Buying a Phone Case
Phone cases are designed to protect your phone from scratches, scuffs, and minor impacts. They also offer a variety of beautiful designs that can be personalized for an added touch of style.
These are often made of plastic, aluminum, or leather. The material used in these cases can determine the level of protection they provide.
Waterproof
If you have an expensive smartphone, you may want to take extra precautions and make sure it’s protected from water and other harsh elements. A waterproof phone case will shield your device from spills, sand, snow, and rain, as well as dust.
A case’s IP rating, which stands for International Protection Class, tells you how long it can stand up to water immersion. An IPX7 rating keeps your device safe from a meter of water for 30 minutes, while an IPX8 rating is designed for deep immersion (up to 3 feet).
Most waterproof cases use a clear plastic lid that lets you see your phone’s screen. Some of these cases also offer other forms of protection, like shock and drop resistance. Some even float, making them ideal for activities like boating and rafting.
Some waterproof cases also include a built-in screen protector, so you can take pictures and videos underwater without worrying about the damage they’ll cause. However, you’ll need to ensure that you buy one for your specific device and that it fits in properly.
For a budget-friendly option, the Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Phone Case offers a convenient two-pack and an IPX8 rating for protecting phones from a range of depths. The case snaps closed to create a tight seal, and it comes with a detachable lanyard that helps keep the phone secure when it’s not in use.
The Hiearcool case has 43,100+ 5-star reviews from shoppers who love it for its ability to keep phones safe in water and its ability to store small essentials like credit cards and hotel room keys. It’s compatible with most smartphones, including iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices.
If you’re looking for a more rugged case, the Catalyst Pro can handle the occasional drop and has a tough outer shell that protects your device from impact and dust. It’s a little expensive, but it’s worth it for the quality of the materials and the amount of protection it provides.
Another option is the Vansky Floatable Waterproof Case, which floats in the water. This makes it an excellent choice for rafting, kayaking, and other water activities. It’s easy to hold your phone in hand when you’re out on the water, and it comes with an adjustable lanyard so you can easily attach it to your neck or backpack.
Scratch-resistant
Scratch-resistant phone cases are available for a variety of smartphones and can be made from a number of different materials. Some of these materials include plastic, aluminum, and leather.
These materials offer excellent protection against scratches and minor impacts. These types of cases are also inexpensive and easy to clean. They’re usually more durable Phone case than silicone or clear plastic cases, but they can still get scratched if you drop your phone or expose it to debris.
Another type of case is made from aramid fiber, which is five times stronger than steel but just as light and flexible. It can withstand high temperatures and is designed to be super tough.
This material is used in a variety of applications, including aerospace, racing vehicles, and body armor. It’s a strong and durable alternative to carbon fiber, but it doesn’t block your phone’s signal as dramatically as other materials.
The best way to keep your phone case scratch-resistant is to clean it regularly. This can be done by wiping it down with a microfiber cloth and soap or an alcohol wipe.
Aside from cleaning your phone, you should also make sure to avoid using metal objects, such as keys, pens, and coins. These can damage your phone if they hit the back of the case.
If you want a more rugged case, look for a tough one that has been tested by the manufacturer. You should be able to find this information on the product’s packaging or official website.
Many of the best cases come with a raised edge bezel that protects your screen from scratching if you drop your phone. They also often have rubber-tipped legs to help you take photos in low-light.
These types of cases are a great choice if you’re active and want to ensure your smartphone is safe. They’re also lightweight and slim, making them easier to fit in your pocket.
Aside from protecting your phone from scratches, these cases are also a great way to personalize your smartphone. They can come in a variety of colors and designs.
Easy to install
When you buy a phone case, it’s important to consider how easy it is to install. It will depend on the brand and design of the case. Some cases are made to be a little tricky to get on and off, while others are incredibly easy to put on and take off.
The easiest cases are ones that use clips to hold the back in place. These clip into place from the front of the case and match up with the top edge of the frame to secure the back in place.
You can also get cases that slide on and off, like a kickstand. These can be great for watching movies or playing games, but you’ll need to remove the phone and case to do so.
If you have a case that is made from metal, plastic or glass, you may need to pry it off using a tool. Most of these tools come in a package and you can find them at most tech supply stores.
To use the tool, slip it (tool tip facing down) between your phone and the case near the bottom side. Apply pressure to the tool and slowly slide it up and down along the corner. If the corner pops off, you should be able to pull it off completely.
Some cases are made of leather, so they can be very difficult to remove. This can happen if the case is not flexible enough or if you’re trying to pry it off from a corner.
You can get these cases in a variety of materials, including real leather or PU. Generally, they’re made for a specific model of phone.
If you’re not sure which type of case is right for you, it can help to think about how you will be using the phone and how often. For example, if you’re planning on dropping the phone, you might want to get a tough case with a reinforced shell.
You can also try getting a case that’s waterproof or dustproof, which will protect your phone from water and dirt. These can be hard to find but they’re well worth the effort.
Durable
Whether you’re a rugged outdoorsy type or just want to keep your phone in the best possible condition, a durable case is a must. A tough case protects your device from damage and wear, and also makes it easier to use the features that you need most when you’re on the go.
The main factor that determines a phone case’s durability is the materials used in construction. These can be a variety of materials, from polycarbonate (PC) to flexible TPU and leather.
Some cases feature a combination of hard and soft materials to provide both impact protection and an insulating layer to prevent heat from escaping. They also redistribute force from falls so that your phone won’t break when you drop it.
Combination cases combine hard plastic on the sides and back with Phone case softer material around the screen and corners. This allows them to absorb the force of drops without bending the entire case.
Aside from shock absorption, a good durable case also provides extra protection for your phone’s screen and buttons. These are the most vulnerable parts of your smartphone, and they can be easily damaged.
Another key factor in durable cases is the way they’re made. Some cases are made of slick, flexible materials that won’t protect your screen or buttons from damage.
For example, Google’s fabric cases for Pixel phones, like this $8 model for the Pixel 3a, have a textured back that’s comfortable to hold and doesn’t add much bulk. That’s important if you frequently carry your phone in a purse or pocket, since a grippy case can help prevent it from slipping out of your hands.
You can also find a wide range of leather cases that offer a combination of drop-proofing and style. This Nomad case for the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, for example, has a hard PC base with an air-cushioned bumper that’s raised above the phone’s surface. Then, a layer of Horween leather is added to the front to imbue the design with more durability and luxury.
It’s also worth paying attention to the material that encases your phone, as some cases can make it more vulnerable to scratches and dust. For example, a case made of rubber can absorb and deflect debris, but the surface will show scratches and fingerprints easily.
