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If you’ve just purchased one of the best foldable phones, you’ll want to know about the useful accessories that owners of these devices consider essential. Foldables have their own needs, as they have features specific to their form factor: two screens, exposed hinges, a size that changes depending on whether the phone is open or closed, etc. For this reason, many accessories that you used with your old phone will not work with these devices as they should.
Common cases rarely follow the fold of the device or cover the hinge well, leaving it exposed to dust and minor impacts. Traditional screen protectors also don’t fit foldables’ flexible internal screens, and they can impair touch response or peel off during everyday use. Even chargers and stands must take into account the different weights and dimensions of these phones, as they are generally larger and heavier than conventional models.
On the other hand, you can already find many alternatives specially designed to work with this type of device. And if you want the most useful accessories for your foldable phone, you need to look at cases, screen protectors, and other options designed from the ground up with the form factor in mind. In addition to protecting your phone, they can also make daily use much more comfortable.
A Bluetooth keyboard turns your foldable into a laptop
One of the biggest strengths of foldable phones, especially if you choose one with a larger screen like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line, is productivity. Due to the larger working area, these devices are perfect for anyone who wants to handle multitasking on the go. If you need to respond to emails while juggling files, or just want to keep multiple spreadsheets open, these phones are a great fit.
One of the best Bluetooth keyboards can be incredibly useful here as it can effectively turn your foldable phone into a small laptop. It becomes much easier to perform multiple tasks that require constant typing, like writing in a document or adjusting a spreadsheet. You also avoid wasting screen real estate to the touch keyboard on these devices, allowing you to make better use of the screen.
Additionally, manufacturers have built many of these foldable models to function similarly to a desktop computer. So, with floating windows and the ability to place two apps side by side, a Bluetooth keyboard helps you get even more out of these features. It also takes up little space in a backpack, so you can easily transport it from one place to another.
Hinged cases protect the most vulnerable part of your foldable
One of the main strengths of your foldable phone is its mechanical hinge, since it allows you to fold the screen and increase or reduce its surface area. However, this hinge is also one of the most vulnerable parts of the device, and ignoring a protective case that covers it is one of the common mistakes made when buying a foldable Android phone. For this reason, it’s worth investing a little more in a premium option just for the protection.
Besides drops, you still have to deal with other issues, such as dust accumulation, which often occurs around the hinge area. Since this region moves a lot every time you need to open or close the phone, any dirt there can detract from the experience over time. Ultimately, even if they cost more, buying a case that protects the hinge right after purchasing your device is better to wait than have a problem, especially since repair costs for foldables are generally high.
Ring grips make holding heavier foldable phones more secure
Because of the way manufacturers make them, foldable phones are larger and heavier than more traditional models you’ll find on the market, especially when opened. This makes one-handed use less comfortable and also increases the risk of dropping the phone while you’re performing a task. For this reason, even though this accessory is simple, using a grip ring is one of the essential tips and tricks for foldable phone users who want more security when using the phone.
This type of accessory improves the ergonomics of the device since it offers your fingers a firmer point of support when using it. This way, you don’t need to support the full weight of the phone from the sides when the screen is fully open. Additionally, many grips function as a desk stand, allowing the phone to be propped up for watching videos while still using all the screen real estate these devices offer.
External screen protectors prevent damage to foldables
Even though your foldable phone’s internal screen is its main highlight and the part you want to protect the most, it already comes with a layer of protection that you don’t have to remove. Meanwhile, the external screen is used the most. You’ll often find yourself leaving the phone folded and using the exterior screen for small tasks like replying to messages or accessing the camera. Since it remains exposed, the outer screen has the greatest chance of being damaged. For this reason, one of the first accessories any foldable phone owner should purchase is a tempered glass screen protector.
As with regular phones, a tempered glass screen protector adds a layer of defense against scratches and possible cracks from a drop without interfering with the fold of the phone. The only thing you need to be careful about is making sure you buy one tailor-made for your specific device, as specifications usually change with each generation. This type of protection also extends the life of the phone and allows you to avoid costly repairs.
How we chose the most useful accessories for foldable phones
There are many accessories available for foldable phones, but to build this list, we chose the ones that put your phone’s security first. These devices usually cost a lot more than a conventional smartphone, so we made sure that some of the options we chose will work for anyone who wants to avoid damage to their device, whether it’s the screen or another part of the structure.
We also looked at how each accessory improves the way users interact with their phone. These devices have an audience focused on productivity or multitasking. So we also wanted to highlight accessories for anyone who wants to make the most of these capabilities, such as keyboards that make typing easier or products that make the phone safer to hold when you only have one hand free.
Finally, we’ve also narrowed down the list to only include accessories that work for most foldable phone owners, rather than those you’d normally see tied to just one brand. So whether you own a Samsung, Motorola, or another model, you should have no trouble finding these accessories for your particular phone.