4 Android Phone Accessories Built to Last

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Today’s flagship Android phones are technological marvels, all boasting high-resolution cameras, huge batteries, and blazing-fast processors that would have blown your collective mind just a decade ago. But despite their advancements in display glass and IP resistance, these phones remain fundamentally fragile pieces of glass and metal. Even though a phone case takes care of this, many people don’t think about the fact that this same vulnerability also extends to their phone’s accessories.

They must also be able to follow your daily adventures. So if you have an active lifestyle, work in demanding environments, or simply have a habit of dropping your gear on a daily basis, avoid flimsy garden accessories and buy a few that can handle some adventure. Fortunately, a decent portion of the smartphone accessories market focuses on making equipment that offers rugged durability, which many prefer over cheap phone accessories that aren’t worth their price.

Some companies choose to use stronger materials (like Kevlar) to create equipment that will withstand significant wear and tear for years, instead of cheap products that break after a few months (or even weeks). These premium, rugged accessories can handle drops onto rocks or into water without batting an eye. And while they’ll cost a little more upfront than their delicate but inexpensive counterparts, they’ll also last longer.

It’s no surprise that one of the most commonly damaged accessories for any smartphone user is their charging cable. The regular rubberized cords that tend to come with phones are notorious for being fragile. They can split, fray, bend, and downright break at the connector ends after just a few months of pulling or loading in backpacks. So if you want a charging cable that will last much longer, Nomad’s Kevlar USB-C cable is a great upgrade for anyone who tends to be hard on cables.

Nomad has completely over-engineered this cable for longevity and resilience, and that’s a good thing. The exterior sports a double-braided Kevlar weave, which should make the cord virtually impossible to stretch or tear under normal circumstances. And the connector housings are constructed from an electroplated metal alloy for a little extra reinforcement for the ends to withstand everyday bending and pressure.

The cable comes in multiple colors and length options, and supports 240W of power so you can easily quickly charge your Android. Although it costs more than generic cables (ranging from $29 to $39, depending on length), the Nomad cable quickly pays for itself by stopping the cord replacement cycle dead in its tracks. Having a durable charging cable is a necessary investment and a worthwhile upgrade for anyone who needs their equipment to withstand rough daily handling.

A high-capacity portable charger is a must-have accessory for anyone who spends the majority of their day away from a wall outlet. Unfortunately, many external batteries are quite fragile; a single drop on concrete can crack their casing or even potentially damage the internal cells of the lithium-ion battery. That’s where the Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank comes in, as it’s a heavy-duty external battery that the manufacturer says is “ideal for outdoor recreation, travel, and emergency use.”

The Goal Zero bank has a grippy rubber exterior, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping out of your hand or bag and getting damaged. Its IP67 rating means it’s completely dustproof and can withstand temporary immersion in water. As for performance, it doesn’t sacrifice speed for durability. It has a capacity of 19,200 mAh and a 60W USB-C Power Delivery port, allowing you to quickly charge your Android phone whenever you need a boost (and it can even blow up your car battery).

It also has some nice extras, like a built-in 50-lumen flashlight, a USB-A port, a 10-inch USB-C to USB-C cable, and it can connect to the brand’s solar panels to charge when you’re really out in the middle of nowhere. Between its sturdy design, large capacity, and myriad of extras, the Goal Zero offers some peace of mind that your backup power source will actually survive the trip and be ready to go when you desperately need a charge.

The Rokform Windshield Suction Mount combines heavy-duty suction with a clever mechanical locking system that will keep your Android perfectly stable and secure, no matter how bumpy your roads get. One of the benefits of this durable polycarbonate mount is that it makes it easy to mount your phone at the perfect angle; It offers up to 210 degrees of tilt and 360 degrees of rotation, allowing you to set a perfect, vibration-free viewing angle that works even in the harshest driving conditions.

All in all, this gives you set-it-and-forget-it flexibility and the assurance that you’ll always be able to easily see your GPS map or answer an incoming phone call. The secret to its relentless grip is the company’s patented RokLock twist-and-lock mounting system; this mount literally mechanically locks your phone in place. The caveat is that the lock feature only works with a compatible Rokform phone case or case adapter (for those who can’t give up the lifespan of the MagSafe gadget), which increases the cost of your overall initial purchase: Rokform’s stand costs $40, its cases range from $40 to $70, and its adapter is $30.

But that higher price doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. As with the Nomad cord, they are more expensive up front, but they still work well and you won’t have to replace one cheap alternative after another. Rokform cases are designed to be incredibly durable, meeting military drop test standards and providing a textured grip. Despite the tough price, the Rokform Windshield Mount and Phone Case configurations work together to keep your phone securely in place, even when you’re off-road.

Impacts and falls are far from the only threats facing smartphones. Water can just as easily cause destruction, damaging charging ports, speakers, and more. Although newer Android phones all come with at least an IP67 rating, keeping your phone submerged underwater for a long time, especially in salt water, can still cause substantial damage to your most important gadget. So for outdoor adventurers, beachgoers, anyone working in the elements, or even those lounging poolside with rambunctious kids, the Spigen AquaShield Floating Pouch is a handy defense tool.

This lightweight yet sturdy accessory is made from PVC and has air-filled edges that allow the case to float and not sink. This is perfect if you plan to float down a river or splash around in your neighborhood pool. It is available in several colors and fits phones with screens measuring up to 6.9 inches. The case allows you to easily slide your phone in and out whenever you want, then lock it securely with a clip system.

There’s even a strap included for portability, whether you’re in the water or just walking around. At just $20, Spigen’s Floating Pouch is one of those budget-friendly Android accessories that gets overlooked, but can effectively help your phone survive water dangers and fun weekend adventures.