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We all use our phones for texting, scrolling, and taking photos, but did you know that your phone’s charging port is a portal for turning your smartphone into something more powerful? There’s a whole world of cool accessories that plug into your phone’s USB-C port and unlock features you’d never expect.
Some of these gadgets and accessories are so cool, they practically turn your phone into a professional-grade device. So, if you’re ready, here are six surprisingly useful gadgets you probably didn’t know existed.
1. A Mini Fan That Runs Off Your Phone
Think of when you got stuck in a sweltering car with broken A/C or trapped in a queue on a hot day. You may still recall the great distress you felt in those moments. The mini fan is a device that could offer comfort. It is a pocket-sized fan that plugs directly into your phone’s charging port.
Lacking batteries of their own, these little lifesavers draw power straight from your phone. Although some might need an OTG adapter. And don’t underestimate them because of their tiny size. Many spin at incredible speeds of up to 15,000 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM), blasting a surprisingly strong breeze right where you need it.
Most are built compact with flexible blades that can withstand pressure inside a tight bag. Also, they come in several delightful colours. Some even sell in multipacks—great for tossing one in every bag or sharing with a sweaty friend.
2. A Thermal Camera
Thermal cameras are incredible devices. These tiny plug-ins can give your smartphone a whole new capability to detect heat like an infrared device. These gadgets turn invisible heat into vibrant, colorful images right on your screen.
Fancy models like the Xinfrared X2, Flir One or the Finder S1 pack some serious tech into a super tiny package. They connect via USB-C, and most come with handy apps that walk you through stuff like checking your home’s heating and cooling system, sniffing out hidden cameras, or spotting overloaded power outlets. You don’t need to be an electrician or a contractor to get a ton of use out of one. If you’re a hands-on kind of person or just super curious about how things work, this is a seriously clever way to turn your phone into an incredible detective tool.
3. A Hardware Crypto Wallet
A hardware crypto wallet looks like a simple USB stick, but this device is actually an encrypted vault for crypto assets. Once plugged in, you can manage all your crypto assets and approve transactions more securely.
Unlike software, which is vulnerable to hacks, these hardware wallets from notable brands like Ledger and Trezor keep your assets offline. All your assets are stored safely inside the hardware itself while you monitor with your phone. So even if your phone is breached, your crypto wallet remains unreachable.
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4. A Digital Microscope for Your Phone
One of the accessories that I find particularly fascinating is the digital miscroscope. For those who want to enjoy a feel of miscroscopy you don’t need a bulky microscope like those from a science lab. Now you can turn your phone into one with a USB-C digital microscope. A prominent example is the Teslong model.
With 10X to 200X magnification, you can zoom in and inspect anything from coins and bugs to fabric fibres and circuit boards. Most stream a live feed to your phone, with adjustable LED lights and even stands for hands-free use. Some even come with specialised attachments for skin inspections.
5. A Drone Controller
If you’ve ever flown a drone, you know how significant the control pad is. But some newer models let you plug your phone directly into the remote, turning it into a drone remote controller.
Your screen displays a real-time drone cam feed, flight data, GPS maps, and battery levels—all in one app. Just ensure your phone is charged so that you don’t lose power mid-flight.
6. A Docking Station That Turns Your Phone Into a Desktop
A basic phone stand may be nice, but a phone docking station is super-cool. A phone docking station allows you to keep your phone charging, and at the same time, positioned upright for video calls or viewing notifications. You can also connect a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, turning your phone into a mini PC.
Some amazing docking stations that offer support for a desktop-like experience include the JSAUX USB-C docking station, which offers HDMI output, multiple USB ports, and the Samsung DeX. These are invaluable, yet lesser-known accessories.
With USB-C becoming the universal standard, we’re bound to see even more innovative accessories that blur the line between phone and other gadgets. For now, though, these six gadgets prove your phone’s charging port is way more helpful than you ever imagined.
