Upfront/TECH
The Case for a Phone Case
Drops happen, but breaks don’t need to
YOUR CELLPHONE is likely the most expensive item you carry. “It’s a $1,000-plus investment that goes with you everywhere,” says Courtney Lindwall of Consumer Reports. So protecting it with a strong case makes sense. What to look for in a modern phone case:
Materials • Phone cases come in a wide variety of materials—silicone, durable plastics, leather and even Kevlar. Catherine Lambert works as a senior category manager for uBreakiFix by Asurion, a repair service for personal devices, and she recommends one above the others: polycarbonate, a shatter-resistant plastic. Lambert suggests looking for these words on the packaging: “rugged” or “military-tested.” This will indicate that a case can withstand repeated drops.
Water Resistance • Most phones offer some level of water resistance, but a case can add more protection. Some fully waterproof options are sealed cases. But that can make your phone feel bulkier and may affect the feel of your screen. For occasional protection, a waterproof pouch can be a simpler option. It slips over both your phone and its case.
Screen Protectors • These transparent accessories are usually sold separately. They are thin and meant to look and feel like your phone screen. “You want tempered glass,” says James Jaeger, a uBreakiFix by Asurion district manager. “There are screen protectors out there that just prevent scratches, but you want something to help prevent breaks.”
Raised Edges • Cases should protect the most fragile components: the glass screen and rear camera. A raised lip around those areas can do a lot to help.
Corner Bumpers • Some cases add corner bumpers, which stick out from the case and work like a football player’s shoulder pads to absorb impact.
Grip • Sleek cases can slip out of your hand. “Look for something that has ridges around the outside or some texture,” Lambert says. —Lexi Pandell