We depend on our smartphones for just about everything today. On the one hand, it’s a tiny device that brings the knowledge of the world to our fingertips and connects us to people around the globe, while on the other hand, it can lead to severe distraction, disruption of sleep, and bad posture. Ever wondered how can you get the best out of your phone? Here are five smartphone habits to stop today:

Scrolling before bed
Do you feel like you’re not getting enough sleep lately? It could be because of your smartphone. Studies have shown that using your phone within an hour of bedtime can disrupt your sleep or make it difficult to stay asleep. This could be due to the phone’s blue light, which suppresses melatonin and keeps you alert, or due to the interactivity via the device. Instead of checking your phone, read a book, or pick a calming activity to help you go to bed.

Ignoring overheating
Whenever your phone gets overheated, it is important to give it a break and let it cool lest it overheats. To do so, support airflow to the phone by taking off the camera and avoiding keeping or using your phone in direct sunlight. Devices like Apple iPhone SE 3, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Max, and other Apple smartphones present a temperature warning screen whenever your phone exceeds a certain temperature threshold to ensure that your phone keeps functioning at optimal levels.

Not backing up data
Since our smartphones carry all our information in the form of media, notes, documents, and messages, it is important to back up all your data in the case of a mishap like a robbery or a phone crash. Back up your data to various cloud services depending on your choice, so you never have to be worried about losing your files again! Devices like the Google Pixel 6A and 7 enable a smooth backup process for data you can easily access later on.

Using public wi-fi too often
Your data is more accessible to cyber criminals when you are on public wi-fi. Use your wireless mobile connections to scroll through the internet when in public spaces. For faster networks, consider investing in 5G phone plans. You can find these cell phone plans from a variety of service providers like T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, US Cellular, Sprint, and others. To utilize 5G internet phone plans, you will also need a phone that is compatible with them, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 – a flip phone that lets you work comfortably on its immersive 7.6- inch screen.

Installing more than one security application
To keep your device protected from threats, install antivirus software on your Android phones. However, installing more than one application may be redundant, and can slow down your phone’s performance due to the increased load on its processor. Download and install an app that covers most basic and advanced features to maintain your phone’s cybersecurity.

Apart from these habits, it is also important to install or enable anti-theft features on your phones such as the Find My iPhone or Android Device Manager to ensure that your data is not at risk even if your phone is misplaced or stolen. These features can help you locate your phone remotely and protect your personal data. It is also important to keep your phone’s software and operating system up to date, as delaying security patches and essential system updates provide your phone with an additional barrier to potential hackers.

Using a fast charger daily is also not good for the phone battery. Mainly because the fast charger is programmed to power up the drained battery in a short amount of time. This puts immense strain on the battery, and as a result, it causes early depredation of the product. Use a slow, low-watt charger for overnight charging. Additionally, it’s important to never let the battery drain below the warning notification and avoid charging it up to 100%, as these habits can damage the smartphone battery over time.

Equipped with technology to help you focus and perform better, smartphones today are changing the game for their users. Here are some smartphones to look out for:

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Launched on August 26, 2022, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 currently costs $1650. It comes with a 7.6-inch FHD+ display and a triple SIM card slot, making it a standout smartphone.

Apple iPhone SE 3
The iPhone SE 3 was launched on March 18, 2022, with a starting price of $429. You get an A15 Bionic system, 5G connectivity, and more with this device.

Google Pixel 6A
The Pixel 6A was released on July 28, 2022, for $449. Currently ranked the best in its price range, the phone has a Tensor chipset, 6 GB RAM, and 6.1-inch screen.

Google Pixel 7
The Pixel 7 was launched on October 13, 2022, starting at $599. An affordable phone for the features it provides, the model has a 50MP camera, 6.3-inch screen, a Tensor G2 chip, and more.

iPhone 14
It was launched on September 16, 2022 for a base price of $799. The phone has a supersized Super Retina XDR display with an improved camera and battery life.

iPhone 14 Pro
The iPhone 14 Pro was released on September 16, 2022, at a base price of $999. It has a 6.1-inch touchscreen display with 460 PPI. Watch out for the 48 MP Pro Main camera and a 12 MP front camera with TrueDepth and auto focus.

iPhone 14 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max was also launched on September 16, 2022, at a base price of $1099. Apart from Apple’s stellar graphics and camera, the phone also features Crash Detection and ProMotion technology.

Apple iPhone 15
Apple’s newest launch in 2023, the iPhone 15, comes with an A16 Bionic Chip and exciting new features like Dynamic Island, advanced dual camera system, precision tracking, and more. Prices for the base model begin at $799.