Mobile phone accessories

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Smartphones with a stylus

Mobile accessories include any hardware that is not integral to the operation of a mobile smartphone as designed by the manufacturer. Its purpose is to protect the mobile from being damaged or to use for more convenient use of the mobile. People can choose whether to use these accessories for their mobile, as they are not a necessity.

Cases

Pouch case made to dangle
A Samsung Galaxy S8 Active in a combined case and collapsible vertical stand
S-View cover accessory of a Samsung Galaxy S4: Horizontal flip cover with preview window

Cases, which are designed to attach to, support, or otherwise hold a smartphone, are popular accessories. Case measures are based on the display inches (e.g. 5 inch display). There are different types:

  • Pouches and sleeves
  • Holsters
  • Shells
  • Skins
  • Fitted cases
  • Smart watches
  • Bumpers
  • Flip cases and wallets
  • Screen protection and body films
  • Drop and shock protection
  • Leather cases
  • Cases with integrated kick stands
  • Battery cases
  • Cases with protection devices

Holsters are commonly used as external cases for devices, and/or are made of plastic and without exposed rigid corners. Heavy duty cases are designed to protect from drops and scratches.

A standing (or kickstand) case keeps the device standing upright. The collapsible kickstand of some horizontal cases holds the device in a flatter or steeper angle, depending on whether it is horizontally placed on a surface clockwise or counter-clockwise. The flat angle allows tapping without pushing the device over, while the steep angle is intended for watching.

Folio cases are a combination of a case and stand, and may include a keyboard (USB for

OTG
smartphones or bluetooth keyboard).

External cases and design covers can serve for protection and personalization. These are the result of the relatively "naked" designs produced by manufacturers such as Apple, where the metal and glass components of the device are exposed and vulnerable to damage. They are distinct from holsters, in allowing use of the device while in the case, but in many instances include a belt clip or other device giving it the functionality of a holster. They are made of plastic, rubber, silicone, leather, or adhesive-backed vinyl pieces. Vinyl material may be calendered or cast, with the latter being more expensive. Calendered vinyl is expected to only be used for short-mid duration (10 years), while cast vinyl is used on a more long-term basis. Calendered vinyl also tends to shrink in the heat and can be shaped into any form (above 80 degrees Celsius), and may fade in direct sunlight.

Customized phone cases use custom printing. Different companies have different methods of printing on cases; some utilize

sublimation
, others Inkjet-printed skins, others dye-sublimation 3D printing methods.

Functional cases can integrate external batteries or a USB, bluetooth, or

Wifi keyboard and touchpad
.

Anti-loss devices

Anti-loss

Bluetooth low energy antennas of the phone. Once the user is within range of the smartphone, both the smartphone and device will alert the user. It also can be used to remotely take photographs using Bluetooth
.

Phone charms

Phone charms are used to decorate the device. They attach either by a strap or by plugging into the

jack plug
.

Mass storage

Some smartphones feature

SD card
slots (usually the smaller Micro-SD variant). These, in combination with a compatible SD card, can be used to transfer files from one device to another, or simply to increase the storage capacity of the phone.

Wi-Fi SDs are

photo-sharing
service.

Additionally, many devices have USB On-The-Go and support USB storage, in most cases using either a special USB micro-B flash drive or an adapter for a standard USB port. Such adapters can also be used with various other USB devices, such as hardware mice and keyboards.

Chargers and external batteries

Micro-B USB plug

micro-USB connectors, while newer devices tend to use USB-C
. Apple devices often use proprietary connectors.

External batteries are most commonly stand-alone devices, which can be cabled to the phone's primary charging connector.

Photo accessories

Smart lenses are larger and more capable than the phone's camera, having

optical zoom and other features. The smartphone connects to them over Wi-Fi using an app. They are compatible with most smartphones.[1]
Smart flash can be used also for selfies.

Selfie stick

Selfie sticks are hand-held extensible monopods used to move the devices further away than would have been possible with the reach of the human arm, allowing for the camera to take shots to be taken at angles that would not have been possible before.

Docks

Smartwatches

A smartwatch is a wearable computing device with a touchscreen display that closely resembles a wristwatch or other time-keeping device. Smartwatches have become a "must-have" accessory for smartphones because of their multi-purpose use-case.[clarification needed] One can manage one's notifications, attend calls, ask questions to voice assistants and more. Smartwatches also act like a fitness tracker and a medical device.

Smartphone tripod mount

A tripod; it is designed to hold the device in place in a fixed location on the ground during the capture of photographs.

HDMI and projector

Micro-USB to HDMI cables are used in smartphones with MHL.

Mobile Accessories Market Forecast

The global mobile phone accessories market is projected for strong growth in the coming years, surging from $96.5 billion in 2024 to $160.6 billion by 2033 at a 7.1% CAGR. Driving forces include rising demand for wireless accessories like Bluetooth headphones and increasing smartphone adoption in emerging markets. The Asia-Pacific region is expected to lead, benefiting from large manufacturing capabilities and tech-savvy consumers. Manufacturers will likely focus on developing innovative, multi-functional accessories with improved connectivity and ergonomics.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Lens-Style Cameras". Sony. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
  2. ^ "Mobile Phone Accessories Market Forecast (2024-2033)". Evelatus. Retrieved 29 March 2024.