Mobile Device Cases: What to Look For to Keep Your Device Protected
By Mike Agerbo
July 17, 2018
Product Discovery
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We spend a lot of money on mobile phones and tablets, so it makes sense to protect them from drops, spills, and other unfortunate accidents. While phones and tablets are built tougher every day, the best way to keep these devices safe is to invest in protective cases. If you’re looking for a case to keep your device safe, here are a few things to consider:
Accidental drops are by far the biggest risk to mobile devices because no matter how careful you are, they’re bound to happen at some point. For this reason, I recommend that everyone have at least a basic protective case on their phone or tablet that will at least insulate the device from small drops. Bumper cases are an inexpensive and widely available way to keep your phone protected from minor bumps and scratches.
However, if you’re particularly clumsy, have small children, or like to take your device on rugged adventures you’ll need something a little more substantial that’s been drop tested. Cases with drop protection are also widely available but it’s important to pay attention to the drop rating, as not all of these cases are created equal. The drop rating is typically measured in meters or feet and the higher the better. That being said, higher protection usually comes with a larger price tag so you’ll probably want to strike a balance between these factors.
Many smartphone manufacturers are now making devices that are waterproof but it’s important to understand just how waterproof they are, which you can figure out by consulting the IP rating. I also recommend reading my post on waterproof tech gadgets for a better understanding of what waterproof means.
If your device isn’t waterproof or isn’t as waterproof as you’d like based on the information above and where you’ll be using it, it might be wise to invest in a case that offers waterproof protection. When shopping for a waterproof case, you’ll want to make sure that you understand how deep the device can be submerged and for how long as these are important factors in keeping it safe from water damage.
It goes without saying that the screen is the most delicate part of any mobile device so it’s important to keep it protected from scratches and breaks. If you’re going with basic protection for your device, like a bumper case, you’ll definitely want to invest in a scratch resistant screen protector. I also recommend looking for one that’s oleophobic, which means that it will be less likely to pick up the oils from your hands and face. Something like this NanoProtect+ Nano Technology Liquid Screen Protector is the perfect solution!
If you’ve decided to go with tougher protection for your device, like something that offers drop and water protection, it will likely protect your screen as well. These rugged cases often have 360 degree protection for your device, including the screen.
Depending on your preferences and how you see your mobile device, style might be at the top of your list when shopping for device protection or it might at the bottom. If style is high on your priority list, it’s important to note that the higher the device protection, the bulkier the case tends to be. Therefore, if you’re looking for a sleek and sexy case, you’ll have to compromise on protection. By the same token, if you’re looking for heavy-duty protection you’ll have to sacrifice style and portability.
Obviously this can be a difficult trade-off so it’s important to be honest with yourself about how much protection your device needs. Remember that repairing or replacing your device can be costly so aim to strike the right balance between style and protection. Here are a few rugged cases for a range of mobile devices to get you started Targus Protek for iPad Pro 10.5”, UAG Metropolis for iPad and iPhone, Otterbox Defender Series, Griffin Survivor, Lifeproof Nuud for iPad and iPhone.
Drop Protection
Accidental drops are by far the biggest risk to mobile devices because no matter how careful you are, they’re bound to happen at some point. For this reason, I recommend that everyone have at least a basic protective case on their phone or tablet that will at least insulate the device from small drops. Bumper cases are an inexpensive and widely available way to keep your phone protected from minor bumps and scratches.
However, if you’re particularly clumsy, have small children, or like to take your device on rugged adventures you’ll need something a little more substantial that’s been drop tested. Cases with drop protection are also widely available but it’s important to pay attention to the drop rating, as not all of these cases are created equal. The drop rating is typically measured in meters or feet and the higher the better. That being said, higher protection usually comes with a larger price tag so you’ll probably want to strike a balance between these factors.
Water Protection
Many smartphone manufacturers are now making devices that are waterproof but it’s important to understand just how waterproof they are, which you can figure out by consulting the IP rating. I also recommend reading my post on waterproof tech gadgets for a better understanding of what waterproof means.
If your device isn’t waterproof or isn’t as waterproof as you’d like based on the information above and where you’ll be using it, it might be wise to invest in a case that offers waterproof protection. When shopping for a waterproof case, you’ll want to make sure that you understand how deep the device can be submerged and for how long as these are important factors in keeping it safe from water damage.
Screen Protection
It goes without saying that the screen is the most delicate part of any mobile device so it’s important to keep it protected from scratches and breaks. If you’re going with basic protection for your device, like a bumper case, you’ll definitely want to invest in a scratch resistant screen protector. I also recommend looking for one that’s oleophobic, which means that it will be less likely to pick up the oils from your hands and face. Something like this NanoProtect+ Nano Technology Liquid Screen Protector is the perfect solution!
If you’ve decided to go with tougher protection for your device, like something that offers drop and water protection, it will likely protect your screen as well. These rugged cases often have 360 degree protection for your device, including the screen.
Style
Depending on your preferences and how you see your mobile device, style might be at the top of your list when shopping for device protection or it might at the bottom. If style is high on your priority list, it’s important to note that the higher the device protection, the bulkier the case tends to be. Therefore, if you’re looking for a sleek and sexy case, you’ll have to compromise on protection. By the same token, if you’re looking for heavy-duty protection you’ll have to sacrifice style and portability.
Obviously this can be a difficult trade-off so it’s important to be honest with yourself about how much protection your device needs. Remember that repairing or replacing your device can be costly so aim to strike the right balance between style and protection. Here are a few rugged cases for a range of mobile devices to get you started Targus Protek for iPad Pro 10.5”, UAG Metropolis for iPad and iPhone, Otterbox Defender Series, Griffin Survivor, Lifeproof Nuud for iPad and iPhone.