Phone cases are big business everywhere, and for good reason. Whether it is the need for protection, the need to show off, the need to express our individuality or a combination of multiple needs, phone cases are perhaps one of the most versatile accessories available for our beloved smartphones.
Which is why there are different types of phone cases to pick from. Understanding these differences will help you in your search for the perfect phone case for you.
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Here’s a breakdown of the different types of phone cases, along with their pros and cons:
Hard Shell Cases
Hard shell cases are usually slim, lightweight, and made of plastic or polycarbonate. They are best for protection against scratches and minor drops, but you do not want to drop your phone too much, as hard cases offer limited protection.
Soft Cases (Silicone or TPU)
In contrast to hard shell cases, soft cases are made from silicone, rubber, or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and are flexible and comfortable in the hand. They provide good shock absorption from drops. They come in a wide range of textures and colors.
Combo or Hybrid Cases
Hybrid cases usually have a hard outer shell made from materials like polycarbonate or plastic, combined with a softer inner layer, often made from silicone, rubber, or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). The soft inner layer helps to absorb shock, reducing the risk of damage to your phone, making them good for shock absorption. \the hard outer shell provides good protection, so hybrid cases provide the best of two worlds.
They are designed to offer enhanced protection by combining multiple materials, typically integrating the best features of both hard and soft cases. In addition, while they are generally thicker and heavier than hard shell cases, combo cases are often slimmer and lighter than most other types of phone cases.
Lastly, hybrid cases are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs, so there is going to be something out there for you. The personalisation options are almost limitless.
Of the many different types of phone cases, a hybrid case is the best option for providing a fair balance of protection and aesthetics for most phone users. If you are like most people, this is the type of phone case you should be looking at. The Arc Pulse is an example of a hybrid phone case. If you are currently shopping, check out the Spigen Ultra Hybrid Case for iPhone 14.
Wallet Cases
As the name indicates, wallet cases provide some protection for your phone while offering additional storage for cards and cash. Simply put, a wallet case is perfect for you if you do not want to carry a separate wallet on you when out and about.
Wallet cases are often made of leather or faux leather; you have to keep the class and taste of your regular wallet, after all. So, it is limited style. You can’t get away from some bulk if you are keeping bank notes and credit cards in them. A wallet case typically also provides protection for the screen.
Have a look at the best iPhone 13 wallet case with card holder.
Armor or Rugged Cases
Rugged phone cases are designed for one thing and one thing only: to protect your smartphone in an Armageddon scenario – bombs dropping, you running and falling, and your phone dropping off a cliff. That is a bit of an exaggeration, but I am sure you get the message.
Rugged or armor cases are often made from durable materials like TPU, polycarbonate, and rubber. Expectedly, they are bulky and heavy, because they are built like tanks, have reinforced corners and raised edges, and so offer the highest level of protection against drops, shocks, and impacts. Of the different types of phone cases, this is the one you want to get is maximum protection from drops and falls is what you need.
Some rugged cases also have screen protectors and kickstands built into them. As I already said, they have only one goal – to ensure that you can carry on with your life in the most extreme of situations. If you are in law enforcement, are an adventurer, search and rescue, the military, or an engineer, a rugged case is what your smartphone likely needs.
Clear Cases
Some of us do not like to hide the beautiful designs of our choice of phones. Why spend all that money on a gorgeous smartphone, only to proceed to hide it in a case? Clear cases were designed for us. Clear or transparent cases are made from transparent plastic or TPU so they can show off a phone’s design, tend to be slim and lightweight, and so provide only basic protection from scratches and mild impact.
If you drop your phone often, a clear case isn’t the best option for you, as it does not provide the best protection against drops and impacts.
Fashion, Luxury or Designer Cases
This is a broad category that is all about aesthetics and class. Fashion or designer cases are produced with one goal – to express yourself. It is all about style and personalisation. Which is why these types of cases often have a wide range of artistic and unique designs or prints.
While they offer some protection for your smartphone, protection is not the primary objective of fashion, luxury, or designer phone cases. Expression of style is. And because of the focus on style, designer cases can often be more expensive than other types of phone cases. TED leather cases and Affluent cases are examples of luxury cases that you can explore.
Battery Cases
Of the many different types of phone cases, battery cases are some of the most functional, because they add extra utility to your phone. Instead of carrying around a power bank or portable battery to provide your smartphone with extra power, a battery case allows you to provide extra power without the need for a separate device.
If you are dissatisfied with the battery life of your phone, you should definitely explore getting a battery case for it.
One disadvantage of battery cases is that due to the integrated battery, they tend to be bulkier than most of the other types of phone cases. The most common material for battery cases is plastic and yes, they do offer some protection from drops, but the main feature is the extended battery life that they provide.
Have a look at the Lanhiem battery case for iPhone 12. There is also the GIN FOXI Fast Charging Battery Case for iPhone 13/13 Pro/14/14 Pro.
Waterproof Cases
Waterproof cases are designed to provide dust and water-tight protection for your smartphone. You will find them with specified IP ratings, e.g., IP68, IP67. They are usually made from waterproof materials like plastic and silicone, and have seals and covers for ports and buttons to protect your phone from water damage, dust, and drops.
If your smartphone is designed to be dust and water-resistant, this kind of case is not something you should bother with. |Explore it only if your phone lacks such protection and you want to fix that.
If you are currently shopping, have a look at the Beeasy IP68 Waterproof Case or the SPIDERCASE for Samsung Galaxy A35 5G.
Eco-Friendly Cases
Eco-friendly or green cases are a new type of phone case that are made from sustainable materials like bamboo, cork, biodegradable or recycled plastics. The whole idea is to provide some level of protection for your smartphone in an environmentally friendly fashion. They tend to be designed to have a natural look and feel.
If you are a lover of the green earth, Bellroy has some environmentally certified phone cases.
Best place to buy phone cases
Popular retail stores like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart, are some of the best places to buy a phone case from. You can also buy directly from the websites of case manufacturers like Spigen, OtterBox, and others.