As summer arrives, many of us head to the beach to enjoy the day and cool off in the refreshing sea. It’s undoubtedly one of the best and most enjoyable ways to beat the heat. However, there’s one mistake we often overlook that can have consequences: taking our mobile phones with us. This practice can lead to battery degradation and even damage the screen if we’re not careful.
Smartphones are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures, as excessive heat can cause them to overheat. While some premium devices now feature vapor cooling systems to mitigate this issue, most phones do not have such advanced technology. It’s important to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions when bringing your phone to the beach.
Understanding the potential risks involved and adopting preventive measures can help protect your device and ensure its longevity under beach conditions.
The heat, the fear of your mobile
You might have noticed that your smartphone tends to heat up when playing games or recording high-quality videos. Don’t worry, this is normal to some extent. However, during the summer months, especially in Spain with its high temperatures, overheating can become a more significant issue, leading to various problems.
At the beach, the heat is even more intense, requiring extra precautions. The direct exposure to sunlight can be detrimental to your device if not handled carefully. In such situations, you have two options: either leave your mobile phone at home or ensure it remains in the shade at all times. It’s important to avoid carrying it with you, as it can also heat up, and there’s a risk of forgetting it in your pocket and accidentally jumping into the water with it. Even if your phone is water-resistant, it may not withstand saltwater, so it’s crucial to exercise caution.
In addition to the heat, sand poses another risk to your phone as it can enter the device as dust particles. This can lead to operational issues since the sand can clog important openings necessary for air dissipation. However, the primary concern at the beach is the combination of high temperatures and the environment.
Excessive heat can accelerate the deterioration of your phone’s battery. Prolonged exposure to the sun can also result in screen burns, causing color loss or damage. Furthermore, the heat can cause the battery to swell beyond normal limits. These are factors that should be taken into consideration and we advise you to be mindful of them to avoid the need for purchasing a new phone upon returning home.
Never leave it alone
An alternative approach is to use a secondary phone specifically for these types of trips. This way, you can stay connected and avoid any major consequences if the device gets damaged. You may have an old phone lying around in a drawer from a few years ago, so consider checking it out and swapping your SIM card to make calls or use apps like WhatsApp.
Regardless of whether it’s your primary or secondary mobile, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about your belongings, especially when you’re enjoying a swim at the beach. Unfortunately, there are opportunistic individuals who take advantage of this time of year to steal from unsuspecting beachgoers who temporarily leave their belongings unattended under their umbrellas. Smartphones are often prime targets for such thefts. Therefore, we strongly advise you to always keep an eye on your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings.