Different Types Of Phone Cases & Popular Styles AU

So, You’re Keen on Phone Cases: Where to Start and What Style Suits You

So, you’re keen on phone cases and want to find out where to look, which style might suit your lifestyle, and how your company uses phones. Where do you start? What style will work for you?

In our ultimate guide, you’ll discover the different types of phone cases, what to consider before making a purchase, and get answers to the most frequently asked questions.

1. Factors to Consider
2. Types of Phone Cases
3. Why Custom Cases Are in Demand
4. Frequently Asked Questions

Factors to Consider

Searching for a new phone case can be overwhelming if you haven’t decided on the features you need. Here’s a quick and straightforward guide on what to consider before making a purchase.

Protection

You’re buying a phone case for a reason – to protect your phone. The crucial question is: where do you need the most protection? Do you need extra protection for the front? Or for the back? Maybe you need a case that will prevent dents on the corners or chips on the sides?

Style

What style of case aligns with you and your brand or company? Are you after a glossy or marble finish? Or perhaps a classic matte? There are heaps of options to choose from. You can also create custom styles unique to your brand.

Screen Protection

Do you want to protect the screen from scratches and fingerprints? Some phone cases offer screen protection, while others do not. Some cases have a lip that extends past the edges of the phone for extra protection.

Colours

What colour do you need? Do you want Pantone, pastel, or neon colours? Do you need custom hues such as ombre and watercolour, or would you be satisfied with a standard colour? Perhaps you’d like to incorporate your company’s brand colour into your custom case as well.

Customisation and Personalisation

Do you want an image or your company’s logo printed on your case? Do you need the logo embossed, and do you want your cases as soon as possible?

Types Of Phone Cases

Phones are an essential part of our lives and more than just technological marvels, which is why we should decorate and protect them. Imagine the surprise and delight on your friends’ faces when they realise you didn’t actually get a new phone, just a brand-new case. Check out these varieties of phone cases and see which type suits your phone best.

Hard Phone Case

So, what is a hard phone case exactly? A hard phone case is typically a rigid shell-like case, moulded precisely for a specific phone model, that snaps onto the phone. It usually covers the back of the phone and its four corners. They’re often quite thin and lightweight, adding minimal bulk to the phone’s form.

Hard phone cases frequently come in clear or coloured options, and often in matte or gloss finishes. Some companies offer customised hard phone cases that can be tailored to your personal style or branded with a business or company logo.

Hard phone cases protect the back and sides of the phone from bumps, drops, and scratches. However, they can crack when dropped, usually around the corners, which is where the stress points are.

Ultimately, a hard case is a great, simple, and lightweight way to protect your phone without adding much weight or bulk, allowing you to appreciate the phone’s original style.

Gel/TPU Phone Cases

What is a gel phone case? TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane, is a plastic-based material with properties like elasticity, transparency, and strong resistance to oils and liquids. Gel phone cases are usually slim and lightweight, available in various colours, and come in matte or gloss finishes.

These cases handle bumps and scratches well and, due to their elasticity, are very durable and won’t crack or break. Gel cases protect the back and sides of the phone.

Silicone Phone Cases

What is a silicone phone case? Many people recall silicone phone cases from early smart phone models. They were soft, a bit sticky to the touch, and gripped surfaces well. Modern silicone phone cases are typically made from ‘liquid silicone’. Unlike the older soft silicone, liquid silicone is firmer and similar to gel phone cases in elasticity.

These cases are matte, pleasant to the touch, and resist fingerprints and dust. They cover the back and sides of the phone, offering similar protection to gel cases and are popular for their feel and finish.

Tough Phone Cases

Tough phone cases are generally more robust than regular hard or gel cases. They come in various styles, with the term ‘tough’ being subjective based on your needs. Many people in construction or outdoor industries prefer tougher cases. Some tough cases offer extra-strong reinforced shells, while others include complete covers that protect the front of the device as well.

These cases are often marketed as being tested to withstand military drop tests up to 15 feet, along with varying levels of water protection. They tend to be heavier and bulkier than standard hard and gel cases but remain a popular choice due to their durability.

Wallet Phone Cases

These cases double as both a phone case and a wallet. Typically made from leather or PU (polyurethane) leather, they feature a polycarbonate insert to clip the phone in, with a surrounding leather flap that folds over the front. The front part opens like a book to access both the phone and wallet section, which usually stores 1-4 standard credit card-sized cards.

Wallet phone cases are stylish, provide protection for the phone’s front, and are great if you keep your phone in a bag, protecting it from scratches. They offer significant protection due to the inner hard case and outer leather but can be a bit bulky in a pocket, especially with cards inside.

Leather Phone Cases

Leather phone cases are a high-end option. They offer similar weight and form factor to gel, silicone, and hard cases but are crafted from leather (real or PU). Some manufacturers use a hard inner shell covered with leather and lined with felt, while others use a slim, flexible inner layer. These cases come in various colours and finishes and are a popular choice for a sophisticated look.

Flip Phone Cases

Flip phone cases are akin to wallet-style cases but can be flip wallet cases or just flip cases without the wallet aspect. They usually feature an inner polycarbonate shell and a front that flips down vertically from the top or bottom. These cases offer protection for the front, back, and sides of the device and are available in a range of colours. They’re less popular than wallet-style cases but still a stylish option.

Phone Skins

Phone skins are not cases but a popular way to personalise your phone and protect it from scratches. Typically made from vinyl in matte or gloss finishes, they come in various designs. Skins are simple, inexpensive, and can look great. However, they’re not as popular for protection compared to cases, which offer more comprehensive coverage.

Why Custom Cases Are In Demand

In today’s market, which is saturated with fantastic devices, the phone accessory industry is vast and filled with options. It’s no surprise that custom phone cases are in high demand.

Custom Molded Phone Cases

The phone case industry keeps up with the latest devices and provides necessary protection. However, if you want a style that stands out or need a particular case, a custom-moulded phone case is the answer.

Custom cases can range from hard cases moulded to fit your phone precisely. If you have a specific design, you can wrap the print around the sides. For added protection, you can choose rubberised corners and customise the design according to your brand, making it truly unique.

Popular Styles

Need some inspiration? Check out these popular styles to see if one fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to phone cases, it’s natural to get confused while searching for answers. Based on our experience, here are some of the most common questions we’ve encountered.

• What is the most protective phone case?A tough phone case is generally the most protective style, as it is often drop-rated to a higher standard than regular cases.
• What is the strongest phone case?The most durable phone case is typically a tough case, due to its drop-rated features.
• What is a tough phone case?A tough phone case is more rugged and protective than regular ones. The level of toughness is subjective and depends on your requirements.
• Are phone cases worth it?Phone cases are relatively inexpensive compared to the devices they protect. Many cases are lightweight and don’t alter the phone’s form factor much, making them a worthwhile investment for protecting your phone from bumps, drops, and scratches.
• Do cases overheat phones?Modern phones don’t usually overheat quickly, and phone cases are not known to cause overheating.
• Does a phone case protect the screen?Some phone cases offer screen protection, while others do not. Some cases feature a lip that extends past the edges of the phone for added screen protection.
• Is a hard phone case better than a soft one?Both types of cases offer protection and are inexpensive. The choice comes down to personal preference regarding feel and style. Soft phone cases may last longer than hard ones.
• Do silicone cases protect phones?Yes, silicone cases offer protection for the phone, just like any other case.
• Are TPU cases hard or soft?TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a popular material for phone cases. It is elastic, slightly soft and rubbery, and provides good protection for phones.
• Is a polycarbonate case hard or soft?Polycarbonate is a type of plastic, so polycarbonate phone cases are hard cases.
• What type of phone case is best?The best type of phone case depends on how you use your phone daily. Different cases offer varying levels of protection and style, so it largely comes down to personal preference.
• Are tempered glass screen protectors worth it?Tempered glass screen protectors can protect the screen from breaking, scratches, and fingerprints while keeping the original screen in better condition. They’re inexpensive and worth using where possible.
• Have a concept for a phone case?Request your pricing today. Contact us for more information.

Bhushan Lele

Bhushan spent the last 15+ years building businesses and learning what really matters to customers. At Custom Logo Cases, we help brands turn everyday tech accessories into high-quality, on-brand marketing tools.