Best Phone Cases

How to Choose a Phone Case

Let's be honest—your phone spends more time in your hands than any other object. The case you choose is the difference between a phone that lasts four years and one that needs replacing after one gravity test.

Protection vs. Bulk Trade-off

Maximum Protection (OtterBox Defender, Mous)

Multi-layer construction
- Port covers and dust protection
- Survives 6+ foot drops onto concrete
- Trade-off: Adds thickness and weight

Slim Protection (Spigen, Ringke)
- Single-layer with air cushion corners
- Handles everyday drops (3-4 feet)
- Minimal bulk addition
- Trade-off: Won't survive the worst-case scenarios

Minimal Cases
- Scratch protection only
- Preserves phone thinness
- For the careful among us
- Trade-off: Zero drop protection

### What Actually Protects Your Phone

Raised bezels are non-negotiable. If the case doesn't lift the screen above the surface when face-down, it's decoration, not protection. Same for camera bumps.

Corner air cushions matter more than overall thickness. Corners take the impact; that's where protection counts.

MagSafe compatibility keeps wireless charging and accessories working. A case that blocks these features creates daily frustration.

### The Aesthetics Question

Your case is visible more than your actual clothes. If you care about how things look—and there's nothing wrong with that—CASETiFY and Mous offer protection that doubles as style. No shame in wanting both.

For work contexts, leather and matte black read professional. For expressing yourself, custom prints and bold colors show personality. Match your case to how you want to show up.