Related Articles
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
We all spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars on our phones, so putting them in a sub-par case (or worse, no case at all) just makes no sense. These are intricately engineered pieces of tech that deserve some added protection — especially if your kids are playing with them. A damaged phone also declines in resale value, and the best protective phone cases can help keep yours in the most mint condition possible when it’s time to trade it in down the road.
What Are the Best Protective Phone Cases?
From screen protection to rugged materials, here’s everything you need to consider before purchasing your next phone case.
Material: Rubber provides a nice grip that’s not too thick, while leather can absorb some serious impact. If you know you’ll be around water or hazardous chemicals, a fully enclosed case is a must, as is a case made with materials that can stand up to intense damage.
Raised Bezel: A case that protrudes a few millimeters beyond your screen is significant too, for when your phone falls face-first onto a hard surface, and prevents it from directly hitting the flat floor. For phones with curved screens though, this design can block out some of the perimeter display, so be sure to go for a case that’s made with the sides in mind.
Overheating: If you’re putting your phone through intense strain, such as charging it up from zero while using a heavy, battery-draining app, a case that’s a littletoo insulating may cause the phone to shut down as a precautionary measure to prevent damage.
Fit: A snug case all-around can help prevent dirt, sand, moisture and pocket debris from creeping in between the case and the phone, or into the phone itself. Always go for a case that’s specifically designed for your phone, even if you think it’ll still fit. The main reason: Some cases can affect phone features like GPS and Qi wireless charging, interfering with the necessary signals, or worse, covering up important ports or camera lenses.
