Which smartphone case is right for you?

When buying a new smartphone cover, protection comes first. After all, we all know the begrudging and unnecessary expense that comes with replacing phone screens. When you’re spending so much money on a piece of tech, spending a bit more on something to avoid scratches and broken screens is a priority.

So, what should you look for in a phone case? And does durability top design?

The choice between pretty or practical used to be a big talking point. You could opt for a shell that seamlessly clips to the back of your phone, but with little protection. The other options were bulky, rubberised extreme covers that you could drop off a balcony or into the pool and you’d walk away with a phone as good as new.

There are a few brands which try to do both – Speck and Griffin are reliable options when it comes to phone protection. If you’re going for an open case (as opposed to a fold-over wallet-like design – these cases are often called “folio”), it’s important to choose something with a bumper.

Another tip is to consider a brand that makes cases for numerous makes of phones. Off-brand suppliers are not always worthy case options… even more so when you’re buying online and can’t get a hands-on with what you’re about to receive.

Another thing to consider are the cut-outs. When you’re covering up the phone’s buttons, you want to make sure what’s on the outside works. Cheaper cases often miss out on ports, which means you might end up having to take off the cover every time you want to charge your device!

My favourite brand for covers is Case-Mate. Available at the iStore, not only do they look seriously chic as far as phone covers go (the range collaborates with designers, offers on-trend looks, but also minimalist, gender-neutral options), they’re designed to be protective, have a lifetime warranty and integrate that must-have shock-absorbing bumper I mentioned above. The Naked Tough range has dual-protection, which means you first insert a surrounding silicone bumper before clipping in the decorative shell. Also, most Case-Mate cases also offer military-strength impact protection, which means the cases are certified to meet or exceed MIL-STD-810G drop test standards. (This is how the US army tests its equipment limits in various conditions.)

If you have curious toddlers or are naturally clumsy, the perfect case should offer that additional sense of comfort, especially if you’re completely dependent on your phone to be a GPS, calendar, camera, library, music player, handheld gaming console, etc…