I’m sure you never realized you’re basically right when you frivolously say, “everyone has a cell phone,” or when you advise your friends to never use knock-off cables. On the other hand, you’ll be displeased to know your efforts to save your water-damaged phone via bag of rice is as pointless as trying to fry an egg atop your smartphone. The following is a string of popular smartphone tips & tricks you may be familiar with, and the measurement of their truthfulness.
Let’s backtrack. You’re right on the money when you claim almost everyone has a cell phone - at least in terms of America. Nearly all Americans own a cell phone, regardless of brand, and 8 in 10 Americans own a smartphone. Moreover, your commitment to never buying cheap, knock-off cables is completely valid. Cheap, knock-off charging cables might cause problems, triggering long-lasting battery problems. When shopping for replacement or additional device chargers, look for package labels reading, “Made for iPhone” or “Certified for USB Charger.”
On the other hand, the popular bag of rick, quick-save trick for a water-damaged phone is misleading. Rice can only absorb moisture that it directly touches. In other words, deep internal water damage cannot be reversed through your old bag of white rice. In some cases, this can work; however, the starch from the rice upon soaking up any nearby moisture can gum up your phone’s internal hardware - causing long-term damage. Instead: remove your device from the water as soon as possible, remove the battery (or power down), and seal your phone in an airtight bag filled with a desiccant (moisture absorber) - preferably overnight. If you can’t do this, simply take your device to a repair shop.
Additionally, the smartphone’s chef superpower with capabilities of cooking an egg is also untrue. While phones do release radiation, the amounts are not warm enough to cook an egg. In fact - you would need 7,000 phones to create enough warmth (or radiation) to cook an egg. Knowing this, you’re better off using a microwave.
Obtaining knowledge on which smartphone urban legends are true and false can benefit you in the long-term. Technology is growing more expensive as the years unfold, so it’s important to get the most from your devices. The information below debunks several other smartphone myths such as the effectiveness of screen protectors, wiping your phone with a magnet, the cleanliness of your phone screen in relation to a toilet seat, and many more.
Infographic source: https://www.ubreakifix.com/blog/smartphone-urban-legends
