Every year we tell you the best cases for the shiny new iPhones just like we did this year for the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.
But one of the things I have realized is that there are so many great cases out there, and it is so subjective that sometimes I think it might be a futile exercise.
However, given my experience using iPhone cases, I probably end up using at least 3 to 4 cases for each iPhone model, I thought I can provide tips on what you should look out for before buying a case.
Tips to Buy the Perfect iPhone Case
#1. Type of case
There are different types of cases available for the iPhone. You first need to decide what is the purpose of buying an iPhone case. Is it to protect the screen? Is it to protect the back casing from scratches especially if you’re buying the Jet Black iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus?
If you’re not worried about protecting the screen, then you can even consider ultra thin cases like totallee’s minimalistic case.
#2. Raised Lip to Protect the Screen
If you’re paranoid about breaking your iPhone’s screen then you should look out for an iPhone case with a reasonably raised lip so it can protect the device if it falls face down. The downside of an iPhone case with a raised lip is that it makes the edge swiping to go back to the previous screen a little inconvenient.
#3. Clear Cases
If you’re someone like me who hates to use a case for your iPhone because it ruins the design, but are too paranoid not to use it then the next best option is a clear case. However, one of the issues you should be aware of while buying clear cases is that they are made of plastic which scratches quite easily and can get a yellowish tinge over time.
#4. Case Material
One of my favorite iPhone cases is the Spigen NeoHybrid, which I had bought for the iPhone 6s Plus. It offered very good protection for the screen with a raised lip, but because it was made out of a special type of shock-absorbing TPU, my suction based iPhone car stand did not work. I had to use a different type of car holder because of the case.
So if you’re planning to buy a case do take note of the material. In come cases, I did not end up using a case because it felt cheap.
#5. Opening for Lightning port/Headphone jack
Another thing you should be careful about while buying an iPhone case is whether the bottom portion of the device is open like Apple’s leather and silicon case for iPhone, or if the case has an opening for the Lightning port and the headphone jack (for iPhone 6s or older).
If the case is too thick, then it can be a problem to insert the headphone jack or mounting it on an iPhone dock. For example, the 3.5mm headphone jack just manages to fit in, in the case of Spigen’s NeoHybrid. If it was slightly thicker then it wouldn’t have been possible to put the headphone jack.
#6. Does it make your iPhone heavier?
One thing to consider when you buy a case is to see if it adds a lot of bulk to your iPhone. Lighter the case, the more comfortable it will be to hold the device for a long duration call etc.
Here are some of the things you should consider before buying an iPhone case. So as you might have realized that it is a lot better if you can physically test the iPhone case before buying it because of all the things you should be considering before buying it.
Think Different: Consider a skin
If you are looking for the very bare minimum protection for your iPhone, consider a skin from Dbrand or Slickwraps. A skin will further enhance the look of your iPhone, and while they will offer enough protection from scuffs, they are not going to be particularly useful in preventing the phone from getting damaged due to a fall.
If you have any tips for fellow readers, then please share them in the comments below.
Note: Rajesh Pandey contributed to his article.
