These days, almost everyone has a smartphone, and they’ve become practically necessary to thrive in the modern world. If you want to protect your investment, the standard advice is to purchase and actively use a phone case. But are phone cases truly necessary? And if so, what kind of protection can a high-quality phone case offer?
The Role of a Phone Case
There are many different types of phone cases that are available. But most quality phone cases offer some combination of the following advantages:
· Shock absorption. Phone cases are usually made from materials that are designed to be shock absorbent. This way, if you drop your phone, the case will absorb most of the impact, preventing your phone from breaking or sustaining major damage. Soft cases are often made from silicone, while harder, more durable materials are made for hard cases. Either way, a case can make up for whatever clumsiness would otherwise jeopardize the longevity of your device.
· Damage prevention. These cases are also designed to prevent damage from the external world. If a force that would scratch, dent, or crack your phone hits a case instead of the phone itself, the phone has a much better chance of surviving. This is especially important if you typically use your device in an environment with excessive risks.
· Water resistance. While many phones in the modern era have some level of water resistance, most people like the idea of having more. A sufficiently designed and supported phone case can make your phone even more water resistant, enabling it to remain operational even after being submerged (in some cases).
· Port protection. If you don’t have any protection for the ports on your phone, they can eventually become clogged with dust and debris. This is especially true if you keep your phone in a lint-filled pocket or a dusty purse. Thankfully, many phone cases now have covers designed to protect your ports, keeping them free and clear.
· Thermal insulation. Phones should only be exposed to conditions between 32 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. For most of us, this isn’t an issue. But if you frequently work or live in conditions that go beyond these parameters, it’s a good idea to have some extra thermal insulation for your phone.
· Grip and manipulation. Phone cases also come with features designed to make them easier to hold, grip, and manipulate. This can reduce the chances of dropping your phone, while simultaneously making it more comfortable to hold and use the device.
· Additional functionality. Certain types of phone cases offer additional functionality to their users, such as pockets where you can store cash and credit cards or stands and speaker amplifiers to make watching videos more immersive.
· Fashion/aesthetics. Also, some types of people love getting phone cases because of fashion or aesthetics. Most phones are designed to be minimalistic and boring looking, but you can show off your personality with a phone case that truly suits you.
The Costs of a Phone Case
Are there any costs or downsides associated with using a phone case?
· Initial price. If you’re on a tight budget, you can find phone cases that are available starting at less than $1 – though these are usually cheap and frail, offering little to no protection. If you’re willing to splurge, you could also buy British-Nigerian luxury designer Alexander Amosu’s $2.7 million, 6,000-diamond fortified phone case. Most phone cases fall somewhere between these extremes. Even at a $50 or $100 price point, phone cases provide so much protection and functionality that the initial cost is more than worth it.
· Installation. You’ll also need to install the phone case. Typically, this only takes a few minutes – and it’s something that anyone can do, even without explicit instructions guiding them. Even with more advanced and sophisticated cases, this cost is negligible.
· Bulk and weight. Some people are reluctant to upgrade their phones with a case because they don’t like the idea of adding bulk and weight to the device. If this describes you, be aware that there are lean, lightweight cases that may assuage your concerns.
So what’s the bottom line?
Strictly speaking, no, phone cases aren’t really necessary. There are no organizations or institutions forcing you to adopt a phone case for your device, and it’s possible to use a phone safely and responsibly without one. Of course, on some level, smartphones aren’t necessary either – so the debate is arguably a semantic one.
But if you have a phone, and you want to protect it, while simultaneously getting access to tons of other features and benefits, a phone case is a relatively cheap investment. In other words, while not technically necessary, phone cases are advantageous for just about anyone who uses a smartphone.