Not All Cases Are Created Equal: A Deep Dive into Phone Case Materials (and Which is Right for You)
You're scrolling a shopping site looking for a protective phone case to purchase. And your head is spinning, looking for the best phone case material with high-level durability and impact-resistance for device protection.
There are cases made of polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, and leather material. All appear convincing in terms of style and protection, so you decide just randomly to pick one.
But that’s a huge mistake! Not all cases are created equal. Some are tougher than others, some are more flexible than others, and some are softer than others.
In this article, you will discover the best phone case material for your device in terms of protection, style, and functionality.
Understanding the Main Phone Case Materials
Most stores (physical and online ones) offer phone cases made of the following materials: TPU, polycarbonate, silicone, and leather. In this section, we discuss each material’s advantages and ideal use cases.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
TPU is a form of plastic elastomer known for its versatility and durability. Phone cases made of TPU are usually characterized by linear segmented block copolymers composed of both hard and soft segments. They are usually flexible and transparent (or semi-transparent), but some also feature printed or colored visuals.
TPU cases are also highly resistant against grease, oil, and abrasion, which makes them a robust protective accessory for all types of surfaces.
TPU Advantages
- Strong and tough. It can resist bumps or scratches because of its hard segments.
- Impressive Shock Absorption: Absorbs impact from sudden drops, protecting the phone and its internal components from physical stress.
- Top-level Oil Resistance: TPU cases can safeguard devices from oil, abrasion, and other contaminants in all environmental conditions.
- Transparent Finish: Most TPU cases have a transparent back that allows for creative and customized designs.
- Lightweight Profile and Snug Fit: They are designed to add minimal bulk to the device while offering comprehensive coverage to the phone’s surface.
Highly Recommended if: You are seeking a sweet balance between protection and slim look, as well as a clear aesthetic that won’t discolor fast.
PC (Polycarbonate)
Polycarbonate is an optically clear and strong thermoplastic, which is commonly applied in the production of protective phone cases. Polycarbonate cases are rigid, strong, and scratch-resistant. They are also good shock absorbers as their solid structure absorbs most of the energy generated during high-impact drops.
Polycarbonate Advantages:
- Top-level impact strength: Most polycarbonate cases offer military-grade drop protection. This means they can absorb most of the kinetic energy if your phone is dropped from a significant height and keeping your device safe and intact.
- Superior Durability: PC cases can withstand accidental bumps or scratches. This level of durability minimizes the risk of cracking, shattering, or material degradation.
- Sleek and premium appearance: Many polycarbonate cases feature a clear or translucent design that showcases the device's original aesthetics.
- Minimal bulk look: PC cases are generally lightweight and minimalistic. They only thicken the phone’s sides by a few centimeters, which keeps the device portable and easy to carry.
Highly recommended if: You’re aiming for rugged protection matched with a lightweight and elegant profile.
Silicone
Silicone cases are one of the most common case materials in the market. They are made of silicone, a form of flexible and durable synthetic rubber. This type of protective case also appears in various colors and visual designs.
Silicone Advantages:
- Excellent Grip: This is silicone’s edge among other materials. It has a rubbery texture that promotes a non-slip grip. Even if the user’s hands are sweaty or wet, the silicone’s texture keeps the hand gripped to the device.
- Soft Touch: Silicone is made of repeating units or chains of siloxane (silicon-oxygen) that promote flexibility and softness.
- Effective shock absorption (for minor drops): Silicone has a decent protection level for low-impact drops.
- Water and dust resistant: Silicone is non-porous. So, it doesn’t absorb water that much. This protects the phone from spills and moisture.
- Affordable and widely available: Silicone cases are cheap and easy to make, so almost every phone accessory store out there offers this type of case material.
Top Choice If: You prioritize superior grip and softness over durability and shock-absorption.
Leather & Vegan Leather
This material type appears as the most luxurious and sophisticated compared to its plastic counterparts. But leather cases are more than just the aesthetics; they are extremely difficult to pierce and scratch, so they last longer compared to other material types.
Leather Advantages:
- Sophisticated and Timeless Aesthetic: We all know how leather evokes a sense of classical sophistication and elegance. It is always in style, whatever generation you are in. And if you are using “real leather”, the finish of the phone case will appear even more beautiful in the coming years.
- Natural Shock Absorption: Leather is thick and rigid, so it effectively provides cushioning in case the phone falls.
- Enhanced Grip: Leather features a distinct, tactile surface that increases friction.
Ideal if: you are a style-conscious user who prefers a protective case that appears better with age.
Mixed Materials (e.g., PC + TPU)
Recently, many manufacturers have experimented with fusing two case materials to combine the benefits of rigidity and flexibility.
For instance, a case made of polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) combines PC’s structural integrity and shock-absorption and TPU’s easy installation and removal. So, a PC + TPU case is highly flexible yet structurally superior in terms of drop or bump protection.
Mixed Materials Advantages:
- Slim yet durable: The combination of case materials can result in a protective accessory that is lightweight and less bulky but highly durable.
- Layered Construction: The materials can be built via layers on top and support each other.
- Versatile Aesthetics: Mixed case materials allow for diverse designs, colors, and finishes.
Choose this if: You want the best of both worlds from two different case materials. For instance, if you want a flexible but heavy-duty protection, a mixed material case might suit you well.
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The Best Phone Case Material for Protection?
Of course, there’s no single answer for this query. It totally depends on your top priority when it comes to phone cases.
If you are into maximum protection, choose a mixed-material case like those with a polycarbonate back and TPU frame. They are the best cases if you love the rugged outdoors.
If you prefer a slim look for everyday use, silicone cases are supreme. They are cheap and easy to acquire. Their non-slip grip also promotes portability and convenience for daily tasks.
If you are into impressive style, choose a leather case because of its timeless and elegant look. Silicone also works best if you’re into flashy visual designs.
If you love a transparent look that highlights your iPhone’s natural aesthetic, a high-grade and clear TPU case is best.
CASEKOO’s Material Philosophy
Thousands of case sellers are out there with countless case products. So, which one’s the best?
Consider CASEKOO, a well-known phone accessory global brand. CASEKOO carefully engineers cases made of top-tier materials for optimized protection, feel, and aesthetics. Most of CASEKOO products are made of polycarbonate, TPU, or a mixture of the two for effective shock absorption and top-level flexibility.
CASEKOO stands on a customer-centered material philosophy that focuses on these aspects:
Innovation
CASEKOO products are made with innovative features to improve customers' phone experience. For instance, cases are made of TPUs with anti-yellow features for longevity. Meanwhile, silicone cases are soft and customizable to allow user to personalize them with their own artistic style.
RELATED: CASEKOO’s Revolutionary Anti-Yellowing Technology
Signature Protection
CASEKOO chooses world-class materials for ultimate protection against common stressors like bumps, drops, or scratches.
Feature-Rich Products
We integrate impressive features in our cases to elevate everyone’s phone experience. For instance, we have invisible and magnetic ring stands for hands-free phone use. Most polycarbonate and TPU cases we have are also MagSafe compatible to enable wireless charging or car mount use.
Matching Phone Case Material to Your Lifestyle
As you discovered, CASEKOO’s commitment to the production of high-quality cases, it is time to check out its top products (of various materials) for different lifestyles and personalities.
#1: The Adventurer
Users who are outgoing and always on the go for adventures.
Recommended material: Mixed (e.g, PC + TPU)
Recommended CASEKOO product: MagicStand cases with raised bezels
#2: The Fashionista
Users who put the case’s visual look and aesthetics on top.
Recommended material: Silicone or Leather
Recommended CASEKOO product: CASEKOO X Cases
#3: The Clumsy Type
Users who are frequent phone droppers or bumpers.
Recommended material: TPU + PC mixed material
Recommended CASEKOO product: MagicStand cases with raised bezels
#4: The MagSafe Addict
Users who love to use their phone together with MagSafe-compatible accessories.
Recommended material: TPU + PC mixed material
Recommended CASEKOO product: MagicStand cases with raised bezels
What About A 3D-Printed Phone Case Material?
3D-printed cases are also widely popular nowadays because they are customizable and easy to create with computer-aided design (CAD) software.
To produce this type of case, a 3D printer reads a digital design and uses it to form the case layer by layer, using a variety of 3D print phone case materials such as:
- PLA (Polylactic Acid): an environmentally friendly and heat-resistant plastic material.
- TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane): for flexibility and elasticity.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): A highly durable, strong, and rigid plastic commonly used in manufacturing.
3D-printed cases are highly advisable if you want to produce a one-off case that fits special requirements or try out new protective case ideas.
CASEKOO Helps You Choose the Right Phone Case Material for Your Taste
Phone cases come in various forms and materials. Most cases are made of TPU, silicone, polycarbonate, and leather. There are also cases made of fused materials, such as TPU + polycarbonate protective cases. Each case material offers unique strengths to protect and stylize your device.
Whatever phone case material you end up choosing, CASEKOO is here to provide you with one that meets your needs. CASEKOO is a leading manufacturer of world-class cases made of premium materials like silicone, TPU, and polycarbonate. We balance style and practicality to offer you the best phone experience you deserve.
