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Between native flashlight functionality on iPhone and Android to flashlight apps, many are left wondering why they’d need a handheld flashlight when they’re always carrying a source of illumination right in their pocket. While phone flashlights are great in a pinch, they lack several key features and functions of everyday carry (EDC) flashlights. In this guide, we’ll discuss the many benefits of buying an EDC flashlight and explain why they’re still an essential tool in the modern world.
Best Reasons to Buy an EDC Flashlight
Brighter and Have More Throw
Some folks forget that the main purpose of your phone’s built-in flashlight is to serve as a flash for the camera—the flashlight functionality is simply a useful afterthought. Flashlight brightness is measured by lumens, and throw (or effective beam distance) is measured by candelas. The higher the number, the more effective the light is in each area.
Standard phone lights only produce around 100-120 lumens and 30-60 candelas, while standard EDC lights start at 300 lumens and offer significantly more throw depending on the model you select. Some are even geared towards far-reaching narrow beams while others function as wider floodlights. You can read our guide on Tactical Flashlight Features and Brightness to learn more about how lumens and candelas interact with flashlight beams.
Your phone flashlight is not designed for navigating dark forests or illuminating distant objects. If your car breaks down on an unlit road at night or you want to go for a jog after dusk, your phone flashlight won’t provide the illumination you need to safely navigate, and other motorists won’t be able to see you clearly from afar. A powerful handheld flashlight is an important safety tool in these scenarios.
Designed with Durability in Mind
Even with a reliable phone case and screen protector, your phone is prone to damage from drops and bumps, while tactical flashlights are designed to survive impact with full functionality. You can find high-quality flashlights from reputable brands like Nebo for around $50. Compare that to the cost of your smartphone, and it seems more like a sound investment rather than a purchase. Flashlights also offer all-weather performance. When the rain is coming down hard or you’re traversing muddy backroads, the last thing you want to do is expose your expensive cell phone to those conditions.
Preserve Phone Battery for Emergency Use Only
When your home experiences power failure or your vehicle breaks down miles from town, your phone is no longer a doomscrolling machine—it’s a survival tool. Between making emergency calls or navigating with GPS in unfamiliar territory, you need to make sure your phone has enough juice, and using your phone’s flashlight for extended periods drains the battery at an alarming rate. Having a reliable flashlight on hand ensures optimal use of your phone’s battery in emergency situations.
If a cell tower is impacted by a storm or you’re exploring beyond your carrier’s coverage area, a GPS device will help you navigate safely no matter what. We also sell portable power banks that can charge your phone even when you’re miles from the nearest outlet. Make sure to stock up and be prepared before disaster strikes.
Give You More Control Over Illumination Types
Most phones only offer a single flashlight functionality, on or off. Buying a dedicated flashlight puts you in control of the beam, allowing you to adjust to widespread floodlights to illuminate your nearby surroundings or a far-reaching beam to see off into the distance. You can also adjust the light output on most models to accommodate various situations.
Provide Hands-Free Use
A lot of modern flashlights include clips for hands-free use, or you can purchase a separate mount if needed. There are also bright headlamps that are perfect for everything from car maintenance to spelunking. Unless you have duct tape and enjoy hassles, your phone can’t provide such functionality.
Deploy Quickly Under Stress
When things go bump in the night or you hear unknown footsteps in the woods, you don’t have time to fumble with unlocking your phone and activating the flashlight feature. With an EDC flashlight at hand, you can instantly deploy the beam with tail switches or side buttons. This is especially useful during the winter when you’re wearing bulky gloves.
Tactical Flashlights Offer Several Other Features
Investing in a reliable LED flashlight often provides more than illumination. Some tactical flashlights include a strobe or SOS mode that flashes a bright beam to alert others to your position if stranded and can even be used in self-defense scenarios to disorient attackers. Speaking of which, some even have strike bezels on the edge to use for personal protection, and even standard heavy-duty flashlights can be used as a defense tool in dire cases.
Avoid Close Calls with an LED Flashlight
EDC flashlights are much more reliable, rugged, and useful than your phone flashlight. Stay prepared for anything and protect your phone from unnecessary damage by investing in a high-quality flashlight from OpticsPlanet. We carry Streamlight flashlights, SureFire flashlights, and other top-rated torches from the most trusted brands in lighting. Explore our massive selection today to find the best and brightest flashlights at affordable prices.
