What Phone Case is the Most Protective?
25 Aug 2021If you’ve ever asked what type of phone case is the best, you’ll probably know that there are so many different phone cases on the market.
With so many makes, materials, and brands to choose from, how do you find a protective case that keeps your most cherished device safe?
When it comes to protective cases, it’s all about the material used. Certain materials are more robust and offer better shock-absorbency, making them fantastic phone protectors in the event of a fall.
Cracked screens are the top problem they see amongst phone owners. For this reason, it’s important to find a case that protects this vulnerable component.
Without a workable screen, our phones become pretty pointless. The best type of phone cases have to protect our screens.
Since smartphones are a huge part of our life, we usually take them everywhere. As a result of this, they can experience many scratches, drops, dings, or even water splashes. Finding a case that offers protection has become a necessity in the modern world.
Durable phone cases save our phones and our pennies. Here we explore different phone cases and materials so that you can choose a cover that keeps your phone safe and does so in style. So, what type of phone case is the best?
Silicone
If you are searching for the best slim phone case, silicone is also a great bet. Lightweight, and non-bulky it won’t take up too much space, but you also won’t have to compromise on protection. These soft cases offer durability and ease. So, what is a soft phone case?
Silicone is a soft, malleable material made of the natural component silicone (which is found in sand) and certain petroleum-based products. Many see it as a better alternative to plastic. However, it’s certainly not an entirely eco-friendly solution.
One of the best advantages of silicone is the grip factor; it grips excellently to your smartphone and offers snug protection. Since it is a shock-absorbent material, it will also take the shock of a fall rather than transferring the impact onto the phone.
Pros
- Shock absorbent
- Great grip
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- It comes in many colors and designs
Cons
- Not super environmentally friendly
- Clear covers can discolor over time, so they need to be cleaned properly
Plastic and Plastic Hybrids
Plastic cases are often a popular choice, and this is for a few excellent reasons. They come in a variety of colors and designs and are usually super affordable because they are so easy to make.
Since polycarbonate (or PC for short) cases are everywhere, this keeps the price factor down.
Plastic cases come in a wide variety of styles and designs and are a great material to use in hybrid cases (much like our range at Burga, which includes silicone interiors and plastic hardshell exteriors.) This makes them super durable.
Many phone case manufacturers, like the team at Burga, utilize silicone in hybrid cases. We combine a shock-absorbent silicone interior with a hard shell exterior (with raised bezel edges.)
This offers fabulous protection in light of a fall and protects the most vulnerable corners and parts.
Plastic offers water-resistant durability, and silicone offers amazing shock-absorbency.
If you want a protective case, look for hybrid options with a silicone interior and a plastic exterior. This will offer double protection to your phone.
And the bonus? An incredible array of colors, styles, and designs.
In fact, with our range at Burga, you can also choose to customize these cases, adding a unique flair to your protective case with personalized text.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Waterproof (only the case, won’t protect the entire phone from water)
- Easy to manufacture and many styles available
Cons
- Not as sustainable
- Not always scratch resistant (which is why we use a special scratch-resistant resin)
Leather and Wallet Phone Cases
Wallet phone cases have gained much traction over the years due to their practicality. They allow users to carry their phones and important things like credit cards and IDs and usually contain various panels or locking mechanisms to keep everything safe.
There is no denying how handy they are (or how stylish leather looks), but it’s a little more complex when it comes to protection. Leather isn’t as protective as other materials and doesn’t possess the same shock-absorbency of silicone in the event of a fall.
Added to this, wallet cases could pose another threat in the event that your phone is stolen. Not only will you lose your electronic device, but you might lose all-important credit or debit cards or identifying documents.
Having a leather or wallet phone case, while super handy, requires some extra vigilance to make sure your important devices and cards stay safe. However, if you’re taking your phone to the office and don’t want the hassle of extra bags, it’s a great pick.
Pros
- Convenient
- Stylish
- Come in an array of designs and styles
Cons
- Can be bulky
- In the event of theft, you might lose essential cards or documents
Metal
Metal cases can offer some good protection to phones, and materials like aluminum are most commonly used; however, brass or even gold can be used in some designer cases. Unsurprisingly, these cases can be pretty pricey!
One of the most expensive cases around is the Dragon and Spider case by designer Anita Mai Tan. It sells for a whopping $880 000 and is made from 18-carat gold and diamonds.
While it looks beautiful, many would probably prefer to use the cash on something a little bigger (like a house or a few hundred smartphones.)
Although metal can have a gorgeous finish, boasting opulence and style, there are also a few setbacks. Metal cases can sometimes block cell signals, rendering your phone a little useless if you need to keep in contact with people.
When they block the signal, the point of having a phone becomes a little useless, and in the event of an emergency, you might struggle to get hold of the necessary people.
It is also a little heavier than other materials and might make your phone feel a bit bulky.
Pros :
- Stylish
- Designer feel
- Durable material
Cons:
- Cna block cell signal
- Expensive
- It can be slippery and easy to drop
Wood
Wooden phone cases certainly offer an element of style and are usually made from bamboo. If sustainability is important to you, they’re a great material to consider. However, when it comes to the protective factor, they might not be the best bet.
If you drop a phone with a wooden case on a hard surface, you might end up with a cracked screen. If you choose wood, be sure to get an extra screen protector for added protection in the event of a fall.
Wooden cases are great if you want a bespoke case inspired by nature and if you want to do your bit for the planet and enhance your green footprint (of course, when choosing sustainable woods).
Many people also opt to personalize these cases with unique etched designs, making them great for anyone who loves a customized design. However, what they exude in style is often lost in protection.
Pros:
- Stylish and attractive
- Environmentally more sustainable
Cons:
- Minimal protection
- Can be expensive
- Not as easy to find an array of styles and designs
The Final Verdict
With so many phone cases around, it’s understandably tough to find the perfect case. After much research, we have opted for a hybrid case made of silicone and plastic. The silicone absorbs the shock from the fall, and the plastic offers extra durability.
The best types of phone cases mold around your phone snuggly, offering great shock-absorbency and protection. For this reason, silicone and plastic hybrid cases are your best bet.
They also protect the most vulnerable parts of the phone, like the camera and the screen, from scratches and signs.
Our hybrid models also include a 2mm raised bezel edge for extra protection. The edge will catch the hard surface if your phone drops, rather than the camera or screen.
Check out our diverse range at Burga.
Protective Phone Case FAQ
Are waterproof cases worth it for protection?
If you are into adventures or find yourself spending lots of time at the beach or by the pool, then it might be worth exploring a waterproof case. Choose a case with high ingress protection (IP) rating for extra durability.
As a rule of thumb, choose a case with a 67 rating or higher. However, for general use, you don’t need a specialized waterproof case. They can be pretty costly and are only worth it if you spend a lot of time in the water.
Should I get a Hybrid phone case?
For everyday protection, a silicone and plastic hardshell case is the perfect balance of protection, practicality, and style. They offer fantastic durability, amazing shock-absorbency, and are hard enough to withstand scratches and dings.
With added scratch-resistance coating on the exterior, they can also look as good as new for much longer. Meaning that you don’t have to keep replacing your phone case.
For everyday wear and tear a hybrid case is your best bet, keeping your phone safe and stylish! That’s a bonus in our books.
For more adventurous sorts who like to submerge phones underwater and traverse harsher weather conditions, you might need something entirely waterproof.
When it comes to asking, what type of cell phone case is best, choose a case that fits your phone snugly, has great shock-absorbency, and slightly raised edges to protect your camera and screen. Explore our eclectic range of cases here.
You should also consider reading these articles
- Best wallet phone case
- How much does it cost to make a phone case?
- Should I get a wallet phone case?
- Can I put my credit card in my phone case?
- Clean a phone case
- How to paint a phone case
- How to get rid of air bubbles in a liquid phone case
- Luxury phone cases
- What is the most expensive phone case?
- Why are phone cases so expensive?