The purpose of a phone case, despite being made from a variety of materials, is to protect your phone from being dropped, scratched, and brushed against unwanted textures. In addition, since a phone case is considered an accessory, it can be used with many beautiful designs, ranging from plain printed wallpaper to 3D bejeweled designs or popular brand patterns like Chanel.
Durability and protection
Most phone cases protect your smartphone against drops, cracks, and scratches. The materials that provide the best protection are wood, polycarbonate (plastic), and metal.
A durable case will maintain its shape and function for a long time without cracking, stretching, or fading the color of the case. It withstands regular use without showing signs of wear. It is common for materials like wood, metal, and high-quality plastic to score high on durability, providing long-lasting protection for your device. Silicone, meanwhile, tends to stretch as it is used, so it wears out faster.
Despite what you may think, a case is only protective if it fits your smartphone model. Learn more about Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel sizing & compatibility guides.
Customization and aesthetics
Phone cases aren't just for protection; they also express your personality. With minimalist designs, vibrant patterns, and more, you can show off your personality with a case that shows off your personality rather than looking like the millions of others that were made. Generally, plastic and silicone cases have more color & pattern options because they are cheap to manufacture. Transparent styles are also available, but they tend to yellow after a few months.
There are few materials that are as customizable as metal, leather, and wood, and some people find them just too plain to like. Metal cases come in a limited range of colors, but leather & wood cases are unique because there are no two leather patinas or wood grains the same. To create truly unique phone cases, Carved combines colorful resin with wood burls, which is why we have created over 50,000 unique phone cases.
The customization & functionality of your case are also important factors to consider. Do you want your case to protect your device, or would you like it to double as a wallet? It is important to take all of these factors into account when choosing the right phone case, whether you want to add a PopSocket or phone ring to make it easier to hold.
Care and maintenance
When you have to constantly clean, oil, or repair your phone case, it may not be the best option for you. Your phone case should take care of you and your phone, not the other way around. Obviously, it’s better to repair or replace a damaged case than a broken phone, but a good case should still be durable.
It is generally not necessary to maintain plastic and silicone cases beyond wiping away food crumbs, lint, dust, and other debris. Leather cases, on the other hand, may need routine cleaning and conditioning to maintain their appearance and feel. Metal & wood are scratch-resistant and self-maintaining materials, so they require minimal maintenance as well.
Impact on the environment
Purchasing a phone case is no different, as each material impacts the environment differently. We're more conscious of how our purchases affect the planet than ever before.
The plastic and silicone cases are inexpensive and versatile, but they are made from petroleum, which contributes to climate change. If they aren't properly recycled, they may end up in a landfill or another polluted area because they take thousands of years to break down.
It is possible to recycle metal many times without losing its quality once it is produced, but it is very resource-intensive to extract & process it the first time around, which often negates its longevity. Leather, on the other hand, lasts a long time when properly cared for, but the livestock industry is another significant contributor to climate change and animal rights issues, which cannot be overlooked.
If they are sourced sustainably, designer phone cases are usually more eco-friendly. The lumber industry considers these growths waste; we do not. Carved cases are made from wooden burls, which are growths that form from unsprouted tissue. Consequently, we source them directly from those who harvest and collect them in the Pacific Northwest.
It is up to you to decide what material is the “best” phone case. Are you more concerned with aesthetics and functionality, or is protection your top priority? There are plenty of options that are affordable, colorful, and multifunctional that are both protective and affordable. Whether you're looking for an iPhone case, a Samsung Galaxy case, or another popular model, you'll find a case that meets your needs and is tailored just for you.
