5 things every phone case needs to be really good
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Key Takeaways
- A phone case is necessary to protect your device from inevitable wear and tear and accidental damage.
- Look for cases that cover the back, sides, and screen of the phone for full protection.
- Choose a stylish case with easy button access and MagSafe support for wireless charging.
Phone cases are everywhere when it comes to smartphones. While there is something nice about the look of the phone without its case, it’s not worth the risk. Even the most careful person cannot prevent an accidental fall. Smartphones get more expensive every year — I’m looking at you, iPhone 16. It’s worth investing in a phone case to protect your device for as long as possible.
I’ve had a love/hate relationship with phone cases. In all cases, most phone cases seek to protect the phone. However, most stand out as ugly or don’t provide easy access to functional buttons. As time goes on, I have become more critical of phone cases and the ones I use. These days, I tend to check to make sure all the boxes are checked before I make a purchase.
With all of this in mind, here are five things I look for in every smartphone case.
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1 The case needs to provide comprehensive protection
Protect your precious smartphone from drops and scratches
Wear and tear is almost inevitable when it comes to smartphones and technology. What can be avoided, however, is accidental injury. I’ve been lucky enough to never break the screen or irreparably damage my phone. This is due to my continuous use of phone cases over the years.
Phone cases should protect the back side of the device. It should wrap around the sides of the phone again. Some case manufacturers play fast and loose with how much protection is offered. At the very least, you want the back and sides of your phone to be protected as it can be vulnerable to drops and scratches. A simple case like the Otterbox Figura produces great protection without much fuss.
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OtterBox Figura
Otterbox Figura supports the iPhone 16 with MagSafe support, soft touch material and waterproof design.
2 A little screen protector lip works wonders
If you don’t buy a screen protector, get a case that will give you some protection
In addition to protecting the back and sides of your phone, one of the most vulnerable points on a smartphone is the screen. If you’re like me and don’t like screen protectors, you’ll want to have a case with a felt lip that runs around the perimeter of the display.
With a small raised bump, you can ensure that your screen never touches the table or desk when you put it down. Even if your phone falls on the screen, that lip can provide extra protection from the screen coming into direct contact with the ground. Apple Silicon cases provide reasonable protection, including this perk.
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3 Rugged protection doesn’t have to compromise style
Unless you work in construction or are an avid rock climber, less is more
A thought
I would never go so far as to say that you don’t need a strong and durable phone case for protection. However, some situations are more difficult when you’re just going out for brunch with friends. You don’t want to be the person who pulls a brick out of your pocket because you’re afraid to click lightly on the side of your phone.
There are plenty of great cases to choose from that don’t compromise protection while still being stylish. For example, the UB Pro case from Supcase fits that mold. It includes shock protection from drops and protection from dust and dirt. While providing full body protection, it is still possible to use in a public place without looking.
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UB Pro Mag Case for iPhone 16 Pro Max
Supcase’s UB Pro Mag case for iPhone 16 Pro Max technically comes in two pieces, one is the rear case and the other is the front case, creating a complete seal around the edges of your phone. It also has a MagSafe compatible back and supports the Camera Control button.
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4 Easy access to function keys
The iPhone 16’s inclusion of Camera Control emphasizes the importance of button access
Any good phone case should allow you to use the device’s volume controls and power button easily. These are the most important functions of the phone. However, with the iPhone 16, you need to be responsible Action Button again Camera Control. This is a new entry that could throw criminals for a loop.
I would recommend that you try the case on your phone and see how comfortable it is to play with the camera controller or use the Action Button before doing so.
You want to make sure that your case can give you unrestricted access to all the buttons that your phone has to offer. Thankfully, many cases are designed to support the latest additions to the iPhone. If you can, I would recommend that you try the case on your phone and see how comfortable it is to play with the camera controller or use the Action Button before doing it.
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5 MagSafe support for wireless charging
Since Apple offers MagSafe wireless charging for the iPhone, you might as well take advantage
One of my favorite additions to the iPhone over the past few years has been wireless MagSafecharging. Because of this, I am always careful to use cases that provide support for this feature. Apple has used MagSafe charging, so you may want to use it if you can find a case option that suits your needs.
A case like the iPhone 16 Pro Case with MagSafe is designed to support MagSafe charging out of the box. It is compatible with any MagSafe approved charger and provides full protection against accidental drops.
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Shockproof iPhone 16 Pro Case with MagSafe
The iPhone 16 Pro case with MagSafe supports wireless charging with a microfiber interior. It is also fully compatible with the new Camera Control feature on the device.
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The arrangement is inspired by Pocket-lint’s collaboration with Supcase.