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Want to make your smartphone even smarter? We’re really spoilt for choice when it comes to the huge range of accessories on offer in 2022. Whether you want something to take your photos to the next level, need some quality wireless headphones for the gym, or simply want to make sure your smartphone is properly protected, you’ll find something to suit.

You won’t be disappointed with our Gadget Cover guide to the best smartphone accessories to buy in 2022.

Speaking of what to buy for your smartphone, have you got a mobile insurance policy in place? If you’re searching for, call Gadget Cover. How else will you protect against loss, theft, damage or breakdown?

It really is the first thing you need to do when you take ownership of your new device.

Choosing the right smartphone accessories

Smartphone accessories are a wonderful way to quickly upgrade your phone's features and to provide your own unique look to your tech. Whether you’re looking to boost your protection, music listening, photography, or something entirely different, there are plenty of practical ways to improve your phone with accessories.

In addition, the right accessory will let you use your device to showcase your own particular style and personality. Hopefully our list below will give you some ideas on the best accessories suited to your lifestyle.

It’s easy to get the most out of your mobile lifestyle provided you’ve got the right cover - just search phone insurance UK and see how Gadget Cover can help.

When it comes to must-haves, you should unquestionably invest in some protection accessories. Compared to the device they protect, they’re pretty inexpensive.

We always say that prevention is better than cure. And accessories that provide next-level protection for your phone are always worth the investment in the long run.

We highly recommend getting a phone case and tempered screen protector before anything else. Alongside phone insurance in the UK, such accessories are the best way to get some serious peace of mind!

Once you've taken care of the must-have essentials, you can begin choosing those great little add-ons. Depending on what you like to do with your smartphone, you’ll have a lot of fun looking through what’s now available.

For example, music lovers will want to grab some wireless earphones or a Bluetooth speaker. Those who enjoy uploading their favourite pics to Instagram will need a tripod or clip-on camera lens set. While the sporty types will want a fitness tracker to stay ahead of the pack.

It’s entirely up to you what accessories to add to your smartphone armoury.

So, without further ado, here’s our Gadget Cover list of the 14 smartphone accessories sure to improve your mobile experience this year.

The best smartphone accessories to buy in 2022

1. Phone case

First things first. We can’t talk about phone accessories without mentioning phone cases! With some top of the range smartphones costing over a thousand pounds, it’s no wonder a decent phone cover is at the top of the must-buy list.

The main purpose of a phone cover is to protect your smartphone against drops, shocks and expensive repairs. Indeed, it’s perhaps the best way to avoid accidentally damaging your smartphone.

But a cool cover also makes your smartphone instantly recognisable no matter how many similar devices are nearby. Not only is it a way to personalise your phone, it also makes it harder for your device to be mislaid.

Be aware that if you want your phone insurance in the UK to cover you against loss you’ll probably need to pay an additional premium.

There are thousands of options on the market, from those that are so thin and lightweight that you’ll barely know they’re there. To those super-tough cases that look like they could survive being hit by a tank!

Available for both Android and iOS devices, we love the perfect blend of style, affordability and reliability offered by Spigen cases.

Android Authority has a great buyer’s guide to Spigen cases that’s worth a read.

2. Screen protector

Display technology is constantly evolving and is one of the main points you’ll want to be looking out for when purchasing a new smartphone. But whether LCD, OLED, AMOLED, Super AMOLED or any of the other types they are all prone to breaking.

Despite the advertising claims, no matter how resistant or advanced they are, any screen can break given the right circumstances. And even if you can still use the screen, a broken screen can put unnecessary strain on your eyes and create a hazard for your fingertips.

Avoid these hazards by equipping your smartphone with a brand-new screen protector. A well-fitting tempered glass screen will not only protect against breakages but also irritating scratches, dust, and fingerprints.

Our advice is to opt for one with a 9H hardness rating.

This will provide you with an excellent level of protection without affecting the screen’s clarity and definition.

Because fit is so important, you’ll need a screen protector designed for your particular smartphone model. Well regarded screen protector manufacturers include JETech, Spigen, ESR, Belkin, InvisibleShield and Tech21.

If you’re looking for something specific to iPhones then take a look at this selection.

3. Power bank

Smartphone manufacturers have been working overtime to try to give consumers more bang for their buck when it comes to battery life. No matter how flashy your device is, having it switch off right before your eyes is extremely frustrating.

And when you're out and about or travelling, and far from a charging outlet, even the smartest phone will end up as an expensive but useless brick. To put an end to worries about this potentially stressful scenario, grab yourself a portable charger like the Anker PowerCore 20,000 PD.

Compatible with almost all smartphones and tablets all you have to do is to remember to pop it in your bag, and you're good to go!

With a capacity of 20,000mAh it has enough energy to charge an iPhone 12 up to five times. And it’s fast too. It can charge an iPhone 12 up to 50% in just 30 minutes.

Just don't forget to also bring along the right charging cable. Or, even better, get a wireless charger like the Anker Powercore III Wireless Power Bank, for extra convenience!

4. Phone stand

You don’t need us to tell you that smartphones have been getting bigger and bigger over the past few years. Our trusty devices are now being used for gaming, watching movies, video calls and so much more.

So, large screens have become a necessity if you want to enjoy the best user experience.

However, with the size and weight of devices now on offer, holding them for hours on end is going to put a sizable dent in your viewing experience. That’s why you need a simple but practical phone stand.

The right phone stand is perfect for watching something with your family or friends and those lengthy work Zoom calls. Or even just staying upright on the kitchen surface while you’re following the latest BBC Food recipe. And with it just standing there on your desk or nightstand, you’ll be able to see notifications, without having to reach for your phone.

As you can imagine there are a vast array of these on the market, so you’re really spoilt for choice. Reviewers at Tech Gear Lab rate the Omoton Adjustable as their Editors’ Choice for its aesthetics, user-friendly design, and the fact it’s big enough to even hold a tablet without toppling over.

But if you’re looking for something more compact for travel then the Lamicall Adjustable Foldable is also impressive.

If you’re an iPhone fan and want to take things to the next level then we also love the Belkin face tracking magnetic phone mount.  Belkin uses face tracking technology to follow your movements as you film yourself, so you're always the centre of attention.

5. Waterproof pouch

While there’s no such thing as a completely waterproof phone, most of the top smartphones on the market today offer decent levels of water resistance. Hopefully enough to survive the occasional splash or even a short dunking.

But if you’re planning on heading out for some water-based adventure then you’ll need a waterproof pouch with you. After all, you’ll want to capture any unforgettable moments without running the risk of damaging your precious gadget.

To keep your hands free, you can usually wear them like a necklace.

There’s a great selection here, but we like this one from the aptly-named Overboard. It’s submersible in water up to six metres deep, for up to an hour.

Phone insurance in the UK from Gadget Cover will also protect your phone from liquid damage. So, if your gadget has been damaged by an accidental soaking, we’ll repair it or replace it.

6. Tripod

Shaky hand-held videos look awful, no matter what the occasion. So, invest in a pocket-sized tripod to ensure a stable shot that doesn’t make viewers feel sea-sick!

This accessory will also give you the very best results for long exposures, stop-motion captures, group shots, and incredible landscape pictures.

The BBC’s Science Focus Magazine recommend the Joby GripTight ONE tripod for its remarkable versatility and compact design. You can also use it as a selfie stick, or even use its bendy, wrap-around legs to hang it from a tree! There are also easily attachable accessories such as lights or microphones available.

7. Camera lens attachments

We’ve come to expect great cameras on most smartphones now. But could you up your photography skills to the next level with an array of camera lens add-ons?

The answer is a definitive yes.

Taking up much less space than a real camera, but for a fraction of the cost, buy yourself some of these compact lenses and you’ll feel like a professional snapper in no time. From wide-angle and macro to telephoto and fish-eye lenses you’re bound to achieve unique and outstanding results.

Some kits even come with some pretty cool filters and lenses such as a kaleidoscope lens, a starburst lens, and the ever-so-useful CPL filter.

SmartPhone Photographer has listed seven of the best lens kits for smartphone cameras.

Our favourite is the Godefa Phone Camera Lens Kit for its sheer variety of lenses.

8. Charging accessories

It’s not just power banks that are popular when techies go shopping for smartphone accessories. In view of the genuine panic we all feel when we see our phone battery dying, there are lots of other charging related items worthy of attention.

Particularly now that major manufacturers aren’t always including chargers with their flagship phones. It’s never been more important to find the right charger for you and your smartphone.

Fortunately for us there are a bunch of charging accessories available to make sure that our power needs are well taken care of. From wireless chargers and multi-port wall chargers to car chargers and cables, here’s a quick selection of just some of the best smartphone charging accessories you’ll need.

• Anker Wireless Charger – If you want a wireless charger then this reasonably-priced one from Anker is a great option.
• Belkin Car Charger and Vent Mount – If you need to charge your iPhone while driving, this MagSafe compatible charger and mount from Belkin is a solid option.
• inCharge 6 6-in-1 keyring cable - With six different configurations, you can charge any devices that use lightning, microUSB and USB-C, both from standard USB ports and USB-C ones.
• WonderCube – A keyring for charging, syncing, standing and so much more. A very handy little gadget jam-packed with everything you need.

9. MagSafe accessories

Since MagSafe was introduced in 2020, a whole range of accessories have become available for the latest iPhones. From chargers and power banks to cases and wallets Pocket Lint has listed some of the best accessories worth buying in 2022.

Even if you don’t have an iPhone, take a look at Mobile by Peak Design. It offers a whole eco-system of accessories including a multitude of mounts, charging stands, tripods and wallets.

If you’re a creative and adventurous smartphone photographer or videographer then you need to take a look.

10. Wireless headphones

With most recent smartphones ditching the traditional 3.5mm headphone jacks, wired headphones are rapidly becoming a thing of the past! So, a high-quality and reliable pair of wireless earphones is a smart investment.

There are so many different varieties and models of headphones available right now that it can get bewildering.

Do you opt for small and lightweight in-ear headphones or are you looking for something to give a more immersive sound experience such as over-the-ear headphones?

Do you want noise cancelling capabilities?

Are you looking for something budget-friendly or a little pricier?

Read our Gadget Cover how to guide to choosing the right headphones and listen to your favourite tunes any place, any time, without awkward wire tangles!

If you’re an Apple enthusiast then What Hi-Fi magazine says the Apple AirPods Max are hands-down the best. Android users will be more than happy with the sonic masterclass delivered by Sony’s WH-1000XM4.

11. Wireless speakers

For those who want to listen to their music or videos out loud then you’ll probably want to get yourself a wireless speaker. While more recent smartphones are now offering better sound quality than in the past, if you’re a real audiophile then you still need a decent external speaker.

Whether you're hanging out at the beach, or listening to your playlist around the house, a portable speaker is a huge ambience booster.

You can get a pretty decent speaker for under a hundred pounds nowadays. Tech Advisor has a list of some of the best cheap wireless speakers worth buying in 2022.

But if you’ve got a bit more to spend then we love the combination of contemporary technology and iconic design offered by the Marshall Stanmore II Wireless Bluetooth Speaker.

12. Gaming controller

For a number of years now, companies have been trying to come up with a decent gaming controller for use with smartphones. And with the proliferation of cloud gaming services like Microsoft xCloud, Google Stadia and GeForce Now, the need for one has never been clearer.

And 2022 looks to be the year when true console or PC class gaming is finally brought to your smartphone. The Razer Kishi controller for both Android and iOS has garnered praise from many reviewers including Laptop Mag and Radio Times.

If you have an iPhone then the Backbone One gaming controller is also good, although it doesn’t fold down completely like the Razer Kishi.

13. Fitness trackers

It doesn’t seem so very long ago that fitness trackers first hit the market. But they have certainly come a long way in a short amount of time. At one time fitness trackers seemed like merely glorified pedometers.

Whereas now they track everything from steps taken, distance travelled and calories burnt to work out plans, mindfulness activities and even your sleeping habits. Tom’s Guide rates the Fitbit Charge 5 as the best fitness tracker overall, and we’re not going to disagree.

14. Smartwatches

These remarkable machines truly are a gem and are perhaps the number one way technophiles can feel like they're living in a futuristic sci-fi world. Constantly communicating with your phone, they allow you to manage notifications and calls, dictate messages, and even keep an eye on your fitness and health.

TechRadar rightly puts the Apple Watch 7 at the top of the must-buy list, if you have an iPhone. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is also highly rated.

Choose Gadget Cover for great phone insurance in the UK

Whether or not it’s a flagship, a high-quality smartphone means a big investment. Unfortunately, mishaps can and do happen with surprising regularity.

You can boost your phone’s durability with some of the above smart accessories and a sturdy case, but it’s still vital to ensure you have adequate phone insurance in the UK to cover it.

Quality, dependable phone insurance UK is our final must-have on the list. Gadget Cover offers a wide range of benefits, such as:

• Cover for unauthorised usage, when your phone has been lost or stolen, up to £2,500.
• Family cover. So, if an immediate family member loses or damages your phone you’re also covered.
• Worldwide cover, up to 180 days in any 1 year.
• E-wallet cover up to a maximum of £500.

If you’re shopping for high-tech accessories they often come with sizable price tags, too. So it’s good to know Gadget Cover will replace any accessories if they’re stolen, damaged or lost, up to £150.

Don’t wait to get phone insurance in the UK, get a quote today from Gadget Cover.