9 simple accessories that'll help you get more out of your iPhone

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The Anker PowerCore is a reliable portable battery that’ll keep your phone alive when you’re away from an outlet.

The Anker PowerCore is a reliable portable battery that’ll keep your phone alive when you’re away from an outlet.

The 10,000mAh model above should be enough for three or four refills, and is the most compact of the bunch. At $19, it’s also the most affordable. If you need more juice, though, there are larger versions available.

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Alternatively, Anker’s Ultra Slim Battery Case holds some spare power around at all times, while giving your iPhone 6/6s a measure of protection.

Alternatively, Anker’s Ultra Slim Battery Case holds some spare power around at all times, while giving your iPhone 6/6s a measure of protection.

As the name suggests, it’s also fairly thin for these things. Its 2,850mAh battery is enough for a full recharge, so it’s good value for $45.

An aside: You really don’t need wireless charging, but if you’re willing to pay for the convenience, Mophie’s Juice Pack Wireless is a competent battery case with those capabilities, too. It has less power, though, and starts at $100.

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The LifeProof Fre is the waterproof case to get for your next beach trip. (Or bathroom-related mishap.)

The LifeProof Fre is the waterproof case to get for your next beach trip. (Or bathroom-related mishap.)

Different types of cases work for different types of people — some people value protection, others need style, still others just want something cheap. Plenty out there fit the bill.

Among waterproof cases, though, the LifeProof Fre is one of the few that actually keeps water away, yet remains a decent standalone case. It doesn’t look goofy, it fits fine, and it’s not terribly thick.

The Leef iBridge gives you more storage space for stashing photos, and makes it easy to transfer files from your iPhone to a PC.

The Leef iBridge gives you more storage space for stashing photos, and makes it easy to transfer files from your iPhone to a PC.

Unfortunately, it’s not cheap; the entry-level stick costs $55 for just 16GB of space. Apple might finally rectify its storage stinginess with the next iPhone, but if you’re sticking with an older model, these are the measures you have to take.

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The TechMatte MagGrip is a $7 air vent mount that makes it easier to use your phone as a GPS or media center on the road.

The TechMatte MagGrip is a $7 air vent mount that makes it easier to use your phone as a GPS or media center on the road.

It’s as straightforward as it looks.

Moment’s camera lens add-ons help your iPhone take more expansive and detailed shots than it’s capable of on its own.

Moment’s camera lens add-ons help your iPhone take more expansive and detailed shots than it’s capable of on its own.

There are three different models available: a “Wide Lens” for wide-angle shots, a “Tele Lens” for getting double the zoom, and a “Macro Lens” for extra zooming.

At $100 a pop, they’re probably not worth it unless you’re always taking photos, but they’re as effective as you’d hope for that price.

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The ShoulderPod S1 is a handheld mount that helps keep your phone steady while you use your camera.

The ShoulderPod S1 is a handheld mount that helps keep your phone steady while you use your camera.

This is another niche product meant more for hobbyists, but it works, and it doubles as a phone stand in a pinch.

If you often play more complex mobile games, it could be worth grabbing a game controller like the SteelSeries Nimbus.

If you often play more complex mobile games, it could be worth grabbing a game controller like the SteelSeries Nimbus.

It has to be said, however, that iOS has always had a rocky relationship with controller support. Many games are incompatible, and even when they are, they’re still made with touch controls in mind. If you own an Apple TV, too, getting one will make more sense.

All that said, the Nimbus is comfortable, and it uses a rechargeable battery, which is much more convenient than the external batteries most of its competitors force you to buy.

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Buying a longer Lightning cable lets you charge your phone without having to huddle around an outlet.

Buying a longer Lightning cable lets you charge your phone without having to huddle around an outlet.

Okay, so that much is obvious, but it never hurts to buy a spare cable either way — especially since Apple’s own model isn’t exactly known for its durability.

Personally, I use this Luxe Series cable from Monoprice; it’s not the cheapest, but it feels higher-quality, is MFi-certified, and has a nifty little LED light that tells you when the phone is fully charged. It’s worked without fail for several months now.

If you do buy a longer one, just know that those tend to charge slightly slower than cables with less distance to cover.