7 practical gifts for people who always break their phones
Most of today's flagship smartphones can be described as beautiful, but fragile. Materials like glass and metal also make smartphones more prone to slipping out of our hands than the plastic models of previous generations. Not to mention big phablets are nearly impossible to use with one hand, making them even more likely to accidentally take a tumble.
Nobody likes a cracked a screen, a dented bezel, a destroyed charging port or a crushed headphone jack. And nobody likes paying to have their broken phones replaced.
Whether you're shopping for a clumsy friend or family member (heck, or maybe yourself), here are seven practical gifts for the person's who's always breaking their phone.
1. RhinoShield impact-resistant screen protector
Go ahead and take a hammer to your phone with a RhinoShield screen protector on it. The screen protector's "special blend of polymer" is virtually indestructible, according to the company. Don't believe it? Maybe a video will convince you. Watch as the hammer hits the phone's screen protector and buffs the impact right off like its NBD.
Price: $25
2. Rugged case
Another easy way to keep your phone safe is to put a rugged case on it. It's simple and cheap. Otterbox makes the most popular rugged phone cases on the market, but they come at the expense of bulkiness. Speck and Tech21 offer cases are that are slimmer, but they don't have the same degree of protection. Take your pick.
Price: Under $25 (varies by model and style)
3. Cargo pants
Phones have grown larger with bigger screens, but pockets have not. You see it all the time -- phone sticking out of a person's back pocket, phone slips out, phone gets destroyed. Cargo pants with their big pockets are more than roomy enough to hold your phablet. Plus, it won't look so obvious you've got a brick in your pants.
Price: Varies
4. AppleCare/extended warranty
If you know you're a klutz and have a history of breaking your phone, consider getting AppleCare for your iPhone or an extended warranty for your Android or -- teehee -- BlackBerry or Windows phone. Plans and extended coverage vary, and warranties cost extra, but you'll have peace of mind knowing you won't have to blow through your savings to fix a busted device.
Price: Varies
5. Bag of rice
One day, every phone will be waterproof. But until that day comes, the best way to rescue a water-damaged phone is by sticking it in a bag of uncooked rice for a couple of days. While results can be a hit or miss -- how it works is, the rice is supposed to suck all the moisture out of the phone -- many people, myself included, have rescued devices from death using this trick. (We can't promise it'll work, but it's worth a try, and could save you money from sending it for repair or replacement.)
Price: $5
6. Ultra-rugged smartphone
Thin phones made of mostly glass and smooth metal are more susceptible to slipping out of your hand. But there are also plenty of ultra-rugged phones made of other materials that are built like tanks and can take a serious beating. Our favorite tough phones are the Galaxy S7 Active, CAT S60, Kyocera DuraForce Pro and Motorola Droid Turbo 2. Each one is super durable, and the S7 Active and Turbo 2 have shatter-proof screens.
7. Flip phone
Caring for a smartphone, like caring for a pet, is a big responsibility and maybe you're just not ready for that commitment yet. Though growing rarer every day, flip phones are still a thing. You won't be able to use Instagram or Snapchat, but at least they're durable AF, fit in your pocket easier and are dirt cheap. You'll probably even get cool points for being so retro, just like Adele.
Price: $26 (varies depending on model)
Raymond Wong is Mashable's Senior Tech Correspondent. He reviews gadgets and tech toys and analyzes the tech industry. Raymond's also a bit of a camera geek, gamer, and fine chocolate lover. Before arriving at Mashable, he was the Deputy Editor of NBC Universal's tech publication DVICE. His writing has appeared on G4TV, BGR, Yahoo and Ubergizmo, to name a few. You can follow Raymond on Twitter @raywongy or Instagram @sourlemons.
