Cases for smartphones - what are they and how to choose?

Of course, everyone understands why a smartphone case is needed - it prevents damage to an expensive device, and sometimes it also improves ergonomics and expands functionality.

There are many completely different types of cases available in online stores for phone cases and accessories, each with their own pros and cons. How not to get lost in all this diversity and choose exactly what you need?

Transparent silicone bumper

The easiest and cheapest way to protect your smartphone.

It protects the back wall and sides of the smartphone quite well from damage when dropped. If your smartphone has sharp edges, then with such a bumper it will be more pleasant to hold it.

The bumper does not interfere with the installation of protective glass, with which the smartphone becomes protected from all sides. Carrying a smartphone in a bag or pocket is quite convenient, just like holding it in your hands - nothing gets caught or gets in the way.

However, cheap transparent cases are often of poor quality, do not fit tightly on the smartphone and fall off. Therefore, you should not buy the cheapest option; it is better to give preference to the one that costs about twice as much.

The advantages of transparent cases are that the back wall is visible through them and they do not change the color of the smartphone. They are also quite thin and do not add much bulk.

The disadvantages include the fact that they all turn yellow over time, but due to the low cost, it can be changed periodically. Dust and grains of sand can easily get under such a case, so to prevent scratches on your smartphone, you need to remove and clean it more often.

The smooth surface can be attributed to both pros and cons - on the one hand, the smartphone is easy to insert and remove from a tight jeans pocket, on the other hand, it is easier for it to slip out of hands, especially wet or sweaty ones.

View

The bumper is a frame that protects only the sides of the smartphone body. Since the width of the case is slightly greater than the thickness of the device, the phone in the frame does not come into contact with the surface on which it lies.

The bumper is the lightest and most compact among the cases, but leaves the front (screen) and back of the phone without protection. In addition, the range of such cases is limited (for gadgets with straight edges). The bumper is made of metal, silicone and plastic.

Case-cover (case-cover) – protects the back and sides of the phone case. The cover-cover is small in size and weight, has no moving parts, and if necessary, it can be easily removed and put on the gadget. The cover case does not interfere with working with the phone, due to which it has become very popular among users.

Like the bumper, the cover case does not protect the front of the phone. Therefore, it is advisable to supplement such a case with a protective film. The cover pad is made of leather, silicone, aluminum, plastic, wood.

Book case – thanks to the panel (it folds to the side like a book) it protects the smartphone screen. This distinguishes the book case from the bumper and cover. This holster gives the device a more solid look. Some models with the word “view” in their name have a special window for the date, time and caller number.

The book case is sometimes used as a stand - this is convenient for reading e-books or watching videos. A variety of models will make it easy to choose the appropriate option for each user. A book case is one of the most common accessories.

The disadvantages of such a case are: bulkiness and the need to open the “book” every time you use the gadget. The book case is made from metal, leather, leatherette, combined materials (plastic + leather).

Important: pay attention to the reliability of the connection between the shell and the bumper holding the phone. For low-quality models, the bumper may simply come off the shell and the gadget will fall.

Folding case (flip case) – the cover panel folds down not to the side, but down (reminiscent of a notepad). Many users find this method more convenient. Otherwise, the characteristics of the flip case and the book case are the same.

Pocket case (sock case, case-case) – protects the body of the gadget, except for the bottom or top end, depending on the position of the smartphone. This case is reliable, cheap, protects the device primarily from scratches and is suitable for a large number of smartphones.

Disadvantages: incomplete protection, tight fit of leather models (muffles the speaker), for operation you must remove the gadget from the case using a strap. The pocket cover is made of leather and leatherette, and the sock cover is made of knitted fabric.

A pouch-pouch is a type of case that closes by pulling a cord.

A belt bag is a type of pocket case that allows you to place your smartphone on your belt. Made from fabric or leather.

Important: with prolonged use of the pocket cover, abrasions appear on the front and back of the gadget. To avoid this, stick a protective film on them.

Battery case – the design of this case includes a built-in battery. This solution extends the battery life of the device, but increases the weight and dimensions of the device. The best option for traveling and hiking. A battery case is rare. Such a case is usually made of metal, less often of plastic.

Holster case – compatible with various smartphone models, and attaches to the belt. The disadvantage is the same as that of the case-bag: to use the device you need to remove the device. Its location on the belt on one side makes it easier to access the device, but on the other, it can interfere with walking. The holster case is made of leather and leatherette.

Sports – designed for people who engage in sports and active recreation. Sports covers are attached to the arm (biceps) or leg and are made from soft materials (eco leather, silicone, rubber). Disadvantages: narrow specialization and modest design.

Shockproof (protected) – suitable for land sports (running, cycling), as well as traveling and other situations where there is a risk of the smartphone falling. This case is made of hard and durable materials (aluminum, carbon) that are shock-resistant. The shockproof case protects the device from impacts better than others, but makes it bulky and is not cheap.

Waterproof (aquabox) – used during water sports, for sea travel and other situations where there is a possibility of moisture penetrating the phone. A smartphone in an aquabox can even be used underwater for photo and video shooting. This type of case is made of transparent plastic and rubber. The disadvantage is the high price.

Knitted - protects the gadget from minor damage and scratches, but it cannot handle more serious tests. The design of this case is very diverse, which makes it possible to choose an option to suit every taste and change the appearance of your smartphone.

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  Book

• Shockproof

Colored silicone bumper

These cases differ from transparent ones in that they are thicker and softer silicone, which looks cool and feels nice in your hands. Similar thermopolyurethane (TPU) cases have similar properties.

It's more grippy and slips less, but it picks up more dirt and makes it harder to get in and out of a tight pocket. While none of this is a big problem, the extra grip is a plus.

The disadvantages include the fact that with such a case you can preserve the original appearance of the smartphone only if it is the same color, which in general is not a problem to choose. And also the fact that it makes the smartphone noticeably thicker, but also protects it better.

But such cases, due to the softer and more malleable rubber, fit more tightly on the smartphone, as if they fit it well. This way, less dust gets underneath it and you can clean it less often.

Cheap cases of this type do not have any gasket inside and grains of sand that get inside can scratch the back cover of the smartphone. More expensive models have a soft velvety coating on the inside that prevents scratches.

Plastic bumper

It differs from silicone in a thinner and more elegant appearance.

It adds minimal size to the smartphone and has a sleeker design. However, it is harder and not as pleasant to the touch as silicone, and can also be brittle to varying degrees. More expensive bumpers made of high-quality plastic (polycarbonate) are usually thinner, stronger and more durable.

The plastic bumper can be covered with leather, fabric or even fur, which gives the gadget a solid or unusual look. Leather covering is more practical and durable, but fabric can get dirty and crumble, so it requires careful handling and special care (wash or dry clean).

Manufacturer

Products in the budget segment include cases from Belkin, Borofone, Belkin, ITSkins, Cellular Line, Melkco, Carer Base, Pro-Case. Among the shortcomings, it should be noted that the materials used are not of the highest quality: the surface gets dirty quickly and cannot be wiped off, models do not always 100% match the phone and all the holes, corners often burst, in general, many cases quickly lose their original appearance.

You can choose an excellent quality case from a range of models: Drobak, Lowepro, Odoyo, Ozaki, Case-Mate, Nillkin, Jekod, SGP, SOX. These are the best products today in terms of price/quality ratio. The cases are made of durable and technologically advanced materials and reliably protect your phone. Some models, however, may also not last long if used roughly. It is also worth noting the high quality of branded cases, for example, Lenovo, HTC, Nokia, Samsung. Such covers, bumpers or flips will always cost more due to brand recognition. But in 99% of cases they will perfectly fit the given phone model.

Apple branded cases are a separate group. As usual, due to its high cost. Today, almost every case manufacturer produces models for all versions of the iPhone, so it makes no sense to overpay for the brand.

Metal bumper

It differs from plastic in strength and durability, as well as the appearance and tactile sensations characteristic of metal.

On the one hand, the metal is durable, cold and pleasant. On the other hand, it easily “bumps” and scratches both when dropped and when rubbed from being dragged back and forth in a pocket or bag. All this is clearly visible on it, so the metal surface requires more careful handling than silicone or plastic.

Also, when the smartphone heats up, the metal will transfer heat more strongly. This reduces the heat, but your hands will also be much hotter. So for hot-tempered smartphones and gaming enthusiasts, this may not be the best option.

But for cold models, the feeling of coolness from the metal will be pleasant. But it is also worth considering that metal is more slippery, unless it is covered with rough matte paint. The last option is more practical if your plans did not include shining gold as a prosecutor

It happens that metal bumpers come with armored glass, which also protects the smartphone screen. But it is worse than high-quality glass, which can be purchased separately, it reduces the sensitivity of the touchscreen more and has worse oleophobic properties (the finger glides poorly and fingerprints remain).

Closing method

Many models are equipped with clasps to prevent accidental opening of the case. The following types of fasteners are available:

• Velcro – provides instant access to the smartphone, but weakens over time;
• the latch is convenient, but quickly breaks down;
• magnet - most often found due to a number of advantages: quick access to the phone, reliability, long service life;
• zipper is the most reliable, but less convenient: it takes more time to remove the gadget. And with frequent use, the zipper can break.

Case book

This case is usually made of leather or leatherette and resembles a notebook.

A folding strap protects the screen when the case is closed and also reduces the likelihood that the screen will break if dropped. The downside is a significant increase in the size of the smartphone in such a case, as well as the inconvenience associated with dangling straps when open. But, in principle, you can wrap it under your smartphone and get used to its position.

The smartphone in such a case is secured by inserting it into a special mount, which can crack and fall apart. Therefore, it is important that it is not made of cheap plastic, but of polycarbonate or has a solid TPU insert, reminiscent of a silicone bumper.

The book can open sideways, downwards or upwards - here you see what is more convenient for you. Imagine how you will hold your smartphone, where the buttons and connectors will be, how the charger and headphones are connected.

What are the covers made of?

The material for the case can be:

• Leather
  _ Unfortunately, most of the “leather” cases are made not of natural material, but of leatherette. The buyer can verify this when he reads the contents of the label. The low value of the material explains the minimal cost of such covers (200-300 rubles). A genuine leather clip case from Apple costs about 3,500 rubles.
• Plastic
  .
  Cases made from this material are the cheapest - in showrooms you can find similar accessories with a cost of less than 100 rubles. The main disadvantage lies in tactile sensations
  : touching a plastic case is much less pleasant than touching a leather one. But plastic is a flexible material: you can use it to create an accessory of even the most bizarre shape.
• Textile
  . Fabric covers are a thing of the past and are in demand only among inveterate conservatives. A fabric case is not able to save the gadget if it falls - it can only protect from dust and scratches. The cost of such accessories is very low - in showrooms they are, as a rule, listed as stock goods and are sold for 50-70 rubles.
• Silicone
  .
  The silicone case is another anachronism. Such products were at the peak of popularity ten years ago - then they were put on push-button models. Nowadays you can find silicone back panel covers in stores – and at minimal prices. Silicone has a significant drawback - it is short-lived
  : a case made of this material literally falls apart after just a few months of use.
• Tree
  . A wooden case is a real find for lovers of environmentally friendly materials. However, such an accessory is quite difficult to find in store windows - in addition, its cost may turn out to be an unpleasant surprise for the buyer.
• Metal
  . From a protection point of view, there are no questions about metal cases - they provide the best protection compared to products made from other materials. However, a metal case significantly increases the weight of the gadget, and this can cause inconvenience to the owner of the mobile device. In addition, the cost of metal accessories is quite high.

Wallet case

It differs from the previous version in that it has additional compartments for cards, business cards and money.

It will be convenient for those who want to keep everything at hand in quick access and not carry a separate wallet with them. However, this makes the case thicker and less convenient; in some models the smartphone can be used without removing it from the case, while others require its removal, think about what will be more convenient for you.

Adviсe

• Decide what is more important to you – phone protection or the decorative properties of the case.
• The case should be easy to use, not slip in your hand and fit snugly to the phone body.
• Try on a smartphone case. Make sure that the dimensions of the accessory match the dimensions of the device, its holes match the connectors of the smartphone (for headphones, USB cable, speakers, built-in camera). The case should not pinch the screen. This is a prerequisite for full operation of the gadget.
• Pay attention to the quality of the case. It should not have burrs or other defects. If the firmware lines are not straight, and unnecessary parts fall out of the accessory, then such a case is not worth purchasing.
• Choose a case to suit your style. There are many designer models on the market that can highlight the individuality of the user. If you wish, purchase a custom-made accessory - it will cost more, but you will receive an exclusive case.
• Buy cases from well-known brands that guarantee the high quality of their products.

Case with stand

Cases with a stand offer the user additional functionality - using the smartphone on a table in a vertical position to track notifications, correspondence or reading, and in a horizontal position to watch videos.

This is actually very handy if you plan to use the smartphone in such scenarios. Cases with a stand can be either soft (silicone, leather) or hard (plastic, metal). This is a matter of personal preference and taste in terms of design.

Pouch

A smartphone pouch can be fabric or leather.

Such cases are usually selected not for a specific model, but for the size of the smartphone. A looser one can accommodate a case with protective glass and even a silicone or plastic bumper.

The smartphone is removed either by loosening the tightening or using a special strap (in tighter leather models). In a properly selected bag, your smartphone will be reliably protected from damage during transportation. And after removing it, nothing will interfere with the use of the smartphone. This option is suitable for those who do not like cases at all, but still want to protect their smartphone.

Holster

This is the name for belt pouches that are attached to a trouser belt.

Of course, this is not a new solution at all, but it is still convenient and familiar for many. The smartphone will always be at your fingertips and you can turn on vibration mode, which is important for those who often communicate on the phone. The main disadvantage is that outerwear makes using such a cover problematic in the cold season; you will have to buy another cover for such a case.

Handbag

The handbag is the same bag, but looks more like a clutch.

They are often closed with a zipper or other fastener, can be hung around the neck, over warm clothes, and have an additional pocket for cards or money. This option will be convenient for those who do not like to keep things in their pockets and wear appropriate clothing.

Shockproof case

Smartphones for extreme sports enthusiasts or those working in harsh conditions require special protection.

Special strong cases made of polycarbonate and TPU with screen protection will reliably protect your smartphone from shocks and falls from heights. Many also offer dust and water resistance.

The other side of the coin is the significant increase in smartphone dimensions in models with a brutal appearance. But more elegant solutions can also be found.

Housing protection

Complete – protection of the smartphone case from all sides from external influences. Full protection is provided by closed cases - expensive and bulky (including book, flip, shockproof, waterproof).

Partial - protection of individual sides of the body - usually the back and/or sides. The phone is partially protected by open cases that are cheap and compact (for example, a bumper or cover).

Important: the choice of a case with full or partial protection of the body depends on the conditions in which the smartphone is intended to be used (normal or extreme, risk of serious impacts, moisture, etc.). Not all cases require complete device protection. It is worth finding the optimal balance between reliable protection of the gadget on the one hand and reasonable price and dimensions on the other.

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  Bumper

• Sports