Most of us can’t do without a smartphone. The gadget helps us communicate easily, find the information we’re looking for, shop for our favorite products, and so much more. On the downside, we spend hours glued to our screens. This can take a toll on our personal lives, affect physical and mental health, and even cut short the life of our devices. Here are some harmful smartphone habits to break immediately.

Scrolling before bedtime
Endless scrolling on social media before bedtime makes it hard to fall asleep at night, leading to restlessness and tiredness the next day. Screens emit a blue light that affects melatonin production in the brain, the hormone that controls a person’s circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. Without melatonin, it can be difficult to fall or stay asleep. Experts advise keeping the phone away for at least an hour before bedtime. You can instead read a book or listen to a podcast to relax your mind.

Always keeping the phone with you
If you keep your phone in your pocket, you’ll be constantly tempted to pull it out and browse. Not to mention, you’ll be on the alert for notifications. Therefore it’s best to carry it in your purse or backpack. If these options aren’t feasible, put the device on silent mode when keeping it on you.

Purchasing cheap cables
Smartphones are a long-term investment. Be it the latest iPhone or a flip phone, we want our gadgets to last for as long as possible. But, many don’t realize that something as simple as using cheap cables and chargers can damage electronic devices and reduce their lifespan. Faulty wires can permanently damage the battery and increase the risk of a fire or electrocution. So, invest in a quality cable to protect yourself and your phone.

Draining your battery completely
Allowing the battery to drop to 0% could damage your cell phone. It can cause a drop in performance, and your phone may lose charge more quickly. One expert-recommend way to prolong battery life is not to let the charge drop below 30%. Many also have the habit of charging their devices overnight. That, too, can be harmful. For a longer battery lifespan, it should be unplugged soon after it’s sufficiently charged.

Constantly checking your phone
Many people constantly text, look at alerts and notifications, and even play games on their phones. This habit can do a lot of harm in the long run. It prevents a person from focusing on essential tasks and reduces productivity. Studies have also found that the human attention span has dropped significantly in the last decade, owing to the constant use of cell phones. Instead of spending too much time with technology, one can learn new skills that will be useful in the future.

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.

One must also stay protected from data threats, malware, and cyber-attacks. This can be done with the help of platforms like CrowdStrike and SentinelOne cybersecurity. They aim to provide a unified and AI-powered approach to cybersecurity through ever-evolving, faster, and smarter technology. Moreover, CrowdStrike Cybersecurity also offers CrowdStrike Falcon® for iOS and Android mobiles. This aids in the protection of mobile phones, against cyber attacks and data threats.

While smartphones can create problems, they can be helpful if used correctly. If you’re looking for a new, feature-rich 5G phone, check out these options:

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
Released on August 26, 2022, this foldable phone has a 6.2-inch cover screen, a 7.6-inch main screen, and up to 1TB of storage. It costs $719.99.

Apple iPhone SE 3
The Apple iPhone SE 3 has a powerful A15 Bionic processor, a 4.7-inch display, long battery life, and a pocket-friendly design. It was launched on March 18, 2022, and costs $429.

Google Pixel 6a and Pixel 7
The Google Pixel 6a was released on July 28, 2022, with a superb 6.1-inch screen and the ability to record videos in 4K. The Google Pixel 7 might be suitable if you want something more advanced. Available since October 13, 2022, it has an excellent dual rear camera, the Tensor G2 chipset, and a long-lasting battery. The Pixel 6a starts at $499, while the Pixel 7 starts at $599.

iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max
Apple announced the new iPhone 14 series on September 7, 2022. Its best models include the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max, which cost $799, $999, and $1,099, respectively. These have amazing HDR displays, a full-day battery, a powerful camera, and of course, the trademark Apple iOS.

Need a cell phone plan? Check out internet phone plans and 5G phone plans by T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, UScellular, and Sprint.

It is also important to buy a smartphone based on one’s requirements and other factors. For example, operating a smartphone may initially pose challenges for seniors. Moreover, saving money may be an essential target for seniors after retirement, making it necessary to plan one’s budget efficiently before buying a smartphone or any other gadget. Thus, in such cases, one should look for smartphones that are user-friendly, reasonable, and basic while still being equipped with all the required features. Understanding one’s needs, budget range, and required smartphone specs can help one buy the right smartphone.