There’s nothing like the excitement of getting a new phone. The screen is bright, the buttons are crisp, and you’re ready to take on any challenge that comes your way—except for one thing: what to do with your phone when you’re not using it. That’s where cases come in.
With so many phone case options out there, it can be hard to know which one is best for you. So, whether you have an iPhone or an Android, we’ve got all the information you need in this ultimate guide to make a smart decision when choosing a phone case.
The global market for phone cases is expected to reach US$25 billion by the end of 2022. According to Future Market Insights, the global mobile cases and covers market is expected to reach US$32.3 billion by the year 2029.
Just for reference a body glove phone case is a thin, flexible cover for your phone. The best thing about body glove cases is that they can be used with or without a screen protector. A skin phone case is similar to a body glove case, except it’s made of silicone instead of plastic.
The smartphone case segment is expected to witness rapid growth during the forecast period due to its increasing popularity among consumers across the globe. In addition, rising adoption of smartphones with enhanced features such as larger screens and superfast processors has also fueled its demand over the past few years.
A Brief History of Phone Cases
Depending on what you read, we believe that probably the first credible mobile phone or cell phone case was invented in the early 1990s, and it was made of leather. The leather cases were used to protect the phones from damage and scratches.
The first design of the mobile phone case was to protect the phones from damage. The case also had a belt clip, so that it could be carried around easily.
In the early 2000s, silicone rubber cases were introduced as an alternative to leather cases. Silicone rubber is more flexible than other materials, so it can be molded into different shapes. This allows for better protection of your smartphone without adding too much bulkiness to it.
In recent years, there has been a trend towards transparent cases for your device since they allow you to show off its beauty without hiding it behind a case. Some people prefer this look because they think it makes their phone look cooler and more stylish while still offering protection against scratches and bumps
Do I even need a phone case?
The short answer: Yes! You absolutely do.
The long answer: Phones are expensive. Cellphones are fragile. And if you don’t have a case, the chances of your device getting damaged will go up exponentially. Without a case, your phone could get scratched or cracked in just about any situation—dropping it on the ground, putting it in your back pocket while you’re sitting down (or bending over), or even just putting it in your bag with other sharp objects.
If you don’t want to spend money on an expensive replacement or repair fee or must deal with the hassle of not having access to your phone while you wait for that repair to be completed, consider getting a case instead.
1. Rugged Cases
Rugged cases are made to protect your phone from drops and shocks. These cases are usually made of rubber, plastic or silicon and can be heavy, bulky and expensive.
The main reason people buy a rugged case is because they want their phone to stay protected in case it falls out of their hands or if they accidentally drop it onto the floor or throw it against a wall, by accident.
Sometimes, these cases can be too bulky and heavy to put in your pocket or purse. They also tend to get dirty quickly and they are not easy to clean.
Average Cost of an Excellent Case: 25-40USD
2. Battery Cases
You might be asking yourself, “What do you mean by battery cases?” Well, these are the best types of cases for people who need extra juice. You see, most phone cases don’t have a battery built into them. But some do! These can be great for travel or if you just need something ‘extra’ on hand.
One thing to keep in mind is that because they have extra batteries inside them, battery cases aren’t usually as slim as other types of cases. They may also be generally more expensive than regular ones.
Average Cost of a Good Case: 30-50USD
3. Wallet Cases
Wallet cases are great for people who want to carry their phone and wallet in one. They give you a place to store your cash, credit cards and ID, so you don’t have to worry about leaving it at home or at work. Plus, they’re often made with durable materials like leather or silicone—so even if you have an accident with your phone while it’s in the case, it may not come out unscathed (but hopefully the phone will).
Wallet cases can also come with some added features like built-in kickstands that allow you to prop up your device on any flat surface for movie watching or hands-free video calling. In addition, some of them have RFID card holders built into them as well; these are great if you’re looking for something that doubles as a wallet without having too many compartments or slots where things can get lost easily.
Average Cost of a Good Case: 20-30USD
4. Waterproof Cases
A waterproof phone case is a must for anyone who loves the water, whether you’re a surfer or just like to dip your toes in the ocean on your beach vacation.
The idea behind a waterproof case is that it will keep your phone safe from water damage. You can use these cases for all kinds of activities, like swimming or boating.
The best part about this type of case is that it’s usually affordable.
There are two types of waterproof cases: those that are designed to be submerged in water and those that are designed to protect against water damage but not submersion. If you want to take your phone with you into deeper waters, such as snorkeling or scuba diving, we recommend getting a case that has been tested for submersion. While these cases will protect against shallow water damage, they won’t always be able to withstand deeper depths or rough waters.
We reviewed and tested a few waterproof cases but came up with one favorite. Check out our post on best cases for folk that go in the water HERE.
Average Cost for a waterproof, non-diving phone case: 10-20USD
5. TPU and Silicone Cases
A TPU case is a soft, flexible material that is made from a thermoplastic polymer. This means that it’s a lot more malleable than other phone cases and can withstand impacts without being affected in the same way as other materials.
TPU cases are also lightweight, making them comfortable to hold, and they’re easy to put on and take off your device. They’re also less likely to get scratched than other cases, which can make them ideal if you have an everyday case that needs protecting but don’t want it to look like something you bought straight from the early 2000s (those things were ugly).
Average Cost: 15-25USD
6. Leather Flip Cases
If you’re looking for a classic, durable phone case that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, leather is the way to go. Leather flip cases are available in all types of sizes and styles, so there’s sure to be one that fits your phone snugly and looks great while doing it. You can choose from classic black or brown leathers with simple stitching or opt for something more elaborate like white stitching on a red background—the choice is yours!
Leather cases come in a variety of colors and styles so everyone should be able to find what they’re looking for without having to compromise on their personal preference.
Leather cases are a classic option for anyone who wants to protect their phone while adding some personality. They’re available in all styles and sizes, so there’s sure to be one that fits your device perfectly!
Average Cost of a Good Case: 25-35USD
7. Hard Cases
Hard cases are the most durable type of case, but they’re not flexible. They are made from plastic, metal or rubber. The hard shell protects your phone from drops and scratches but won’t absorb any impact when your phone falls. This makes them heavier than other types of cases.
Hard cases can be found in many shapes and sizes: there are thin snap-on hard shells that protect only the back of your phone; thick drop protection for rugged activities like hiking or skiing; waterproof versions for swimming and surfing; wallet style folios with built-in card slots; even heavy-duty military grade ones that can handle just about everything you throw at them!
Leather cases are available in all types of sizes and hard styles, so there’s sure to be one that fits your phone snugly and looks great while doing it. You can choose from classic black or brown leathers with simple stitching or opt for something more elaborate like white stitching on a red background—the choice is yours! Leather cases come in a variety of colors and styles so everyone should be able to find what they’re looking for without having to compromise on their personal preference. The downside of hard cases is that they can be difficult to take on and off your phone. If you’re looking for something that’s more flexible, try silicone or TPU cases. They are lighter and thinner than hard plastic cases and are often found in bright colors and patterns.
Average Cost: 8-15USD
8. MagSafe Detachable RFID Cases
These are relatively new in the market and we have only seen them for Apple phones, but we expect there will be other soon. MagSafe detachable RFID cases are the perfect way to keep your credit cards and IDs safe from theft. This case uses a technology called MagSafe, which allows you to detach your phone from its case with just one touch of a button. The case itself is usually made from leather and has an interior pocket that can hold up to four credit cards or ID.
Average Cost of a Good Case: 25-35USD
Final Thoughts
You can find cases for all phones without exception.
The types of cases vary widely—and they aren’t just divided by their purpose or material composition; some might be made to withstand drops while others focus more on keeping dust out of your device’s ports. Some will be waterproof while others won’t be able to prevent water damage when submerged in liquid. Some are designed specifically for gaming enthusiasts who need extra protection against screen scratches when playing games; others simply provide basic protection without any bells or whistles attached (but at an affordable price).
If you are still unsure of which type of case to go for, we have compiled some more helpful advice on how best to choose a case that most suits your lifestyle check out our post on the ‘5 Greatest Tips for Choosing the Right Smartphone Case’ HERE.
There are many different types of phone cases. It’s important to know which one is right for you, as well as what types of cases there are. We hope this article helped you learn more about them!
