Do I Need A Phone Case
24 Aug 2021
I just bought an iPhone, do I need a phone case? Does this question sound familiar? Many of us ask this every time we buy a new phone.
Phone cases are the go-to when it comes to phone protection. We have insurance, yes. But prevention is always better.
There will always be a debate over using a phone case or not. We are all entitled to our opinions. This article aims to give you the facts for an informed decision.
Why do I Need a Phone Case?
A phone case is not the same as a phone skin. The difference between a phone skin and a case can be compared to paper and plastic.
Protective phone cases are pretty self-explanatory. It’s a cover that protects your phone from damage. Most cases have drop protection and some offer water protection as well.
Phone skins are cosmetic. It’s pretty to look at but offers minimal scratch resistance. If you drop your phone, there’s no protection.
Phone skins are exactly that - skins for your phone. There’s no bulky cover to detract from the sleek design of your phone.
Of course, you can use both. You can put a clear case over the skin. But cases come in so many different colors and designs that it seems a waste to use both.
But do cases really protect phones? The case only covers the back, sides, and corners of the phone. There’s no guarantee that it will protect your screen too.
This is why screen protectors are as popular as cases. Sure, it’s OK to use a phone without a screen protector. But if you have one and your phone falls, you won’t have to worry about cracks.
So yes, cases do protect phones. That’s why they’re absolutely necessary if you’re accident-prone or have a super slick phone.
Are Expensive Phone Cases Worth It?
When it comes to expensive phone cases, it’s all a matter of perspective. Are they worth it?
You always hear people complain about the bulkiness of phone cases. Many think that it’s a fair tradeoff.
Many of the new phones are as slippery as fish. Even if you aren’t accident-prone chances are good that it will slip from your grasp at some point.
Expensive phone cases are designed to be non-slip. Many come with their own kickstand too so you won’t have to buy one.
And let’s not forget that these cases have become fashion statements. They’ve become another accessory to add to our outfits with their bold designs and colors.
The problem comes when you buy a new phone. You see, phone cases are designed for specific phones. You certainly can’t use a Samsung case for an iPhone. The dimensions wouldn’t fit.
Are expensive cases worth it? For example, what happens if your phone breaks in a case? It’s doubtful that they’ll replace your phone.
Do Cheap Phone Cases Work?
Sometimes a cheap phone case works as well as an expensive one. You don’t need to spend much on a phone protector if you’re always indoors.
Cheap phone cases are pretty basic and generally less durable. Knowing when to replace the phone case is important. Cheap cases don’t last as long as expensive ones.
But yes, cheap cases do work and will protect against minimal water exposure. And let’s be honest, we tend to have fast reflexes when our phone is in danger. As long as you dry it off quickly, a cheap case should work.
Try not to get a plastic or leather case. Those are not good for shock absorption and plastic tends to crack easily. Rubber or silicone cases offer the best protection because they absorb shock.
Pros and Cons of Using Phones Cases
Using a phone case is a personal choice. It’s like asking someone what your favorite color should be.
Everything has an upside and downside. Your phone probably has amazing features. But that doesn't mean it’s perfect. It’s just perfect for you. You had a variety of choices and that’s the one you picked. Why?
It’s the same with phone cases. But you can’t make an informed decision without all the facts. Let’s look at the pros and cons of phone cases.
Pros
Grip
Phone cases have a non-slip texture. Many phones are downright slippery and gripping them with one hand is tough.
Having a non-slip phone case is the perfect solution. Even if you’re clumsy, you’re less likely to drop a phone that isn’t slippery.
Waterproof
This is the ultimate protection.
How many times has your phone fallen into some kind of liquid? The toilet? The bath? Maybe you knocked full glass onto it. It happens. More often for some than others; but it happens.
A waterproof case will protect your phone for those few seconds. Yes, seconds. Because that’s how quick we are to snatch up and wipe it off.
Drop Protection
You could think that all phone cases offer this. But plastic and leather are actually not great for drop protection.
Silicone and rubber are perfect for shock and vibration absorption. In other words, your phone won’t go Splat! It’s more likely to bounce a bit, which reduces the impact.
Stylish
Let’s be honest: it’s a fashion statement. They’re easy on the eyes.
And there’s no shortage of choices with the wide range of styles, colors, designs, and textures. If you can’t find one that you like, then have it custom-made.
Resale Value
We rarely think of this when buying a new phone. You won’t have that phone forever. When you upgrade, does the old one lie in a drawer somewhere?
If your phone has had a case from day one, chances are it’s in good condition. Why not sell it to someone who can’t afford a brand new one?
It’s much easier to sell a second-hand phone that only has a few scratches.
Adding PopSockets
If you don’t know, a PopSocket is a circle you stick to the back of your device. It allows you to hold your phone easier. You pop it (or pull it) up and slide your fingers between it and your phone.
You can put PopSockets on phone cases too. This is a great accessory for those who are clumsy or go without pockets.
Cons
The Cases Can Get Stuck
Sometimes you simply can’t get the phone case off.
This is more often a problem with plastic cases. Those things can be a nightmare to get off. You don’t want to damage your phone in the process either.
The trick is to find the spot with the least buttons. Stick your nail (or credit card) between the spot where the case meets your phone. Then gently lift it away, moving along the edge until it pops off.
It’s Not Fool-Proof
Yes, it’s wonderful at protecting your phone. That doesn’t mean you should test the theory. The case is not going to protect your phone from everything.
There is no case strong enough to protect your phone from a car. And the screen can still crack with the case on. Very few cases have screen coverage.
Dirt is a Problem
It’s easy for dust and sand to get in the grooves between the phone and the case. You’ll have to clean it out often.
Bulky
This is often the main concern. Cases can be bulky and detract from the design of the phone. This is why many people prefer to go without a phone case.
Removing PopSockets
There are a few problems with PopSockets. The adhesive doesn’t stick on silicone or things like rhinestones. It also has some problems with sticking on waterproof cases.
A strong adhesive is used and once it’s on there, it’s tough to get it off. Which is good since you won’t drop your phone as much. But it’s not so great when you need to take it off.
To remove adhesive from a phone case you need patience. You don’t want to risk damaging your case or phone. You can use a dull butter knife or any other flat object to scrape it off. Be gentle.
Once it’s off, use a wet-wipe or nail polish remover for the residue.
Final Note
So, do you really need a phone case?
If you’re around water often, prone to clumsiness, or have a slick phone, then a case would be best.
Sure, you can get a PopSocket for a slippery phone. But that won’t save it from water or drop damage. It would also be cheaper to buy a case than to repair a damaged iPhone.
But a bulky case can ruin the sleek design and they aren’t 100% protection.
In the end, it all depends on personal preference.
