{"id":6026,"date":"2015-07-06T16:50:11","date_gmt":"2015-07-06T20:50:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gazelle.com\/thehorn\/?p=6026"},"modified":"2024-03-14T09:47:45","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T16:47:45","slug":"keep-your-smartphone-safe-and-damage-free-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gazelle.com\/thehorn\/2015\/07\/06\/keep-your-smartphone-safe-and-damage-free-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Keep Your Smartphone Safe, Away from Water and Damage Free this Summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summer is a time for picnics, beach days and long nights by the campfire. But summer also presents challenges for, among other things, your most coveted item: Your smartphone.<\/p>\n

Have you ever dropped and shattered your smartphone<\/a>? What about a dive into the pool, forgetting it was in your pocket? Accidents like that happen to nearly every smartphone owner, and truth be told, phone damage is not a matter of if<\/i>; it\u2019s a matter of when<\/i>.<\/p>\n

Summer is the Most Dangerous Time for Smart Devices. Here\u2019s Why:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Summertime isn\u2019t called the season of broken for nothing. Smartphones and tablets are especially prone to irreversible damage when exposed to hazardous conditions like sand, water and extreme heat.<\/p>\n

Over the past few years, Gazelle has seen the summer months as the prime time for damaged devices. Thirty-four percent of all devices last July were traded in broken, and those numbers continue to rise year-over-year.<\/p>\n

[rev_slider alias=”phonesafe”]<\/p>\n

You Can Prevent Summertime Damage<\/strong><\/p>\n

Summer elements can kill your smartphone. Here are tips to ensure your phone stays safe and sound.<\/p>\n

1. Keep it Out of Direct Sunlight:<\/em><\/p>\n

With a strong summer sun and forgetful minds, direct sunlight can heat devices 10-15 degrees warmer than if left in the shade. This may not seem like much, but it could decide whether your phone lives or dies. Both Apple and Samsung advise keeping devices in ambient temperatures between 32 and 95 degrees.<\/p>\n

2. Protect it From the Beach<\/i>:<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve all been there: You arrive at the beach and decide to \u201cprotect\u201d your phone by leaving it in the car. Big mistake. Cars heat up fast in the summer, reaching temperatures well above 100 degrees. Stay on the safe side and leave your phone at home. If you can\u2019t break the umbilical cord, check out these beach-proof safety products:<\/p>\n

Phone Condom
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Phone<\/a><\/p>\n

This highly functional sleeve allows you to stay protected without drastically reducing the aesthetics of your phone. It may not be as fun to text with a phone condom, but it reduces the risk of sand damage like no other.<\/p>\n

Price (pack of 3): $14.99 for smartphones, $24.99 for tablets. Buy from Smartskin<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of Firebox.<\/em><\/p>\n


\nDust Plug<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Dust<\/a><\/strong><\/span>Keep sand and other particulates out of your phone crevices with a Dust Plug. These are available in thousands of designs for low-prices on Amazon.<\/p>\n

Price: Ranges $1.00 – $5.00. Shop on Amazon.<\/i><\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of\u00a0HD Image Gallery<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ultimate Beach Towel<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Ultimate<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Towels with pockets, who knew? This won\u2019t just store your devices, but will also keep books, hats, sunscreen and other beach essentials safe.<\/p>\n

Price: $45.00<\/span> $30.00 for a limited time. Buy from Towelmate<\/a>.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

Photo courtesy of Towelmate.<\/em><\/p>\n

3.\u00a0<\/em>Use an Anti-Glare Screen Protector:<\/i><\/p>\n

Can\u2019t see your screen in the sun? An anti-glare screen protector allows you to see your phone in direct sunlight without turning up the brightness, extending battery life and keeping your phone from overheating.<\/p>\n

Price (pack of 3): starts at $6.95.\u00a0<\/i>Buy from <\/i>Tech Armor<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n

<\/i>4. Use a Solar-Powered Charger:<\/i><\/p>\n

<\/i>Turn your phone\u2019s worst enemy into its new power source with a sleek on-the-go solar charging station. Never worry again about your phone dying. Now your phone can enjoy the abundant sunshine just as much as you do.<\/p>\n

But What if Your Phone is Already Damaged?<\/strong><\/p>\n

It happened: Just before sending one last text, your phone slipped and fell into the pool. Or sand slid in-between the screen before overheating in the sun.<\/p>\n

Here are steps to take depending on which summer element attacked your device:<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Sand in phone crevices:<\/i><\/p>\n