Mobile phone accessories include any hardware that is not integral to the operation of a mobile smartphone as designed by the manufacturer.
Cases
Cases, which are designed to attach to, support, or otherwise hold a smartphone, are popular accessories. Case measures are based on the display inches. There are different types:
s are commonly used alone for devices that include rubberized padding, and/or are made of plastic and without exposed rigid corners. Heavy duty cases are designed to protect from drops and scratches. A Standing case keeps the device standing upright. Folio cases are a combination of a case and stand, and may include a keyboard. Skins and design s 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, but in many instances include a belt clip or other device giving it the functionality of a holster. They are made of hard plastic, rubber, silicone, leather, or adhesive-backed vinyl pieces. Vinyl material may be calendared or cast, with the latter being more expensive. Calendered vinyl is expected to only be used for short-mid duration, 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, 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-lost devices
Anti-loss keychains can easily locate a smartphone through the GPS and 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 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. 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 Wi-Fi communication devices on a special SD card inserted into the SD card slot. They can move pictures to a local computer or an online 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
have gone through a diverse evolution that has included cradles, plug-in cords and obscure connectors. However, more recent devices generally use micro-USB. (Apple devices still use proprietary cables, though the form-factor of their 30-pin plug used on older devices has shown up elsewhere. External batteries can be included in cases, but may also be attached to the phone via rubber suction cups.
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. 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 wouldn’t have been possible before.
