The cost is not the first basket of extras; it is every accessory bought, replaced or abandoned during the ownership period.
Build an accessory ledger
| Type | Possible whole-period entries |
|---|---|
| Protection | Initial case, replacement case, screen protectors |
| Charging | Adaptor, home cable, travel cable, car charging |
| Audio | Headphones, adaptor or replacement tips |
| Mounting | Car, bicycle or desk mount |
| Power | Power bank and later battery replacement or recycling |
| Unused purchases | Bundles or gadgets that did not solve a real need |
Illustrative three-year example
A £24 case, two £12 protector packs, a £22 adaptor and a £16 replacement cable total £86. A £70 bundle is not cheaper if half the items remain unused. The figures are illustrative.
Measure cost per useful year
A £30 cable that safely lasts through two phones can be better value than three anonymous £8 cables. Durability, connector changes and compatibility determine the result.
Avoid double-counting
If accessories are included in a phone bundle, record their real value once. Do not add both the bundle price and the full retail value of each item.
Separate durable and consumable items
A good mains adaptor may survive several phones. A protector or inexpensive case may be replaced during one ownership period. Give each item a realistic service life instead of assuming all accessories are one-off purchases.
Include compatibility changes cautiously
Do not assume every future phone will use the same cable, charging speed or mounting system. Equally, do not write off working USB-C equipment merely because a new device advertises a higher maximum speed. Replace only where the old item is unsafe or cannot meet the real requirement.
Related guides
Sources and date checked
Official information checked 26 July 2026. Product prices, contract terms and retailer policies can change, so verify the current document before acting.
