GoKawiilAamir Siddiqui / Android Authority
I’m usually willing to give any phone accessory I come across a chance, partly because I trust those Instagram influencers a little too much. And to be fair, sometimes the weirdest products end up being genuinely useful.
But there are also times when I’ve come across something and wondered who actually asked for it in the first place. Usually, that happens when an accessory fails to live up to the hype — or worse, creates more problems than it solves.
With that in mind, here are the top five phone accessories I think most people are better off skipping.
What's one phone accessory you can't live without? 25 votes Case 56 % Screen protector 20 % Power bank 20 % Other (tell me in comments) 4 %
Camera lens protectors
Pankil Shah / Android Authority
I get why camera lens protectors are so popular. Almost every phone these days has a large camera bump (except my beloved Google Pixel 10a), so it’s natural to worry about those lenses getting scratched. And when camera lens protectors only cost a few bucks, they can feel like an easy form of insurance.
But the thing is, camera lenses in modern phones are already protected by durable, tempered glass. And yes, it can easily handle keys, pockets, tabletops, and everyday wear. By adding another layer of glass, you’re simply adding a new point of failure. I’ve tested both cheap and expensive lens protectors, and they often add glare or make photos appear too soft over time.
The problems don’t stop there. Because these lens protectors are made of subpar materials, they pick up scratches way too easily. And once that happens, peeling them isn’t always as clean or hassle-free as it sounds. So yes, I’d rather invest in a good case with a raised lip around the camera module than buy lens protectors.
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