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When it comes to buying cell phone cases and covers, there are certain things that to look out for, and in the following guide, we will take you through them step by step from choosing the right material to the most efficient designs and brands. So let’s get starting!
Types of Cases
The first thing you should decide on when purchasing your new phone case is the type. So here are the most common cell phone cases:
Regular: This type protects the back and sides of your smartphone while leaving the screen uncovered. Sometimes, the regular cell phone case has a high edge that surrounds the phone to protect the edges. This simple design is the preferred choice for most users due to its lightweight, good protection, and wild availability in stores.
Shock Absorbent: This type often leaves the back of the phone exposed, but includes shock-absorbent edges that surround the phone’s corners in order to prevent damage. This cover tends to be lightweight but provides limited protection in comparison to other cases.
Hard: This case is more about solid protection that looks, and is often made of multiple layers of different materials to achieve maximum protection against bumps and scratches. Some hard cases even provide special protection against water and dust. For example, the number 6 case is dust-resistant, while the number 7 & number 8 water-resistant. However, be aware that this protection extends only to certain depths and for certain periods, for example up to one meter underwater for a 30-minute period.
The Wallet: This case provides full coverage of the phone covering the back, sides, and screen of your phone. These cases are fairly large and do not allow quick access to your phone screen, but compensate with excellent protection to the entirety of your phone.
The Bag: The type of cases is unique as it completely covers the phone from all sides providing complete protection of your device. However, it is not the most practical while using as it requires you to remove your phone from the bag before using it which could result in damages such as falls and scratches as it does not provide protection to the phone while it is being used.
The Materials Used
Smartphone cases are usually made of different types of plastic, but other materials can also be found. Here are some of the more common options, and what kind of protection they provide:
Silicone / Gel / Rubber: These soft and flexible materials are called by several names, but they are generally on the more affordable side and offer moderate protection. They are also usually sold with an additional handle to prevent accidental falls.
Polycarbonate / TPU: This is the most common type of plastic used in smartphone cases. Polycarbonate provides good scratch and impact resistance, while the softer and less TPU material is ideal for impact resistance.
Leather: Leather materials are another popular option for cell phone cases. However, original leather cases tend to be more expensive than those made of synthetic leather alternatives, but both offer a classic look and feel.
Aluminum: Minerals are less commonly used in smartphone covers because they tend to affect the strength of the wireless signal, but through smart engineering (or the use of multiple materials) this defect can be avoided. Aluminum alloys are considered to be a popular choice, providing excellent toughness and scratch protection, but may be less impact-resistant than a more flexible material.
Wood: Wood is not commonly used in smartphone cases, as it is costly for mass production. It also provides inflexibility and you should use multiple pieces or adhesives to attach it around your phone. However, it does provide a unique look and feel.
Features
Cell phone cases are not just for protection or appearance. It can also include a number of added features, letting you do more things with your phone. So here is a list of common features that you should pay attention to:
Wallet: The wallet case we mentioned above sometimes includes slots and / or pockets, allowing you to keep ID, credit cards, tickets, and other important items on hand.
Battery: It is a combination of charger and battery case. It is a way to extend the life of your smartphone’s battery, and increase the power-up reserves. The higher the capacity of the battery pack, the greater its size, so finding a compromise between providing a useful amount of additional power and maintaining reasonable dimensions is crucial.
Stand: Some cases come with an included stand used by folding the back cover. This is especially useful when watching videos, checking notifications, or using a Bluetooth keyboard.
Selfie: The selfie phone cases include front lighting, allowing you to take better-lit photos.
Dealing with harsh conditions: These cases come with built-in tools that help you in the atmosphere of wildlife or other harsh conditions.
Installation: These cases include holders of all kinds, allowing you to place your phone on the car’s air vents, your belt, or even your finger. This is especially useful in cars and / or in bulky covers that will not easily fit in into a regular-sized jeep.
Brands
When it comes to smartphone cases, there are thousands of brands running on the market. Smartphone manufacturers often produce cellphone cases themselves which usually gain the admiration and trust of users. The most well-known brands that do so are Apple, Samsung, LG, HTC, and OnePlus, to name a few.
Some other rated well-respected brands to look out for are Spigen, OtterBox, Case-Mate, Olixar, UAG, Moshi, UAG, and Rearth.
Now that you know everything there is to know, you are ready to go out and purchase your new cellphone cover.