A good phone case does many things simultaneously. It protects your phone from various types of damage. It allows you to continue accessing the phone’s most important features. And it even allows you to express yourself with better styles and designs.
So what steps should the average consumer take when choosing a new phone case?
Shape/Size/Fit
The most important variables involve the physical shape and size of the case. Thankfully, modern phones are manufactured in a precise way, so if you buy a phone case that was specifically made for your model of phone, chances are good that it will fit perfectly. Still, there are some variances that can interfere with the fit, so make sure you read ratings and reviews to ensure that the case you’re considering is going to fit well.
It’s also worth noting that phone cases come in different shapes and forms, lending themselves to different types of applications. For example, some phone cases are designed to be as slim as possible, reducing the profile and the weight for convenient portability. Other cases are bulkier and sturdier, adding more durability at the expense of a broader profile and higher weight.
Beyond this, some phone cases are designed with specific applications in mind. For example, you can find phone cases that double as small wallets or phone cases with built-in stands for watching media.
Material
Next, think about the material that’s being used. Some phone cases are designed to be shock-absorbent yet flexible, relying on materials like silicone for a dependable fit and ample malleability. Sturdier materials may be bulkier, but they can protect your phone from almost any amount of physical damage.
Texture
How do you want your phone to feel when it’s in your hands? Many phone cases are now designed with some sort of texture, or a gripping element, making it easier to hold. If you struggle to keep your phone in hand, or if you’ve had trouble related to dropping phones in the past, you’ll want this extra texture added.
Waterproofing
Today’s phones are designed to be water-resistant, which is a huge improvement; though manufacturers will never definitively say so, you can likely submerge your phone in water for a few seconds and remove it without any major permanent damage. Still, nothing is waterproof in the world of electronics, and you need to be cautious when using your devices around water.
You can feel much more confident if you shop for a case that adds more water resistance to your phone. Again, nothing is foolproof; we don’t recommend ever scuba diving with your phone, regardless of what case it’s in. But at the same time, a waterproof or water-resistant case can make a big difference.
Port Protection
On your phone are probably multiple ports for charging cables, accessories, and other plug-ins. If you want your phone to remain operational and efficient for years to come, it’s wise to invest in a case that offers some level of port protection. If you leave your ports open, they can become clogged with dust, lint, and debris – and even if you make an effort to clean them, they may never be perfect again.
Screen Protectors
After buying a phone case, consider getting a screen protector as well. Screen protectors are relatively inexpensive, but they can prevent your phone from cracking and minimize scratches. Many places that sell phone cases also sell screen protectors as an add-on.
Extra Features
You may be interested in extra features provided by your phone case. For example, you may be looking for built-in modules or tools that make it easier to store your phone or grant it additional functionality. You can even find phone cases with built-in sound amplification or LED displays for maximum entertainment value.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics are mostly subjective. Assuming you’ve found a phone case that meets all of your other goals and provides adequate protection to your phone, the appearance factor is entirely up to you. Some people like basic, minimalistic phone cases, while others like cases that are more colorful and ostentatious. Pick whatever suits you.
Price
Obviously, you’ll also need to think about price. On some level, you get what you pay for, so it’s wise to avoid the cheapest options. But you should also shop around to avoid overpaying.
Once you decide on a case for your phone, make a thoughtful effort to install it properly. Your phone case and screen protector will likely come with instructions for how to add these components to your phone – and even if they don’t, this action is mostly intuitive. Just make sure to give your phone a thorough cleaning before housing it in a new case.
