Hesitating about choosing a new phone case? We hope you’ve thought about the level of protection you not only deserve but also need to keep your smartphone’s chassis and gorgeous glass touchscreen safe from harm. There are so many different types of cases and covers available in the marketplace that, in general, you just have to decide which one is right for your lifestyle. Luckily, we know a thing or two about the types of materials used in phone cases and can explain the differences between them. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of several materials used to make the majority of smartphone cases. Each type of material comes with its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to weigh up all the options before committing to a purchase

Polycarbonate (PC)

When it comes to reliable impact resistance, polycarbonate is a material you want on your side. This amorphous thermoplastic is used throughout a number of industries in the manufacturing of various products, including glass lenses, automotive parts, and medical devices, just to name a few. In fact, you have probably already used a product made of polycarbonate today, without even realizing it.

Advantages: Polycarbonate comes with a long list of benefits, especially when it comes to smartphone protection. PC phone cases are not only durable and strong but also flexible, weatherable, and affordable. Plus, polycarbonate phone cases are typically customizable or they are already available in a wide variety of vibrant colors and creative designs.

Disadvantages: Although polycarbonate is prized for its high impact resistance, PC phone cases are not entirely scratch-resistant. For this reason, polycarbonate phone cases are typically coated with a scratch-resistant layer to provide additional protection. Some PC phone cases may come with a more flexible material, such as silicone or TPU, for optimal shock absorption and better grip, minimizing the risk of your smartphone slipping through your fingertips.

Silicone phone cases

Silicone phone cases are usually made of rubber, and the texture of this phone case is usually very good, soft, and elastic. Moreover, the silicone texture is very thick, and the anti-drop effect is also very good, which can provide a cushioning effect when the phone is accidentally dropped and effectively prevent accidental drops or abrasions. Some silicone mobile phones with better workmanship can also give a sense of transparency, and the color is more transparent. The price of silica gel is relatively cheap, and everyone will not feel distressed when it is worn out and replaced frequently.

Advantages: The silicone phone case offers excellent protection, making it an ideal choice for people who want to protect their phones from scratches and accidental drops

Disadvantages: They also come with some disadvantages, such as their bulky texture, outdated styles, susceptibility to grease and dirt, difficulty in cleaning them, and poor fitting

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)

Not the typical take on plastic thermoplastic polyurethane is a highly versatile class of elastomers consisting of linear segmented block copolymers composed of both hard and soft segments. With a long list of properties, not limited to elasticity or resistance to abrasion, grease, and oil, TPU phone cases offer an excellent level of protection for any smartphone. Polyurethane is used in the production of many items, including car seats, furniture, and packaging materials.

Advantages: Available in either hard or soft form, thermoplastic can be easily molded into a variety of shapes. TPU smartphone cases are not only affordable but exceptionally strong, sometimes withstanding impact better than rubbers.

Disadvantages: Despite its long list of benefits, thermoplastic polyurethane has hygroscopic tendencies that may make it susceptible to water absorption in certain conditions. Although soft TPU phone cases are generally more durable than rubber cases, they sometimes require an additional cushioning material or hard shell to ensure that they don’t break.

Finding the right phone case for your treasured device can be tricky. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of phone case materials out there that can help you safeguard your investment and prolong the life of your device. We usually combine materials at 12CASE CO. to double down on protection and ensure the phone case lasts a long time. Of course, we do care about the recycling material, and we are spending most of our time on the balance between the recycling material and the remarkable design.