A smartphone is an investment that we use every day to stay connected with our loved ones, work, and entertainment. With the development of apps that help us in aspects of our life ranging from fitness to navigation, the importance of protecting our devices has become even more important. A smartphone case not only enhances the appearance of your phone but also provides protection from scratches, drops, and other damages. With so many options available in the market, choosing the right smartphone case can be a daunting task. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the ideal case that'll make your phone look good and feel safeguarded.
Protect Your Pricey Pal
Let’s start with the obvious. Top-tier iPhone and Samsung devices are routinely eclipsing the thousand-dollar investment plateau so protecting them makes sense on several fronts. The average consumer is keeping their device significantly longer than in years past for this reason so maintaining its functionality is important. When devices are replaced, they are typically either traded in or sold on a marketplace and you will get a much better price for an “A Grade” smartphone than one that has been beaten within an inch of its life. Even if you are keeping it to give to a child you’ll want it to be well-maintained for as long as possible.
The Best Materials for Smartphone Cases
Most smartphone cases are made from some kind of injection molded plastic like TPU, PC, and others. These materials can be made clear to show off the OEM design of your device, or in translucent or opaque colors to add your own sense of style. These materials can also be easily decorated/printed on, so if you prefer to support your favorite team, artist, or musician, you will likely be in this category.
Despite plastics holding the majority share, there are other choices! Some artisan case brands use wood or wood laminates typically as the back of the case while still using a flexible TPU for the bumper. Some unique brands have even employed carbon fiber for those looking for weight savings and a techy feel. Multiple eco brands have begun to construct cases out of biodegradable or plant-based materials as well.
To date, the most cost-effective, durable, and protective material choices are going to be a combination of plastics that provide both impact absorption and rigidity.
A Case Where Lifestyle Meets Protection
Nobody wants a case the size of a 1975 Cadillac to have to fit in their pocket, but slimmer isn’t always better. The important question to ask yourself is how does your lifestyle impact the risk you impart to your device? If you spend your day working on a construction site (or even more dangerous environments like raising toddlers), a more “ruggedized” choice might make sense. If you spend your days in a cubicle and aren’t much for the great outdoors, perhaps you could get away with a slimmer case choice.
Material is only part of the equation as design and construction provide the other elements. The most basic design is a single injection case. These are typically constructed of TPU and are relatively inexpensive. Cases like cellhelmet’s popular Altitude cases are a good example as they employ protective features in the mold design that use air gaps to help disperse impact. Dual layer cases are exactly as the name sounds. They are typically constructed of a softer inner layer which is nested inside a more rigid outer layer. The tradeoff with dual-layer cases is you gain extraordinary protection, but you end up with a much more bulky case. The middle ground is co-molded cases like cellhelmet’s Magnitude case which takes two materials that are fused together to provide protection but in a slimmer design. Quality cases typically have invested in a 3rd party drop testing like the Fortitude, which is drop-rated to 16 feet. Choosing a level of protection is truly a personal choice, so there are no wrong answers here.
Unlock the Power of Mag-Safe
So many interesting features are now available in cases. Everything from integrated holders to flip-out stands has hit the market. The biggest game changer over the past couple of years has been Apple’s launch of Mag-Safe. Not only does Mag-Safe work seamlessly with wireless charging, but there is now an entire ecosystem of accessories built specifically for it. Products like magnetic wallets, rings/stands, and chargers make for a compelling argument for the technology. The industry has taken things one step further and now any case can be used with Mag-Safe compatible accessories by simply adding a magnetic ring to the back of your case. Some brands like cellhelmet have even added convenient tether strap capabilities for those moments when dropping your device just isn’t an option.
Several premium brands are now even offering customization services so if you want your case to have pictures of your kids, car, dog, or whatever strikes your fancy, you are now a simple photo upload away from converting your phone case into your own original work of art.
Summary
There has never been a better time to be a consumer in the wireless industry. Competition has forced brands to really be thoughtful about what they are bringing to market so there are plenty of good options available. Remember, think about your lifestyle and the environment your device will be in. Once you have assessed the level of protection you think you need, research your options. I would recommend staying with quality brands that have good reputations and stand behind their products. As an example, cellhelmet, like other quality brands, has a lifetime warranty across all of their products so you know that should something go wrong, you are covered.
cellhelmet is a manufacturer of premium wireless accessories and has been helping to protect and support mobile devices for the past eleven years. From an appearance on ABC’s hit TV show SharkTank to today, the company has been focused on delivering quality and innovation through our online channels and over 4,000 doors of retail distribution. If you would like to learn more, please visit us at www.cellhelmet.com and receive 20% off of your first purchase.