Nowadays phone cases can start at $20 and range all the way up to around $150. Is it really worth all that money? Will it actually protect your device that you potentially spent over $1,000 on? Or is it all marketing?
The mobile phone accessories market is expected to reach $107.3 billion this year, according to Allied Market Research, up from about $61 billion in 2014. Cases make up a large chunk of that. So phone case companies most definitely want us all to think phone cases are useful. We're here to see if they have a leg to stand on.
Regardless of the above, here's a good thought experiment; if you accidentally dropped your phone and watched in slow-motion as it was on the way to the concrete, would you wish you had a phone case on? I certainly would. Now, let's get into the facts.
The Apparent Benefits
The most common break on most devices is the screen. Screens are especially vulnerable to shattering, especially if they're dropped on the corners. Looking at the basic structure of phone cases, they are designed to absorb and disperse the impact point across the whole structure instead of having it all diverge on one point.
While a case covers up the design of the phone, you can most definitely get one that speaks to your personality. Some examples of this include having an Aurora/Iridescent case from Gear4 or if you're an environmentalist the Lifeproof Wake case might suit your fancy, it's made from 85% ocean plastic.
The Negatives
Of course, there is no good without bad. The most obvious negative is that you have to pay for a case 💰 But beyond that, there are other things to consider. Dirt and debris can get caught between the case and the phone and can scratch the device. Cases that are quite thick and have a poor design can also interfere with docking.
What About Thin Cases
Slim cases may be your style if you're wanting something that can easily slide into your pocket or handbag, but do they offer good protection? A thin case will suffice against small everyday bumps and minor drops. On the other end, you're safe to assume that cases like the Lifeproof range are going to protect your phone from bigger drops and bumps given it's thick and rugged design.
Mix It With A Screen Protector
Screen protectors are generally used to protect your screen from scratches, but do they give a form of impact absorption? The answer to that question is that it depends. There's a lot of different types of screen protectors including liquid or tempered glass and film. In our business, we choose to use Madico's Protection Pro that is 5x stronger than a thin polyester film. This means added shock resistance. But to be clear, if you were to go with just one accessory, a case is more important than a screen protector.
Final Thoughts
While no one is forcing you to have a case or judging you if you don't get one, it's a good way to add some protection and style to your phone. With all this said, the best way to protect your phone from damages is not by having a case, it's by not dropping it and being extra careful. No case will be more protective than you simply being more careful.
And of course, if you need a case feel free to give our range a browse - you might find the perfect case for you!