DIY Phone Case Design Ideas

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You splash out hundreds of dollars on a new smartphone or tablet, it’s crazy not to spend a little more in order to make sure it doesn’t get scratched or broken. Our electronic friends serve us faithfully until we drop them in the toilet, leave them at the mercy of inquisitive toddlers, or allow them to slip from our grasp and tumble down the stairs.

Smartphones are getting tougher all the time and there are quite a few waterproof Android phones now, but the vast majority will not survive an accident unscathed. If you want to find out what might happen should your phone meet with disaster, you can check out the numerous drop and damage test videos posted online. Now that you’re convinced that you need a case or cover for your device, let’s discuss how to pick one.

A word on price

You will rarely find the best price for a phone case on the case manufacturer’s website, the device manufacturer’s website, or a carrier website. The RRPs are frequently heavily discounted. When you identify the phone case you want, do a comparison search and shop around.

Amazon and eBay are often the cheapest places to buy, but it pays to cast your net wide. You also have to watch out for knock-offs, particularly on eBay.

It’s worth mentioning that some phone case manufacturers will offer a lifetime warranty and they’ll handle exchanges smoothly, but only if you buy direct from the manufacturer, so that’s a possible incentive to pay the full price.

Do your homework

Read reviews of the phone cases you are interested in. Even if you can’t find a review for your specific phone model, other reviews for the same manufacturer will give you a general sense of the quality. You can also find people discussing cases and posting photos of them in forums.

Particularly important is confirming that the case has precise cut-outs. Sometimes cases are rushed out the door and they miss a port, button covers are stiff, or there are problems with camera flash reflections. If something like wireless charging is important to you, or you want to be able to dock your smartphone with the case on, then check with the manufacturer before you buy.

Choose your features

Think about additional features you might want. For tablet cases, a landscape stand function could be vital. Some cases offer multiple positions or even 360 degree hinges. For smartphones, you’ll generally find kickstands that pop out the back, but make sure they’re secure, because it can be annoying if they pop out uninvited. Write down what you feel is essential and keep it as a checklist while you shop.

How much protection do you need?

How clumsy are you? The first thing to work out is how tough you need your phone case to be. If you want to be able to drop it onto concrete with impunity, or have it survive a dip, then you’ll need some serious protection. If you’re careful and you just want basic protection, then you don’t need to spend so much. There is a clear trade-off between the level of protection provided and the bulk and weight added.

Rugged phone cases

At the top end in the safety stakes, you’ll find some seriously rugged cases, but they are going to be bulky and heavy. The inclusion of air pockets and reinforced corners dramatically reduces the risk of damage to your device, but it inevitably adds more bulk. They should also be easy to grip, even with wet hands, but you might find that makes it harder to slide them in and out of pockets. You may need to buy a belt clip or holster to accommodate the larger case.

Rugged cases should cover every angle, including the buttons and the touchscreen, which can make buttons harder to press and reduce touchscreen sensitivity. Ultimately, rugged phone cases can make it a little harder to actually use your phone.