A good quality phone case that fits perfectly can be a challenge to find. Here are some buying tips to help you choose the right one:
What Kind of Phone Case Should I Get?
Phone cases come in a variety of styles and colors. To make things even more complicated, they come in varying levels of strength and protection. These include rugged, thin, hybrid, and wallet.
Rugged phone cases
Rugged or hard phone cases are bulky and big. These cases make sure that your phone survives almost any and every disaster. They are extremely heavy-duty and are perfect for those who work in harsh environmental conditions. Or, you could pick this kind simply because you’re overly clumsy and tend to drop your phone a little too often.
Thin phone cases
Thin smartphone cases are ultra-slim and add little to no bulk to your phone. These cases are usually single-layered and come with corners made from polycarbonate or TPU. They are classier and better looking than the rugged ones. They are perfect for people who like to keep the weight and design as minimal as possible.
Hybrid phone cases
Hybrid phone cases stand between the thin and rugged mobile cases. They’re perhaps the safest option to choose, considering they offer both style and protection. You will find most of these cases to be lightweight and super thin, but they offer a lot more protection and strength than thin cases.
Mostly, these cases are made from a combination of materials. For instance, they have TPU bumpers, polycarbonate backs, and a soft, cushiony inner microfiber layer.
Wallet phone cases
Wallet smartphone cases are bigger than all of the other kinds. They have spaces for ID cards, credit cards, and cash. They are also sometimes referred to as folio covers. They can keep the display screen safe and do not require a special screen protector.
Tips to Take Care of Your Phone Case
Here are a few useful tips to maintain protective phone cases so they last longer:
- Avoid leaving your phone under direct sunlight, a heat source, or in a hot place. Heat can affect the flexibility and color and might cause the covering to peel off.
- Don’t place your phone in enclosed spaces with other sharp objects around.
- Do not place your phone on rough or dirty surfaces.
- Try to avoid moisture and water. Some cases are water-resistant, but this resistance usually only works for spills. You should avoid leaving the cover in water for a long time.
- Go through the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, and make sure you follow them.
- Regularly clean your phone protection case with a damp cloth or wipe to keep dirt and debris away.
What Materials Are Used for Making Phone Cases?
Smartphone covers and cases are mostly made from different kinds of plastics. Here are some of the popular options you can find:
Gel, silicon, or rubber phone cases
Phone cases made from these three materials are flexible, soft, and often very long-lasting. They are cheaper and are known to provide a moderate level of protection against drops or bumps. Moreover, these materials make for textured phone cases that provide a better grip.
Leather phone cases
Leather is a popular choice for flip, folio, or wallet-style phone cases. These cases tend to look nicer than the plastic ones but can seem a bit bulkier. Genuine leather cases are also expensive, while synthetic leather alternatives are more affordable. They offer an elegant feel and look to your device.
Polycarbonate
This is the most commonly used material for phone cases. Polycarbonate material is great for impact and scratch resistance. They are sturdy and are often used in combination with TPU.
Thermoplastic polyurethane (or TPU) phone cases
These phone cases are softer than polycarbonate ones and are less ideal for impact resistance. They are often used as a middle or inner layer in double and triple-layered phone cases because neither polycarbonate nor TPU can provide sufficient protection alone. These layered plastics come in more sophisticated and intricate designs than silicone ones.
Aluminum
A less commonly found smartphone cover material is aluminum. The main reason for the rare use of metal in phone cases is their tendency to affect wireless signal transmission and strength. Some cleverly engineered cases that feature other materials in the design do overcome this obstacle, though
Aluminum phone cases offer impressive scratch protection and excellent rigidity but are less flexible. Lack of flexibility makes them poor at impact resistance.
Wood
This option is costly and very rarely found. They offer a unique feel and look to the phone with a decent level of protection. Wood, however, is inflexible like aluminum but doesn’t interfere with wireless signals.
Common Features to Look for in Phone Covers
Phone cases are not all about how strong they are or how cool they look. There are several additional features you should consider according to your specific needs. Some common features are:
Stand
Some phone covers come with built-in stands that are used by either deploying a kickstand or folding the case in a certain way. This feature comes in handy when watching videos or using a Bluetooth keyboard.
Wallet
Wallet cases include pockets, card slots, and compartments. You can keep tickets, ID cards, and credit cards with you at hand. Folio cases protect your phone and act as a wallet as well. So, if you’re somebody who likes to keep their essential cards/documents at hand with your phone, this is your pick.
Mount
Phone cases may also feature mounts at the back that let you affix the phone to car vents, belts, magnetic holders, or even your finger. This is a very handy feature in bulky cases that are hard to keep in pockets.
Conclusion
Smartphones, however, advanced they may get, will likely always be somewhat fragile. They’ll always need protection against impacts, scratches, and drops because you cannot avoid accidents. This is why getting a good-quality phone case is a must.
This article recommends the best phone cases in 2022 and a comprehensive buying guide to help you find your desired phone cover that suits your needs.
