End Low Quality Mobile Accessories - A Case For Better Options
Initial Impressions of the Nokia Lumia 800 and the Need for Protection
A recent acquisition was a Nokia Lumia 800, a strikingly designed Windows Phone initially launched in late 2011.
The device is notably quick in operation and features an 8 MP camera.
While the AMOLED display presented a minor adjustment compared to the full LCD screen of my prior phone, the overall design quality was sufficiently impressive to offset this.
Protecting a £400 Investment
Given the £400 (UK price) investment, safeguarding the device from potential damage and general wear and tear became a priority.
Smartphones are susceptible to accidental drops, and even routine handling can leave them marked with fingerprints.
The Growing Importance of Mobile Phone Cases
The range of potential hazards to mobile phones has expanded considerably.
Consequently, manufacturers are increasingly including protective cases as standard accessories.
Manufacturer-Provided Cases: An Afterthought
Unfortunately, these bundled cases often appear to be a secondary consideration.
This is particularly surprising when considering the significant role accessories play in preserving the condition and extending the lifespan of a mobile device.
Protection is a key factor for any smartphone owner.
The Advantages of Protective Covers
The advantages offered by cases and screen protectors are readily apparent. Employing these accessories is a logical step towards prolonging the functional lifespan of your smartphone or tablet.
From resilient rubberized housings designed to shield a phone’s edges from abrasions, to versatile triple-configuration cases incorporating stands for tablets, the core function of these accessories remains consistent: safeguarding your investment without compromising its usability.
However, it's important to recognize that not all cases are created equal.
Substandard cases originating from third-party sources, or even those provided by device manufacturers themselves, should be avoided. This is particularly true for designs that obstruct essential controls, ports, or slots.
Consequently, when utilized in conjunction with a screen protector, a quality case becomes paramount in ensuring the security and maintaining the resale value of your mobile device.
This naturally leads to an inquiry: what motivates manufacturers to include complimentary, yet often inadequate, cases with their products?
Understanding Manufacturer-Provided Cases
The inclusion of a basic case by manufacturers can be viewed as a temporary measure. It offers immediate, albeit limited, protection during the initial period of ownership.
These cases often prioritize minimal cost over robust protection, serving primarily as a gesture of goodwill rather than a serious commitment to device safety.
Furthermore, they can function as an incentive for customers to subsequently purchase a more comprehensive and durable case from the manufacturer or a third-party retailer.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Case
- Material Quality: Opt for cases constructed from durable materials like polycarbonate or TPU.
- Port Access: Ensure the case allows unobstructed access to all ports, buttons, and features.
- Screen Protection: Consider cases with raised edges to provide additional screen protection.
- Fit and Finish: Select a case that fits your device snugly and offers a comfortable grip.
Investing in a well-made case is a proactive step towards protecting your valuable mobile technology.
Examining a Protective Accessory
The Nokia Lumia 800 included a slender rubber covering designed to safeguard the phone's edges. This case, finished in a complementary light blue hue, aims to provide basic protection. While functional, its quality doesn't represent the most impressive complimentary case available, nor is it particularly deficient.
A less effective complimentary item was provided with the older HTC Touch Diamond, a compact Windows Mobile handset acquired some time ago. It came with a simple drawstring bag, ostensibly for screen polishing, but offering limited practical utility.
The HD7 from HTC was shipped with a leather pouch that initially seemed adequate. I was pleased with its ability to shield the device from moisture and remove fingerprints when the phone was placed inside its soft lining.
However, this pouch ultimately failed, ejecting my phone into a hospital parking lot on the very day my wife began labor – a decidedly unfortunate moment!
It’s important to note that HTC isn’t alone in providing underwhelming accessories. LG frequently omits any protective packaging with their phones, and Samsung often follows suit.
The Necessity of Screen Protectors for Smartphones
It's often perplexing that smartphone displays, despite their advanced technology, are susceptible to scratches and damage, necessitating the use of a screen protector.
The process of applying these protective films can be challenging, frequently resulting in trapped air bubbles beneath the surface.
However, a crucial question arises: considering the precision required in manufacturing phone components – some even assembled in vacuum environments – why aren't devices shipped with screen protectors pre-installed?
Furthermore, the inclusion of robust, protective cases as standard equipment seems a logical expectation.
Understanding Display Sensitivity
Modern smartphone screens utilize highly sensitive materials to deliver vibrant visuals and responsive touch functionality.
This sensitivity, while beneficial for user experience, also makes them vulnerable to abrasions from everyday objects like keys or coins.
The glass used in these displays, while often strengthened, isn't impervious to damage.
The Role of Protective Measures
A screen protector acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing impacts and preventing direct contact with the delicate display.
This simple addition can significantly extend the lifespan of the device and maintain its resale value.
Similarly, a well-designed case provides comprehensive protection against drops, bumps, and other physical hazards.
Why Manufacturers Don't Include Them
Several factors likely contribute to manufacturers not including these accessories as standard.
Cost considerations are paramount; pre-installing protectors and cases would increase the overall production expense.
Additionally, offering a wide range of accessory options generates revenue through separate sales.
- Profit margins on accessories are often higher.
- Consumers have diverse preferences regarding case styles and protector types.
- Pre-installed accessories might limit customization options.
Ultimately, while the absence of pre-installed protection may be frustrating, it's a strategic business decision.
Fluctuations in Third-Party Accessory Quality
A straightforward assessment would suggest the existence of a robust market for third-party accessories is a given.
Naturally, such a market exists, and can potentially bolster accessory sales directly from the original manufacturer. The iPad, for example, generates substantial revenue for numerous companies – not solely Apple – with a wide array of cases available in retail stores and online, ranging from durable, protective shells to basic, lightweight pouches.
Unfortunately, a significant number of these products exhibit substandard quality, which can negatively affect the overall user experience.
This observation forms the core of my argument. While consumers are presented with abundant options, the sheer volume may be excessive. The quality of screen protectors and cases designed for mobile devices and tablets is inconsistent. If manufacturer-supplied accessories represent the optimal choice, what value does the third-party market truly provide?
Furthermore, what justification exists for offering these accessories as separate purchases?
The Case for Included Quality Accessories
The success of devices like the iPad and iPhone demonstrates manufacturers’ capability to produce excellent accessories. A logical question arises: why aren't these accessories routinely bundled with the devices themselves?
Considering the Manufacturer's Perspective
One might assume the rationale lies in maximizing profit through separate accessory sales. However, if profit is the sole driver, why permit customers to purchase potentially damaging, lower-quality alternatives – products from which the manufacturer derives no revenue?
It seems unlikely that the expectation of repeat device purchases due to damage is the primary motivation.
A Responsibility to Protect Investment
If companies such as Apple and Nokia are committed to delivering durable, high-performing hardware for daily use, a corresponding responsibility exists.
They should be compelled, if not ethically obligated, to provide protective accessories of substantial quality as part of the initial device cost for smartphones and tablets.
- Protective measures should be standard.
- High-quality materials are essential.
- Durability is a key consideration.
Image Credit: Leather Case Image Via Shutterstock
