Nowadays, almost every person has a mobile device in their pocket. Its main purpose is to receive calls. But, due to developing technologies, many people prefer to buy phones with a huge list of functions and applications. The internal and external appearance of a smartphone is affected by its cost, which means that the owner wants the mobile phone to last a long time. Carrying it around in your pocket or bag with your keys will quickly ruin its appearance. In this case, a special accessory should be used. We want to help you choose cases and tell you about their main types and materials.

Materials for cases
Phone cases are presented on the market in various variations:
leather;
fabric;
knitted;
plastic;
silicone;
thermoplastic.

Leather ones look very stylish and elegant, giving their owner additional prestige. This material is not durable and cannot protect the phone in the event of a shock or fall.

Fabric ones are one of the most affordable types of covers, as their cost is low. Of course, they will not be able to protect your mobile phone from serious damage, but they can protect the screen from scratches. Such covers get dirty and tear very quickly.

Knitted ones have a denser structure than fabric ones, but are also not able to provide reliable protection to the phone. In addition, they stretch and wear out over time.

Plastic cases are quite durable and practical. However, if the smartphone is dropped hard, they break and become damaged. The cost of such cases is average.

Silicone – soft, pleasant to the touch. They are able to protect the phone from damage, but at the same time they tend to slip and allow particles of dirt to pass through, which scratch the outer panel of the mobile phone.

Thermoplastic polyurethane covers are perhaps one of the best and most reliable. They are presented in the form of a hard gel that perfectly holds the shape of the smartphone without slipping off it.

Types of cases
The variety of such accessories is simply mind-boggling. It is often difficult for a person to choose a suitable case that will be practical in its use. Main types of cases:
book;
case;
bumper;
case-bag;
lid;
holster.

A book or folding bed is one of the most convenient cases. The smartphone is fixed to its base and covered with a folding panel; The accessory provides easy access to the phone.

The case is convenient and compact, equipped with a strap that holds the device and helps to remove it.

Bumper – attached to the edges of the device, has special holes for the side buttons. Most often made of metal or silicone.

The bag-cover has a zipper closure at the edges. It is very easy to use, but when removing the mobile phone you need to constantly unfasten the lock, which is not very convenient.

Cover – attaches to the back and sides of the smartphone without covering the screen. It protects against minor damage and scratches.

The holster is a men's version. It has a special fastener that can be used to hook the cover onto your trousers. It has a magnetic clasp, which allows you to quickly get to your phone.

Adviсe
There are a few other things to consider before purchasing a case.
1. Size – it is worth matching it with the phone so that it is not too big or too small.
2. Smartphone model – there are cases designed for one or another type of phone.
3. Convenience – it’s worth trying on the case for your mobile phone and touching it.
4. Quality - check for defects, holes or hanging threads.

Remember, you need to choose a case not only for the beautiful design of your mobile phone, but you also need to think about its safety and security. After all, the main purpose of the covers is to protect the device from external negative influences.

Modern phones are quite fragile devices that cannot tolerate careless handling. One wrong move, and you can be left without a brand new expensive smartphone, dropping it on the asphalt. The luxurious screen becomes covered with a network of cracks, the body is damaged, and the delicate electronic filling refuses to work. Repairs, even if we are talking about replacing the screen, will cost a tidy sum. Is it worth the risk when you can protect your favorite gadget with a reliable and inexpensive phone case?

The huge range of cases on the market is perplexing – what to choose? A “book”, a modest “bumper” or a flip case? Phone case made of good quality genuine leather, practical silicone or technologically advanced polycarbonate? Our review of the types of cases will help you understand the gigantic assortment and choose the most suitable and stylish protection for your expensive smartphone.

Before moving on to choosing phone cases, let’s focus on the elements of the gadget that require protection above all.

Screen. The most delicate and expensive component of the device. He is also the least protected. Despite the tricks of smartphone manufacturers and manufacturers of protective glass (Gorilla Glass, sapphire glass), the display can easily be scratched by a grain of sand, keys or small change that gets into your pocket. The screen also often suffers when the device is dropped onto a hard surface. Smartphones with large screens are especially prone to slip out of your hands due to their size.

Side edges and buttons located on them. When dropped, in most cases, the phone meets the deadly asphalt at its edge or angle. The result may be a dent (if the side edge is metal), a crack (plastic) or a non-functional volume rocker or power button. In addition, if you wear the phone for a long time without a case, abrasions and scratches appear on the edges, and the gadget loses its attractiveness.

Camera. The glass protecting the lens is easily scratched, especially on models with a camera protruding relative to the plane of the back panel.

Even the simplest phone case can protect your gadget from many troubles: falls, scratches, frayed edges and other annoying results of using the device without protection. In addition, a stylish case can highlight the individuality of the owner or even offer additional functionality such as water protection or a built-in battery. A case, by the way, is the easiest way to radically change the appearance of your smartphone using a bright color accent or an unusual pattern.

Phone cases can be divided into several types:

• Bumper
• Overlay
• Pocket (case), holster
• Book, flip
• Sports
• Protected, extreme
• Battery cases

Each type of phone case has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The right choice will save you from unnecessary expenses and inconvenience during everyday use of the case.

Bumper

Such cases protect the sides of the phone and fit tightly around the perimeter of the phone, leaving the screen and back panel exposed. As a rule, they are made of polyurethane or polycarbonate. The bumper will reliably protect the case from deformation during falls, protect the side edges from scratches and abrasion, and will also minimally affect the original design of the devices. All buttons and connectors remain accessible through special slots.

Bumper cases come in a variety of colors, so they can be used as a way to change up the look of your phone on a regular basis. There are transparent bumpers that visually have virtually no effect on the design of the gadget. For additional protection, you can use protective glass or screen film along with the bumper.

Overlay

A phone case in the form of a “cover” that fits onto the back panel. Leaves the screen open. A popular type of smartphone protection, made of modern durable materials (polyurethane, polycarbonate). The cover protects the back cover and edges of the device from damage and scratches.

The cover placed on the smartphone partly serves as protection for the screen, since it has a side protruding above the front panel. However, it is recommended to use a screen film or protective glass along with the case. Cover covers are available in various color options.

Pocket, case, holster

Made from natural/artificial leather. A classic type of phone case that protects the device from all sides. Some models have a magnetic clasp. Depending on the thickness of the material used and technical solutions (for example, metal inserts), it provides fairly reliable protection against various damages. There is a huge selection of pocket covers of different designs and colors on the market.

A pocket-type case has its own peculiarity - in order to use the phone, you have to completely remove it from the case.

The holster case (belt case) for phones is worn on the belt and almost completely replicates the functionality and design of the “pocket”. It is equipped with a flap with a magnetic clasp, a belt clip and is usually made of leather. It differs in the way the device is removed.

Book, flip

A book case is one of the most reliable ways to protect your phone, without the disadvantage of a “pocket”. To use the smartphone, you do not need to remove it; just fold back the “cover” of the case. Such cases are in most cases made of leather (artificial or natural), equipped with fasteners and additional compartments in the “cover” for bank cards, business cards or cash.

The smartphone is securely fixed in a polycarbonate frame; some models of phone cases can act as a stand. A cutout can be made in the cover, allowing you to view the time, missed calls and other information without opening the case.

A flip-type case, unlike a book, does not open to the side, but down or up.

Sports covers

Designed for lovers of an active lifestyle. For example, jogging in any weather. These cases allow you to secure your phone to your forearm using Velcro and a neoprene strap. The sports case allows you to access almost all the functions of your phone on the go, eliminating the need to take a backpack/purse with you specifically for your smartphone.

Rugged, waterproof and extreme cases

Various types of shockproof cases, where the maximum degree of protection of the phone from falls and various damages is of paramount importance. As a rule, they are equipped with powerful shock-absorbing inserts, have a durable body and a “brutal” appearance. Such cases, all other things being equal, are more massive and heavier than other types.

Waterproof phone cases protect devices not only from falls, but also from prolonged immersion in water. High-quality models allow you not to worry about your smartphone at depths of up to 2 meters due to complete sealing. This case is most suitable for fishermen, hunters and tourists.

Cases with built-in battery

In addition to the protective and aesthetic function, such models allow you to stay away from the outlet even longer. The capacity of the built-in battery is often comparable to or even exceeds the capacity of the native battery in the phone. By purchasing such a case, you can easily increase the autonomy of your gadget. The only negative is the increased dimensions, because the battery is placed in the case.

Conclusion

Secondly, when choosing protection, use common sense. For example, a waterproof model will almost certainly be overkill in urban environments.

Thirdly, consider cases also as a way to change the appearance of your smartphone. The transparent bumper preserves the originality of the design, and the elegant book case made of genuine leather is already an independent accessory.

In any case, by protecting your phone with even the simplest case, you will certainly extend its life and protect your expensive device from scratches, scuffs and other annoying damage.

Other news

How do we extend the life of a smartphone? The most obvious answer: a protective case does not always correctly solve the task assigned to it. It is enough to see reviews of various exotic cases to understand that chaos reigns in this area. Cases are turning from a means of protection into a means of self-expression, losing their main function - to protect your device and increase the comfort of its use.

Even those accessories, whose main task is to surprise with their originality, in practice turn out to be not suitable for use - sometimes they are inconvenient, and sometimes they resemble equipment for photography, beautiful in the studio, but useless in everyday life.

The imagination of designers is almost limitless, but some cases would be better off remaining prototypes “on paper.” We have collected several examples of extraordinary cases, and selected for each of them a real replacement from our range, ready for use.

The first representative of the “weird world of cases”, turning your iPhone into something like a Leica camera. What is most surprising, in addition to the general external similarity, you can find fake control buttons on the case, a protruding lens cover and even a viewfinder slot.

But you can attach an attached lens attachment to the camera slot, thereby depriving the phantasmagoric design of the case of its resemblance to a camera.

If you like the premium materials from which Leica cameras are made, it is better to choose a case for iPhone 6/6S, 7/8, iPhone X, XS and XR.

This is a protective case for modern iPhones made of ultra-strong aramid fiber. The built-in plates do not interfere with wireless charging, and the unique material emphasizes its originality.

No unnecessary elements, strong and reliable design, stylish appearance - this is much better than the “Leica case” that almost doubles the size of the iPhone.

Next representative: submarine case!

This “aluminum submarine” ensures the safety of diving with a smartphone to a depth of 100 meters, with shock-absorbing and waterproof rubberized inserts.

All that remains is to find the reason why you might even need a smartphone at such a depth - mobile communications are reliably drowned out by the thickness of the water, and to photograph underwater beauty at such a depth you need at least a deep-sea flashlight and appropriate optics.

If you need water protection without extremes, choose a waterproof case

It is made of a material that is pleasant to the touch and does not slip in your hands, which will avoid unwanted falls. All necessary functions and buttons remain available for use - this is a good choice for the beach, fishing and for any type of water recreation. It will save you from water in the bathroom, it is not afraid of heavy rain and a sudden attack from a water pistol - this is much more useful than protection for the sake of protection deep under water.

You can easily find videos of a Lego case being dropped from incredible heights. Well, the shock-absorbing properties of the plastic and the spectacular “self-disassembly” of the case will not leave anyone indifferent, but the other disadvantages overshadow all the dubious advantages.

It is angular, smooth edges slide, and even modifications where the voluminous connecting elements of the design cover only the back of the smartphone leave no chance for its convenient use. Try putting a Lego structure in your pocket and then pulling it out several times - there will simply be no questions about the “practicality” of such a case, albeit a bright one. This may be a good option for children, but not for daily use.

For reliable protection it is better to use

Like Lego, it is painted in bright and rich colors, but at the same time it will easily protect your iPhone from chips, dents, scratches, vibration, dirt, dust and rain. It is made of heavy-duty polycarbonate, coated in shock-absorbing silicone, fits comfortably in the hand - it is almost impossible to drop it.

The accessory will absorb the main impact force during a fall. The display is also protected, and the case was tested in accordance with the US Department of Defense standard 810F.

The second option for reliable protection is .

The case is firmly attached to the smartphone using steel bolts and a hex key that come included, and a metal leg on the back of the case allows it to be used as a stand. Much more reliable than Lego!

Even if you are delighted with soft and pleasant-to-touch cases, you should not let this passion turn your smartphone into an unprecedented winter beast. The list of weaknesses of this solution could go on for a very long time: faux fur quickly wears out, gets dirty easily and will not withstand any active use, even with careful storage and transportation.

Better pay attention to.

It's made from a combination of leatherette, a durable polycarbonate frame, and a special SensArray layer that allows you to answer or reject incoming calls without opening the lid. The case provides easy access to iPhone interface elements and complete protection along with a stylish appearance.

Another alien from the program “Crazy Hands” is a cover made of hot glue. Even if we assume that creating such a “case” is a truly exciting activity, it is still difficult to recommend it for use in practice. It's not neat, it's not very elegant, it doesn't last, and it's definitely not very reliable.

It is made of plastic, which indicates its durability and light weight. The main thing is that this material is pleasant to the touch and does not slip. The special surface does not allow leaving streaks and fingerprints. If desired, the pattern can be applied on top of such a cover with a glue gun, using it as a reliable frame.

All-metal cases are very strong, that's for sure. But the practicality of using them in winter is a big question - after all, as soon as you forget your gloves, answering a call becomes an insurmountable obstacle in severe frost. It is not without reason that manufacturers of practical cases use metal only as a frame, adding silicone, polycarbonate or other materials to the back and side surfaces.

If you need protection without frostbitten hands, choose a cover like .

It not only has waterproof properties, but also protects the device from dirt or snow, and saves the screen and body from impacts on a hard surface. The case meets IP-68 and MIL STD 810F-516 standards, can withstand drops of up to 2 meters and is equipped with screen and camera lens protection. This is much more important than the “metallic shine” of impressive-looking steel cases.

The second protected option is a case.

The hybrid design of the accessory provides high-quality protection for the communicator under mechanical stress. The inner layer of microfiber protects the surface of the phone from scratches and abrasions.

Even if horror is your favorite movie genre, you should stay away from cringe-inducing cases at any time except Halloween. Surely your friends will appreciate the original design, which refers to the latest Stephen King book or your worst nightmares, but those around you will also be able to see such a case. A scary (and sometimes embossed) picture can simply frighten children, and not in every office such a case will look acceptable on the desktop.

If you want to highlight your love for books and reading, choose a stylish case

It is made of genuine leather, and the compartments on the inside of the accessory allow you to store bank cards, business cards and money. It can also be used as a stand for comfortable viewing of videos or Internet surfing.

The sophisticated leather binding with gold lettering will allow others to freely interpret the name, and overall it is a stylish and expensive accessory that is pleasant to look at and comfortable to use.

We have listed only a few of the cases that are not very suitable for everyday life. You can continue endlessly - these are outlandish edible cases and numerous cases, carrying your gadget in which it can be damaged or dirty. Poorly painted plastic can stain the body of your smartphone, and loose edges of the case increase the chances of grains of sand getting between the body and the case.

To avoid these risks, choose high-quality cases from proven materials. For example, for the iPhone X/XS, you can choose one made of durable polypropylene and high-quality fabric.

For flagships on Android, I can recommend - for Samsung Note8.

The base of the case is a plastic cover that will protect the back panel and sides of the smartphone from impacts and chips. The thick front part of the case will protect your smartphone screen from scratches, dust and dirt.

Choose and let your gadgets last a long time! And it’s better to just admire the outlandish cases, as if they came straight from the pages of a science fiction book, on the Internet.

I’ll immediately emphasize that this is just a personal experience, but I’m sure it will be useful to many. If only because I am asked several times a week what kind of case I have/had on this or that smartphone. Also, this note is definitely not for those who are, in principle, against cases/covers and similar protective accessories. Therefore, please, just accept the fact that someone needs them and there is no need to write comments like: “I never understood how you can put an ugly case on a beautiful smartphone that designers worked on.” Thank you!

And now to the topic. Once upon a time, I used phones without cases. But as soon as I started getting expensive devices, I somehow didn’t even think about it and immediately bought additional cases/covers for them. I remember buying a Nokia E90, which I preferred over a laptop at the time. It was an expensive purchase and I didn’t want the appearance of the device to start to deteriorate after a month or two. I had a lot of smartphones and, accordingly, a lot of cases/bumpers/covers for them. And here are my observations.

I gave up pockets/cases a long time ago. Firstly, they quickly become unusable due to the constant removal of the smartphone. Secondly, the smartphone itself is constantly removed from such a case and remains without protection. Third, when you put it back in, a grain of sand or something else could get between the body and the pocket and scratch it.

But even cases and bumpers have weak points. And always different! There were models that made me very happy for a long time, and then at one point cracks appeared or they began to crumble in different places. For example, we once did a review.

Then I really liked one of the models and got one for my iPhone 5s.

A very nice case, which should have no complaints even after a long period of use. It protected the smartphone from all sides, and, due to the design and materials, it should have seriously softened the blow when dropped. My device never fell in it, but at a certain point, for me and some other users of the same model, the bottom plastic strips cracked and fell off. Obviously, they constantly touched my pockets when I took out/put back the smartphone, and at a certain point these strips could not stand it. In the photo below, one of the yellow stripes is no longer there.

And I’m not just talking about a specific drawback of a specific case. This is a very partial case, but the problem is that I only recently found the ideal case for myself, because with all the previous ones something happened over time. The Otter in the photo above is too difficult to put on and makes using a smartphone difficult. And after some time, the latches begin to deteriorate. If you remember, right after buying the iPhone 6s, I bought a Skech Crystal case for it,

Very cool case, seriously. Comfortable, beautiful, made of good plastic and... with a silicone side. And this very side is now not just yellow, but almost brown. Yes, silicone tends to darken over time.

I won’t bore you with stories anymore, just believe me, every case or bumper I have had such problems. And this is not because I chose accessories poorly, on the contrary, I choose them like a paranoid person, so that they protect well, look beautiful, and are of high quality. And now, today, after more than six months of using one case, I can safely say that it is the best of all that I have ever had. This is a UAG, or Urban Armor Gear, case.

I did and then quite pragmatically concluded that they were good. Because I didn’t know how the products of this brand would perform after a period of active use. But today, having traveled with this case on more than one off-road expedition, having visited several countries and simply using it every day, I understand that now I no longer have to worry about choosing cases for new devices. I'll just buy UAG and only choose the color.

The manufacturer claims military-grade protection that provides zero damage to the device when dropped from a height of 48″ for 26 repetitions. That is, it is an accessory that protects against falls. And I have already had the opportunity to test it to the fullest extent.

More precisely, not for me, but for one stoner in Barcelona. The screenshot above is my iPhone 6s crashing with a Periscope broadcast running (). I was just filming for myself, and the guy used a special tool to push his hand off his leg and the smartphone first flew very upward, then plopped down on the asphalt. We won’t go into the details of the conflict, but damn, I’m so glad that the iPhone had a UAG case! It is designed to completely absorb almost any fall. There are no signs of a fall on either the smartphone or even the case. Of course, look at how many crash tests they do with UAG cases, they simply have to withstand such falls. By the way, at electronics exhibitions, I very often see people with just such cases.

During use, no cracks appeared on the case, nothing fell off, it does not rub the case, there are no nuances at all that one could find fault with. Therefore, for all those who constantly ask me which cover/case/bumper to buy and which one I have, I answer: take UAG and you definitely won’t regret it. The choice of models is quite large, there is not only iPhone! And yet, this is not a review, not an advertisement, and in general there is no hidden subtext or intent in the note. Just a recommendation from personal experience!

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