkless printing.
Phone cases
Whatever accessories you choose, a case will probably be your first port of call. The choices are endless, from waterproof or hard-shell cases to clear plastic versions. For something a bit more luxurious, the Pastel Collection of Nubuck leather cases from Snakehive (starting at £21.95) offers a touch of class without breaking the bank. The wallet-style cases include slots for credit cards, and a folding stand, and are available for Apple and Samsung phones with more options on the way.
Portable chargers
As we spend more and more time on our smartphones, from updating Instagram to catching up on Netflix episodes, the battery can take a real hammering, which is why it's wise to invest in a portable power pack. The STK Fast Fuel 15K (£49.99) packs a massive 15000mAh battery that will fully recharge a phone six times over. Packing Qualcomm Quick Charge technology, it claims to power up smartphones a whopping four times faster than conventional chargers.
Headphones
Many high-end smartphones ship with their own earphones, but if you're a music aficionado then the chances are you're going to want an upgrade. There's a massive range of choices available whether you want sweat-proof sports options for running or noise-cancelling cans for your commute. The Audio-Technica ATH-CKR70iS earphones (£79) offer top-notch audio quality at a reasonable price. Packing powerful dynamic drivers for excellent sound, they also feature an in-line remote for answering and ending calls and controlling your music.
Speakers
Even if your phone's speakers are decent, you might need to give them a lift, especially if you want to share your music with friends. Larger options are available for bigger settings like parties, while tiny pocket-sized speakers can be useful, but for most, a solid all-rounder is the best bet. The JBL Flip 4 (£119.99) Bluetooth speaker is small enough to be portable but still packs a great sound and offers 12 hours of battery life. What's more, it's completely waterproof so it's ideal for hanging by the pool.
