Different Types Of Phone Cases & Popular Styles UK

If you’re exploring phone cases and wondering where to start, which style would complement your lifestyle, or how they can benefit your business, you’re in the right place. Choosing the right phone case involves more than just protection – it’s about finding a style that suits your needs and enhances your device.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the diverse world of phone cases, helping you understand the various types available, key factors to consider before buying, and providing answers to common questions. Whether you’re aiming to safeguard your phone or make a statement with a custom design, we’ve got you covered.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER

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

PROTECTION

You’re purchasing phone cases for a reason – to protect your phone. But the key question here is where you need protection the most. Do you need additional protection on the front? Or protection for the back? Do you need a case that will prevent dents on corners or chips on the side?

STYLE

What style of case aligns with you and your brand or your company? Are you looking for a glossy or marble style? Or maybe a classic matte. There are plenty to choose from. You can also create custom styles that are unique to your brand.

SCREEN PROTECTION

Do you want to protect the screen from scratching and fingerprints? Some phone cases will protect the screen while others will not. Some phone cases will have a lip that rises past the edges of the phone.

COLOURS

What kind of colour do you need? Do you need Pantone, pastel, or neon colours? Do you need custom hues such as ombre and watercolour, or would you be satisfied with a stock colour? Perhaps you’d like to integrate the colour of your company’s brand for your custom case as well.

CUSTOMISATION AND PERSONALISATION

Phone cases today offer endless opportunities for personalisation. Whether you prefer minimalist designs or vibrant colours, customisation lets you imprint photos, logos, or unique patterns that reflect your style. Businesses can enhance brand visibility by creating custom-branded cases that resonate with their audience, making each case not just a protector but a statement piece tailored to individual preferences.

TYPES OF PHONE CASES

Phones are an indispensable part of our lives, and they are more than just technological marvels, which is why we should decorate and protect our phones.

Imagine the surprise and joy 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 is right for your phone.

HARD PHONE CASE

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

Hard phone cases often come in clear or transparent designs, as well as multiple colours, with matte and gloss finishes available. Some companies offer customised hard phone cases that can match personal styles or feature a business or company logo or branding.

Hard phone cases protect the phone from bumps, drops, and scratches on the back and sides.

However, there are drawbacks to using hard phone cases. Because they are rigid, they can crack if dropped. When they do break, they usually snap around the corners, which are the points of highest stress.

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

GEL/TPU PHONE CASES

What is a Gel Phone Case? TPU, short for thermoplastic polyurethane, is a plastic-based material known for its elasticity, transparency, and strong resistance to oils and liquids. Gel phone cases are typically slim and lightweight, available in a range of colours and finishes such as matte or gloss. These cases can withstand bumps and scratches well and, due to their elasticity, are very durable and resistant to cracking or breaking. Gel cases protect the back and sides of the phone.

SILICONE PHONE CASES

What is a silicone phone case? Many people remember silicone phone cases from the early days of smartphones, when they were soft, slightly sticky to the touch, and grippy on surfaces. They were very popular for a while. Modern silicone phone cases are typically made from ‘liquid silicone’. Liquid silicone differs from old soft silicone in that it is much harder and similar to a gel phone case in elasticity. These cases usually have a matte finish, are lightweight, and resist fingerprints and dust.

They cover the back and sides of the phone, providing protection similar to that offered by gel cases. They are popular due to their feel and finish.

TOUGH PHONE CASES

Typically, these cases are tougher than regular hard or gel cases. They come in a variety of styles, and the term ‘tough’ is subjective depending on how tough you need your phone case to be. You can determine this based on how and where you will be using your phone. Many people in industries like construction or outdoor work prefer more robust phone cases. Some tough cases provide extra-strong reinforced shell-type protection, while others include a complete tough shell that covers the front of the device as well.

When marketed, tough phone case providers often claim military-grade drop test protection up to 15 feet, along with varying levels of IP water protection. Due to these features, tough phone cases are typically heavier and bulkier than standard hard and gel phone cases. Nevertheless, they remain a popular choice due to their durability.

WALLET PHONE CASES

Wallet phone cases are a popular style that serves as both a phone case and a wallet. They are usually made from leather, often PU (polyurethane) leather, though genuine leather options are also available. These cases feature a polycarbonate insert where the phone clips in, surrounded by leather that folds over the front of the phone.

The front part of the case opens like a book to access both the phone and the wallet section. The wallet section typically accommodates 1-4 cards in standard credit card sizes.

These phone cases are not only stylish for those looking for a leather-style phone case but also provide protection for the front of the phone. If you keep your phone in a bag, this can help protect it from scratches.

The inner hard case and outer leather case make these phone cases very protective. The only drawback is that they can be somewhat bulky in pockets due to the front and back protection. If cards are stored inside, they can add additional thickness. Overall, wallet phone cases are a popular style that continues to be in demand.

LEATHER PHONE CASES

Leather phone cases are a high-end style of phone case. They are similar in weight and form factor to gel, silicone, and hard cases but are made from leather, whether real or PU leather. Some manufacturers produce these cases with a hard inner shell covered in leather and lined with felt on the inside.

Others make them entirely from leather with a slim, flexible inner layer that is not made of hard polycarbonate plastic. These cases come in a range of colours and finishes and are a popular choice for high-end phone cases.

FLIP PHONE CASES

Flip phone cases are similar to wallet-style phone cases. They can be either flip wallet cases or simply flip cases without the wallet aspect. These cases typically feature an inner polycarbonate shell, with the front flipping down vertically from either the top or bottom edge.

The appeal of these cases lies in their stylish appearance, providing protection for the front, back, and sides of the device. They are available in various colours but are not as popular as wallet-style cases.

PHONE SKINS

Phone skins are not cases but are a popular way to personalise and protect phones from scratches.

Typically made from vinyl with either a matte or gloss finish, they come in a variety of designs. They are straightforward, affordable, and can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your phone. While they do not offer extensive protection, many people prefer them for their aesthetic value.

WHY CUSTOM CASES ARE IN DEMAND

Choosing the right phone case is not just about protection; it’s about enhancing your device’s functionality and expressing your personal style. Whether you prioritise durability, style, or customisation, there’s a phone case out there to suit your needs.

From sleek and minimalistic designs to rugged and highly protective options, the variety ensures that you can find something that fits both your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. Explore our comprehensive guide and discover the perfect phone case that blends practicality with personality, ensuring your device stays safe and stylish in every situation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When it comes to phone cases, it’s natural to have questions. Here are some of the most common queries we encounter:

• What is the most protective phone case?
• What is the strongest phone case?
• Are phone cases worth it?
• Do phone cases overheat phones?
• Do phone cases protect the screen?
• Is a hard phone case better than a soft one?
• Do silicone cases protect phones?
• Are TPU cases hard or soft?
• Is a polycarbonate case hard or soft?
• What type of phone case is best?
• Are tempered glass screen protectors worth it?

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.