The LG G4 is one of my favorite smartphones, but there was a time it almost left me stranded at an airport. Just minutes before wheels up, the phone started bootlooping and just wouldn’t stop. Thankfully, back then, I had a habit of printing my boarding pass so getting onto the plane wasn’t too much of an issue. However, calling a ride back to my apartment was another story. Ever since this ordeal (and yes, I still get stress sweats thinking about it), I’ve made sure to have a backup smartphone tucked away safely on my person.
Although modern smartphones are made to much higher standards in 2025, they’re not infallible. You’ll know all about the fragility of technology if you’re a fellow G4 veteran, own an older Pixel phone, or an Xperia VII. Beyond mechanical issues, the risk of something dire happening is much higher while traveling. You might lose your device in the seatback sleeve, accidentally shatter it while getting into a cab, or fall victim to pickpocketing at the local market.