Smartphones have become a part of our personal and professional lives. We use them to watch entertaining or informational content, connect with friends, complete work assignments, and purchase products online. And these are just a few uses. There are hundreds of other things one can accomplish with a smartphone. However, while the gadget can make life easier, it is vital to use it correctly. Here are five harmful smartphone habits to avoid.

Not using a case
Whether a budget flip phone, a massive tablet, or a smartphone, all have glass screens and are susceptible to breakage if they fall. Therefore, it is always better to use a case on the device, especially outdoors. Using them without a cover might make their design stand out, but replacing a broken screen or back panel can be expensive. Besides using a case, install a screen protector to keep the display free from scratches.

Always checking the phone
Many have a habit of checking notifications on their phones throughout the day, whether at work or home. Of course, one might need to check specific important texts urgently, but not all of them. Checking the phone constantly may not have immediate effects, but it can gradually diminish a person’s ability to concentrate. And the lack of focus can affect an individual’s personal and professional lifestyle. As a workaround, we recommend turning off unimportant notifications and assigning specific times of the day for checking and replying to messages.

Using the phone before bed
Many love watching their favorite web series, movies, or random videos on social media platforms before going to bed. Doing this exposes the eyes to a blue light emitted from the screen. This light can suppress melatonin levels, a chemical in the brain required to moderate sleep. The lack of melatonin may keep an individual awake longer and affect their sleep cycle. This will subsequently result in them feeling drowsy the next day. Therefore, one should read a book or meditate before bed instead of using a smartphone.

Neglecting screen hygiene
A cell phone is generally utilized for more than 12 hours daily for several tasks. When answering calls, one usually presses the device against their face, exposing the screen to bacteria and germs. This increases the chances of infection. Some users even report breakouts on one side of their cheek. Therefore, it is vital to clean the device regularly. One can clean the screen with a liquid cleaning solution and wipe it off with a lint-free cloth.

Rushing to get the latest device and phone plan
Smartphone manufacturers launch many phones regularly. And more often than not, people rush to buy the latest devices, such as the new 5G phones or the latest iPhone. Many also end up getting expensive internet phone plans with all-inclusive data, calls, texts, and other benefits. But as exciting as it gets to buy a new smartphone with a top-tier phone plan, one must consider if they need the upgrade. Sometimes, a device with an existing plan is much better than the newer one.

Another habit to avoid is paying for phone plans without doing any research. Many smartphone owners make this common mistake. The plan you purchased might sometimes be contractual, and you’ll be stuck with it until the course runs out. Researching a competent 5G phone plan and sticking to reliable carriers like Verizon can benefit you. The brand offers unlimited nationwide 5G plans for as low as $35/month per line.

You may need a decent smart device to use their 5G services:

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
Available since August 26, 2022, it costs $719.99 and has an IPX8 water resistance rating and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor.

Google Pixel 6a
Released on July 28, 2022, this phone costs $499 and has a Google Tensor processor, Android 12, and 128GB storage.

Google Pixel 7
Get the latest Pixel 7 for $599. Available since October 13, 2022, the smartphone has the newest Tensor G2 chip, a 90Hz display, and 8GB RAM.

iPhone SE 3
Launched on March 18, 2022, the 3rd Gen Apple iPhone SE is another popular pick with a compact 4.7-inch screen, up to 256GB storage, and Apple’s A15 Bionic chip. It costs $429.

iPhone 14 models
Apple’s iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max are other viable options. These were announced on September 7, 2022, and cost $799, $999, and $1,099, respectively. They feature a Super Retina XDR OLED display, iOS 16, and base storage of 128GB.

Additionally, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is another 5G-capable phone. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 is currently priced at around $1,000. At this price, one gets 256 GB of internal storage and a revolutionary foldable design, allowing the smartphone to fit in the palm comfortably. What’s more? One also gets dual displays (cover and main screens) for seamless functionality whether the phone is folded or not.