Choosing the smartphone case: types, material, and functionality

Do you actually think that choosing the smartphone cover is a matter of minutes? Well, it’s not that easy as it seems. The minute you enter the online-store or the regular mobile accessories shop, forget about time. You will definitely be spoilt for choice.

This article will transform you from the spoilt kid into a grown-up, capable of making a choice in just one day. Kidding!

In this article, you will find out why you need a case for your smartphone, and what to pay attention to when choosing it:

• Why do we need phone cases?
• Protection: full or partial
• Types of cases and their purposes
• Cases materials

Why do we need phone cases?

If you think about it, the whole industry is now working hard to protect our mobile devices. The phone cases cover approximately 60 % of the mobile accessories market. Today, using the phone case is considered to be the best way of protecting your device from moisture, small particles, or mechanical damages.

Moreover, modern cases can be used as a so-called “outfit” for your smartphone. If your device has some scratches or cracks on its body, you can easily hide them underneath the new fashionable cover. You have to agree – it’s very convenient.

But there is one crucial point that we would like to draw your attention to – carefully selected high-quality phone cases can save your device from crashing, even if dropped on the corner. This factor should already make you think about buying the phone cover.

Protection: full or partial

By the level of protection, all cases can be divided into two groups: with full or partial protection.

• Full protection - these cases cover the entire surface of the phone and fully protect it from the moisture or any mechanical damages. The full protection is guaranteed by the following types of phone cases: regular folio and vertical flip cases, shockproof, and waterproof cases.
• Partial protection – such covers protect only the particular areas of the phone, or from particular damages.

Types of cases and their purposes

• Back-plate cases – currently the most popular type of phone covers. They protect the back part of the phone as well as the sides. This type of phone cases is very convenient – it is lightweight and does not obscure the screen. Carefully selected back-plate covers will partly protect the display, and maximize the chances to save your device from crashing if dropped on the corner. Decided to use the back-plate case? Don’t forget to get the protection for the display. To choose the perfect screen protector that will safeguard the display of your device from scratches and shocks, visit our online store. You will be impressed by the selection of protective films and tempered glasses we offer.

• Folio cases (wallets) – the safest type of covers. It is designed to protect both the display and the back part of the phone. If using the folio case, you don’t necessarily need the screen protector. In the description of these phone cases, you can often see the word «view», which indicates that the case has a special clear window that displays time, date, and the number of the caller.
  Wallet cases are easily transformable and can serve as a stand – very convenient, especially if you tend to use your phone for reading books or watching films.
  The only downsides are that these cases are quite bulky and that you constantly need to open and close the top cover.

• Vertical flip cases – from the outside, they look pretty much like the wallet cases, but the top cover is opening vertically rather than horizontally. Other properties are the same as of the regular folio cases. It is probably worth saying that vertical flip cases were specially made for those who believe that opening the top cover upwards rather than to the side is more convenient.

• Battery cases – these cases look like the regular back-plate ones, but due to the integrated battery, their weight is almost equal to the weight of half of the phone. Battery cases are also much bigger than the average phone covers, so it’s very unlikely that you will be using them daily. On the other hand, these cases would be the perfect choice for traveling and tours. Battery cases are available for the latest models of smartphones only, so it’s not that easy to find them.

• Shockproof – very similar to the regular back-plate cases, but much harder and bulkier. Shockproof cases offer the highest level of protection, and suitable for anyone who is actively involved in sports (running, cycling, horse riding, etc.), travels a lot, or whose profession involves high chances of falls or injuries (mountain guides, handymen, etc.). These phone cases are usually made of hard and durable materials (plastic, polycarbonate, aluminum).

• Waterproof – at first glance, they look like a small plastic pouch with the zip. Waterproof cases are made of polyvinyl chloride (cheaper versions), or thermoplastic polyurethane (more expensive but high-quality option). Polyvinylchloride cases are not very elastic and usually crack on the bends. Polyurethane ones retain their transparency and elasticity for several years. It is worth mentioning that waterproof cases might seems to be too big for your device. But, in fact, it should be this way. Waterproof cases are designed to be bigger to allow you to use your smartphone and take pictures under the water even if your gadget is not waterproof.
  When buying a waterproof case, pay attention to the type of the seal it has: a button, a zip, a hook and loop fastener, a screw, or a clip. To check whether the seal is reliable, perform a simple test: place a dry tissue into the case, seal it, and put it under the water for a few minutes. If the tissue remains dry, the seal is reliable, and the case is safe to buy.
  Usually, you don’t need the waterproof case for everyday use, unless your work or activities are directly connected with water or other liquids. However, it is very handy to have a waterproof case when spending time by the seaside or river.

• Sleeves – they actually look like the sleeve, where you can slide in your device. Sleeve cases protect the whole surface of the phone apart from the side facing the out. Relatively reliable and cheap option, and quite versatile - they are compatible with several smartphone models at the same time.

• Pouch (or a bag) – these cases are made in the shape of the pouch that can be sealed with a string. They are not hard enough to protect your device from falls or moisture but perfect if you want to avoid small scratches.

• Holsters – very similar to the pouches, but have the clips and can be attached to the belt.

• Armband cases – their name speaks for themselves. These cases usually have the straps and can be attached to your arm, or a leg. They are quite reliable, made of lightweight materials, and have a special slot for the keys, credit cards, or earphones. Perfect choice for working out, running, and other sports activities.

As you can see, there are various types of phone cases available. However, it is best to choose them based on the environment you will be using then in as well as your needs and preferences. For everyday use, we recommend picking a back-plate case, a folio, or a flip case. For traveling and other active holidays, you might want to consider a waterproof, shockproof, or battery case.

Cases materials

The mobile phone accessories industry grows rapidly, following the constant release of the new phone models. The manufacturers come up with new ideas and new ways of protecting our gadgets. Nowadays, there is a whole list of different materials that are used for making phone cases. The most popular ones are listed below:

• Silicon
• Genuine and PU leather
• Plastic (polyurethane, polycarbonate)
• Metals
• Fabric
• Wood

• Silicon – the most common type of material for the phone covers. Silicon cases are in high demand due to their high quality, variety of design options, and affordable price. This material protects the phone well from the dust, moisture, small scratches, or mechanical damages. Silicon is usually used for both regular and heavy-duty back-plate cases. It is very lightweight, pleasant to the touch, and can be easily cleaned with a wet wipe.
• Genuine and PU leather – one of the most popular materials for phone covers. Genuine leather is used to make expensive premium-quality cases. PU leather is usually used for the more affordable covers. Leather is quite durable and elastic material, which can easily protect your phone from small scratches and moisture. Leather cases are made of almost any design: with leather floral ornaments, combined with other materials, or even with decorative or precious stones.
• Plastic – plastic phone covers are made of either thermoplastic polyurethane or polycarbonate. These cases are usually quite thin, and fit the size of the phone perfectly. Below we have listed some of the additional qualities that made them take the leading position on the phone accessories market for many years.

Plastic phone cases are:

• Shockproof
• Elastic
• Wear-resistant
• Lightweight
• Affordable

• Metal – the hardest and the most reliable among materials for the phone cases, but not very popular. Compared to other phone covers, metal cases are very bulky, heavy, and expensive. Metal is only used for back-plate cases. These cases protect the body of the phone perfectly, but you do need additional protection for the screen of your device.
• Fabric – probably the cheapest option among the materials used for the phone covers. Fabric cases can only safeguard your gadgets from small scratches, for example, by the keys.
• Wood – not the most popular type of cases. They are often made of bamboo as it’s very lightweight. Wooden cases do not slip from the hands and protect the phone pretty well. However, they require constant care, can be easily deformed, and get damaged by the water. On the other hand, wooden cases are eco-friendly – they are the perfect option for those who care about the environment and recycling.

Most of the time, phone cases are made of a combination of materials. Combined materials cases cover approximately 95% of the market, and they are usually super lightweight, reliable, and stylish at the same time. Moreover, they are comparatively inexpensive.

In conclusion, we would like to remind you that it is much easier to pick a perfect phone cover if you carefully consider your needs as well as the environment you will be using your phone in. The widest range of the phone cases of any design and for any occasion can be found in our online store as well as regional distribution points. Our consultants will help you choose the best option for your device. Choose and buy phone covers in the Accessories section of our website.