How to Pick the Perfect Phone Case (2024)

If you’re constantly stretching the limits of your phone’s battery, Mophie offers cases that double as chargers. Folio or wallet cases, like these Pad & Quill ones for iPhone, can tote your phone, along with other necessities, like your ID and that stamp card you always seem to forget to bring to the frozen yogurt place. As a plus, Shoman notes that these can provide a surprisingly good level of protection, as many offer full coverage around the edges and a metal clasp that keeps the phone in place.

For non-iPhone users, specialized phone cases can be more difficult to find. Shoman, an Android user himself, observes that many phone case companies design products solely for iPhones. You can usually find tons of options if you use a Samsung phone, a Google Pixel, or even a OnePlus phone, but your choices get slimmer from there. Shoman recommends consulting with a local phone repair shop to have a customized case built.

Should You Use a Screen Protector?

Phone accessory retailers often carry screen protectors, which adhere directly to the phone’s touchscreen surface. Our experts recommend investing in tempered glass screen protectors, which deflect scratches more effectively than plastic screen protectors.

Shoman recommends that his clients look for screen protectors with a 9H hardness rating. “It’s the perfect thickness, and you still get that high-definition clarity in the screen,” he says.

But Agrawal and Shoman warn that a screen protector’s level of defense again damaging impacts is limited. While adhesive screen protectors effectively shield phones from direct force on the touchscreen, they don’t hold up as well when the phone is impacted from the sides or corners. A tempered glass screen protector should be used in conjunction with a case.

Finding Your Ideal Case

You will want to pick a color and design that suits your style, but there are a few other things worth thinking about. Consider how the case will feel in hand. Many cases have ridged sides or special finishes to enhance grip. After all, the best drop protection is not dropping your phone in the first place. Do you want a kickstand to prop the phone up in landscape mode while you watch movies? How about MagSafe compatibility if you have a recent iPhone?

Beware stiff button covers or ill-fitting cutouts. Openings for ports and camera lenses should be generous enough to not cause issues while using your phone. Thicker, rugged cases can sometimes interfere with wireless charging. If you can't try a case out before buying, read some online reviews or ask the manufacturer.

Plastic is the most common material used for phone cases, usually polycarbonate, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), or a mixture of the two. But what happens when you upgrade your phone in a couple of years? That case will likely join the growing tide of plastic waste and could easily outlive you. We are starting to see biodegradable plastic phone cases, but if you're concerned about the impact of plastic on the environment, it might be better to go with another material, like sustainable wood.

Sage Advice

The experiences our smartphones allow us to have (receiving the latest information, taking pictures we cherish, staying in touch with loved ones) are well worth protecting. But as phones become increasingly portable, we expose them to greater risks, from the elements to good ol’ human error. Agrawal and Shoman emphasize that while cases are the best way to preemptively protect your phone, no case is 100 percent foolproof.

Shoman’s no-nonsense advice for smartphone owners: “Honestly just be on it less. Keep it in your pocket. Use it when needed.”

Our guides to the Best iPhone 13 Cases, Best iPhone 12 Cases, Best Samsung Galaxy S21 Cases,and Best Google Pixel Cases are good places to start. Even if you don't own one of those phones, you will find useful advice and tips on some of the best case brands.

Updated November 2021: We've added some information on water resistance, a new section on finding your ideal case, and some useful links.

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How to Pick the Perfect Phone Case (2024)

FAQs

How to Pick the Perfect Phone Case? ›

For a phone case that will look amazing and protect against light bumps, scratches and scuffs, your best options are either silicone or leather cases, but, for protection against harder impacts, you may want to consider a hard polycarbonate case.

How do I know what phone case to get? ›

Here are the five most important things to consider when choosing which phone case to buy for your smartphone:
  1. Size.
  2. Protection Type.
  3. Style.
  4. Features.
  5. Cost.
Feb 16, 2024

What type of case is best for a phone? ›

For a phone case that will look amazing and protect against light bumps, scratches and scuffs, your best options are either silicone or leather cases, but, for protection against harder impacts, you may want to consider a hard polycarbonate case.

How can you tell if a phone case is good quality? ›

The first thing to consider when testing mobile phone cases is the material and design of the case. Different materials have different properties, such as hardness, flexibility, weight, and texture. You want a case that is strong enough to resist impact, but not too rigid to crack or shatter.

What do people look for in phone cases? ›

Protection and style are two of the most important factors when deciding on a phone case; wooden cases excel in both categories. They're also lightweight, durable, and capable of withstanding drops and scratches, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Are flip cases better? ›

The flip covers provide a complete protection by securing both the screen and back from smudges, scratches and also prevents accidental touch inputs on the screen. Some flip covers can even be transformed and used as a stand which helps if you want to watch a movie resting the device on a flat top.

Do all phone cases turn yellow? ›

Phone cases of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) are less likely to turn yellow than clear, see-through cases. However, they can change color if exposed to environmental factors like sunlight, heat, or chemicals.

Are thicker phone cases better? ›

Rugged Phone Cases: The G.O.A.T for Protection and Security

Its design features and materials are designed to enhance your phone's protection. This is even supported by characteristics such as a thicker and more durable construction that mainly promotes greater shock absorption and impact resistance.

Is a hard or soft phone case better? ›

Hard cases, like those made of wood, metal, or rigid plastic, are generally more durable than soft cases. As a result, they are prone to cosmetic damage like scratches & chipped edges, though wood tends to hold up better than plastic.

Are more expensive phone cases better? ›

Which is better: a cheap phone or an expensive phone case? Usually an expensive phone case will be better, Better protection for your phone, more secure design. Of course, some expensive phone cases, there include some brand value price. But too cheap, won't buy it.

Which brand case is best? ›

Compare the best protective phone cases
BrandBest forLearn more
OtterBoxBest overallView on Amazon
UAGRunner upView on Amazon
SUPCASEBest budgetView on Amazon
SpigenBest designView on Amazon
Mar 7, 2024

What is the most popular phone case color? ›

Neutral colors like black, white, gray, and clear tend to be popular because they go well with most phone colors and outfits. They appeal to a broad range of customers.

What are the disadvantages of silicone cases? ›

They can be slippery and feel less comfortable in the hand. In addition, they tend to yellow or discolor over time, affecting their visual impression. Another disadvantage of silicone cases is their environmental impact. Silicone is a synthetic material that is difficult to biodegrade, thus polluting the environment.

Does phone case quality matter? ›

A high-quality smartphone case will help protect your device from impacts, such as when you drop it. You'll want to look for cases made of shock-absorbent materials like rubber or silicone.

Why is choosing a phone case so hard? ›

Choosing a phone case comes down to personal preference, and style options and, ultimately, depends on what you as a buyer prioritise. If you prioritise slim design and durability then a hard case may be better suited to you, but if you prioritise shock absorption and grip then a soft case may be a better fit.

Do all iPhone cases fit the same? ›

The simple answer is it depends. The size difference across iPhone models — even within the same generation — means most cases are compatible with only one model. Various factors like edge shape, screen size, thickness, camera lenses, and button location also come into play.

How do I know which iPhone case to buy? ›

Things to consider include edge shape, screen size, thickness, camera lenses, and button locations. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, an iPhone 11 case will fit an iPhone XR. Ironically, an XR case will not fit an iPhone 11 because of the camera lens arrangement.

Are 13 and 14 phone cases the same? ›

The iPhone 14 is 0.01 inches thicker than the iPhone 13. In essence, iPhone 13 cases will fit the iPhone 14 because the size and shape is the same. However, the volume and power buttons have slightly shifted.

Do phone cases make a difference? ›

Protection. Hard cases are more rigid and provide better protection against direct impacts, small drops, and scratches. But soft cases, like those made of rubber, are more effective at absorbing shocks from higher drops.

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