As the "bodyguard" of a mobile phone, choosing the right material for a phone case can not only protect the phone but also enhance the user experience. But there are all kinds of materials on the market. Which kind of phone case is better to buy? Which material of phone case is the most durable, shockproof, does not fade and is lightweight? Today, let's have a deep analysis of the materials used in mobile phone cases!
I. Review of Common Materials for Mobile Phone Cases
1. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Features: Soft and elastic, strong impact resistance, and affordable price.
Disadvantages: It is prone to yellowing (especially the transparent type), and may become sticky after long-term use.
Applicable scenarios: Daily anti-drop needs, suitable for users with limited budgets.
2. PC (Polycarbonate
Features: High hardness, scratch-resistant, good transparency, thin and light.
Disadvantages: It is highly brittle, prone to cracking when dropped, and may turn yellow if exposed to prolonged sunlight.
Applicable scenarios: Pursuing lightness, thinness and appearance standards, but with average drop resistance.
3. Silicone
Features: Soft and skin-friendly, good anti-slip performance, and rich in colors.
Disadvantages: Prone to dust accumulation, poor heat dissipation, and prone to deformation after long-term use.
Applicable scenarios: Emphasizes hand feel and anti-slip properties, suitable for female users.
4. Kevlar (Aramid fiber
Features: Military-grade material, impact-resistant, heat-resistant, lightweight and high-strength.
Disadvantages: Expensive price and a business-like appearance.
Applicable scenarios: Extreme protection requirements, such as outdoor workers.
5. Liquid silica gel
Features: Finer than ordinary silicone, stronger stain resistance, and less prone to deformation.
Disadvantages: Relatively high price and average breathability.
Applicable scenarios: Pursuing a high-end texture, commonly used material for Apple's official case.
Ii. Which material best meets the requirements of "durable + shockproof + non-fading + lightweight"
Overall, Kevlar and liquid silicone are worth choosing for phone cases, but they are relatively expensive. If you are looking for cost performance, you can consider the following combinations:
Shockproof and durable: Composite material of TPU inner lining +PC shell (such as UAG brand).
Anti-yellowing: Choose non-transparent TPU or PC shells with anti-UV coating added.
Lightweight: Single-layer PC or Kevlar material (weight usually < 20g).
Iii. Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls When Purchasing
Check the certification: Military-grade drop protection certification (such as MIL-STD-810G) is more reliable.
Smell the odor: Inferior TPU or silicone may have a pungent smell.
Test key: The key area should be soft and have a sensitive rebound to avoid hard shells getting stuck.
Choose brands such as OtterBox, Spigen, and Pitaka for better quality control.
Four. Easter Eggs Made of Niche Materials
Solid wood/bamboo: High appearance quality but prone to cracking, suitable for artistic users.
Magnetic modular shell: Easy to expand, but the weight increases.
Environmentally friendly materials: such as corn fiber, which has good degradability but weak protective performance.