Best Case Scenario: How to be overjoyed if my phone is sliiightly bigger
February 13, 2018 8:32 PM Subscribe
What benefits can I legitimately expect from a cell phone case? I just got a used Galaxy Note 5, I think I want a case for it, but I'm wondering if I'm just going to find that frustrating or if there are features/benefits I don't know about. What does your case actually _do_ for you other than "protection", and is it worth it?
Benefits I think I want - which would inform my features/shopping:
- Yes, a little more durability, but I think the risks of damage by dropping might be minimal, so I'm not sure how much to emphasize this.
- Somehow making the phone stay in my too-tiny back pocket better, even if my pants, uh, move around occasionally. That is, I don't want the phone to fall in the toilet, you know? Can a case help? Some kind of grippy rubberized something? But then, too much grippiness would make it harder to just get out the phone.
- I'm considering a wooden case because I'm not immune to beauty.
- Maybe some kind of stand-ability? But that's probably a separate product. Or a block of wood with some sticks in it; I can improvise this separately, I think, but it would be nice not to have to.
I guess what I'm asking is, how much actual utility could I expect from a case, and what kinds of cases actually make your life better? I get that carbon fiber is tough, but how much should I _care_ about that? Does a credit card slot on the case really help in your life?
Benefits I think I want - which would inform my features/shopping:
- Yes, a little more durability, but I think the risks of damage by dropping might be minimal, so I'm not sure how much to emphasize this.
- Somehow making the phone stay in my too-tiny back pocket better, even if my pants, uh, move around occasionally. That is, I don't want the phone to fall in the toilet, you know? Can a case help? Some kind of grippy rubberized something? But then, too much grippiness would make it harder to just get out the phone.
- I'm considering a wooden case because I'm not immune to beauty.
- Maybe some kind of stand-ability? But that's probably a separate product. Or a block of wood with some sticks in it; I can improvise this separately, I think, but it would be nice not to have to.
I guess what I'm asking is, how much actual utility could I expect from a case, and what kinds of cases actually make your life better? I get that carbon fiber is tough, but how much should I _care_ about that? Does a credit card slot on the case really help in your life?
The case that I get again and again has these features which I can't live without:
- holds my cards, securely, invisibly, without covering up the screen like a regular wallet case. so I don't need a separate wallet.
- has a wrist strap, which has saved me from dropping it many a time, and also makes it easier to carry in general
- the screen has never shattered because the case doesn't let the screen touch the ground
posted by bleep at 8:50 PM on February 13, 2018
- holds my cards, securely, invisibly, without covering up the screen like a regular wallet case. so I don't need a separate wallet.
- has a wrist strap, which has saved me from dropping it many a time, and also makes it easier to carry in general
- the screen has never shattered because the case doesn't let the screen touch the ground
posted by bleep at 8:50 PM on February 13, 2018
I’ve used a QuadLock case on every phone I’ve owned since 2012. It makes the phone easier to grab, less slippery, and being able to mount it to my car dashboard, my running armband, my bike stem and a few wall mounts in my house is really great.
posted by third word on a random page at 8:54 PM on February 13, 2018
posted by third word on a random page at 8:54 PM on February 13, 2018
Response by poster: Thanks for the answers so far. Links to specific cases - even if not for my phone model - would be great, too.
posted by amtho at 8:55 PM on February 13, 2018
posted by amtho at 8:55 PM on February 13, 2018
I've had a $10 PVC coated pressed paper and PVC (obvious now that the edges are all worn down) bill fold case on my 4 year old MotoG since day one. The only scratches on the screen got there during the two days I didn't have the case on last year while I was having charging problems.
posted by Mitheral at 9:10 PM on February 13, 2018
posted by Mitheral at 9:10 PM on February 13, 2018
Spigen.
They make the best cases and your device will not break with it on. Also, they are slim AF. And affordable!
posted by jbenben at 9:51 PM on February 13, 2018 [5 favorites]
They make the best cases and your device will not break with it on. Also, they are slim AF. And affordable!
posted by jbenben at 9:51 PM on February 13, 2018 [5 favorites]
I have a Speck Candyshell Grip case. I like that it makes the phone somewhat easier to grip, less prone to feel like it might slide out of your hand. It's distinctive looking so I know at a glance which phone is mine if there are several on a coffee table, that kind of thing. I also like that mine has a bright color on the front, outlining the edges of the (black) screen, which makes it easier to pick the phone out visually if it's sitting on a black surface.
Someone else I know swears by this little thing that goes on the back of the phone: Popsockets.
posted by LobsterMitten at 10:11 PM on February 13, 2018 [1 favorite]
Someone else I know swears by this little thing that goes on the back of the phone: Popsockets.
posted by LobsterMitten at 10:11 PM on February 13, 2018 [1 favorite]
I have this case. It's got a stand exactly like the original iPad covers - magnetic with multiple angles. Like hotchocolate I keep my driver's license, my work badge and my debit card in the back - some cases hold more or less cards but this one holds the three I use every day and makes a great balance between super bulky phone and having to carry a wallet or bag.
Also, I've dropped the phone multiple times and this case is thick enough that the phone itself never hits the floor.
The only drawback I've found so far is that when my work badge is behind my debit card and I put my phone on the badge reader the phone pops up the Apple Pay screen and asks for my fingerprint. After a bit of wiggling I can get through and, as far as I know, badging into work hasn't charged ApplePay at all.
posted by bendy at 10:16 PM on February 13, 2018
Also, I've dropped the phone multiple times and this case is thick enough that the phone itself never hits the floor.
The only drawback I've found so far is that when my work badge is behind my debit card and I put my phone on the badge reader the phone pops up the Apple Pay screen and asks for my fingerprint. After a bit of wiggling I can get through and, as far as I know, badging into work hasn't charged ApplePay at all.
posted by bendy at 10:16 PM on February 13, 2018
Also, having dropped my phone in the toilet once I always take it out of my back pocket before sitting on the toilet.
posted by bendy at 10:19 PM on February 13, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by bendy at 10:19 PM on February 13, 2018 [1 favorite]
Battery case, without a doubt.
posted by northtwilight at 10:19 PM on February 13, 2018
posted by northtwilight at 10:19 PM on February 13, 2018
Response by poster: See, here's a trade-off: If you put a Popsocket on a phone, does it even fit comfortably in a pocket anymore? And is that worth it?
posted by amtho at 2:28 AM on February 14, 2018
posted by amtho at 2:28 AM on February 14, 2018
My two phones previous to my current one were Motorola Droids. They had lightly textured surfaces so I was never really worried about dropping them and I didn't use a case with them.
My current phone is a Galaxy S7 Edge. In contrast to the Droids, its surfaces are very slick. I knew within a few hours of getting it that I'd need a case, just to give it some grip. Indeed, I did drop it once before I got a case, just in the first few days of having it, fortunately onto a softish surface with no damage. So in my situation the case is not so much to protect it in case of a fall as to prevent me from dropping it in the first place.
I use one of the cases from Caseology and have been happy with it. Gives it the grip I need without adding too much to the bulk.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 2:47 AM on February 14, 2018 [1 favorite]
My current phone is a Galaxy S7 Edge. In contrast to the Droids, its surfaces are very slick. I knew within a few hours of getting it that I'd need a case, just to give it some grip. Indeed, I did drop it once before I got a case, just in the first few days of having it, fortunately onto a softish surface with no damage. So in my situation the case is not so much to protect it in case of a fall as to prevent me from dropping it in the first place.
I use one of the cases from Caseology and have been happy with it. Gives it the grip I need without adding too much to the bulk.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 2:47 AM on February 14, 2018 [1 favorite]
If you get one with a pocket you can put a Tile in it, and then find your phone when you put it in the pile of laundry you’re folding.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 4:23 AM on February 14, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 4:23 AM on February 14, 2018 [1 favorite]
Every time I get a new phone I fall in love with the slimness of it and procrastinate getting a case because I don't want more bulk. And every time I eventually get a case and within a few days completely stop thinking about the thinness (or lack thereof) of my phone.
Personally I like a case that can hold a few cards (ID and transit card) but that isn't a wallet case. I have this one from Spigen currently (link for iPhone version) and really like it.
A good choice for you might be to buy a couple cheapo ones that each have maybe one feature you're considering - like a grippy surface, or a stand - and try them out. See which feature you like and which turns out not to matter. Most cases aren't expensive enough to warrant weeks of research; if one doesn't work out, you can always get a new one.
I realize this is easier said than done - I've been researching gym duffle bags of all things for like 2 weeks now even though I desperately need one ASAP.
posted by misskaz at 5:51 AM on February 14, 2018 [1 favorite]
Personally I like a case that can hold a few cards (ID and transit card) but that isn't a wallet case. I have this one from Spigen currently (link for iPhone version) and really like it.
A good choice for you might be to buy a couple cheapo ones that each have maybe one feature you're considering - like a grippy surface, or a stand - and try them out. See which feature you like and which turns out not to matter. Most cases aren't expensive enough to warrant weeks of research; if one doesn't work out, you can always get a new one.
I realize this is easier said than done - I've been researching gym duffle bags of all things for like 2 weeks now even though I desperately need one ASAP.
posted by misskaz at 5:51 AM on February 14, 2018 [1 favorite]
I might be an outlier but I have a sturdy Otterbox case for my Android phone and I wouldn't have it any other way. It makes the phone more grippy and gives it a heft it doesn't have without it. Without that heft, I feel like I'm holding a ridiculously expensive, fragile thing (because I am!) and it makes me super nervous. I've dropped my phone I don't know how many times and nothing has ever broken. As a matter of fact, I've had Otterbox cases as long as I can remember and I've never had a broken screen or anything else on my phones.
I also like the case I have right now because it makes my phone stay in my back pocket.
posted by cooker girl at 6:05 AM on February 14, 2018 [1 favorite]
I also like the case I have right now because it makes my phone stay in my back pocket.
posted by cooker girl at 6:05 AM on February 14, 2018 [1 favorite]
See, here's a trade-off: If you put a Popsocket on a phone, does it even fit comfortably in a pocket anymore? And is that worth it?
My daughter regularly pockets her Popsocketed phone without trouble.
A good choice for you might be to buy a couple cheapo ones that each have maybe one feature you're considering - like a grippy surface, or a stand - and try them out. See which feature you like and which turns out not to matter. Most cases aren't expensive enough to warrant weeks of research; if one doesn't work out, you can always get a new one.
Yeah, this. My go to for this is 5 Below, if they have those in your area (pick up a fidget spinner and some disposable earbuds while you are there).
posted by Rock Steady at 6:17 AM on February 14, 2018
My daughter regularly pockets her Popsocketed phone without trouble.
A good choice for you might be to buy a couple cheapo ones that each have maybe one feature you're considering - like a grippy surface, or a stand - and try them out. See which feature you like and which turns out not to matter. Most cases aren't expensive enough to warrant weeks of research; if one doesn't work out, you can always get a new one.
Yeah, this. My go to for this is 5 Below, if they have those in your area (pick up a fidget spinner and some disposable earbuds while you are there).
posted by Rock Steady at 6:17 AM on February 14, 2018
I couldn't live without a credit card case. I don't like the one I have, not grippy enough, so I'm probably going to get the Spigen one mentioned above -- I've had Spigen cases before and really like them.
posted by rabbitrabbit at 6:49 AM on February 14, 2018
posted by rabbitrabbit at 6:49 AM on February 14, 2018
My $15 phone case is there to provide a lip around the edge of the screen so that the edges of my glass screen protector don't touch anything. My husband and I put the same glass screen protector on our phones and one year later, his had chips and cracks and mine was pristine. He has a case now.
I have had two different cases with a kickstand on them which was nice, but now I have a loop. I know a few people with popsockets who swear by them as well.
posted by soelo at 8:11 AM on February 14, 2018 [3 favorites]
I have had two different cases with a kickstand on them which was nice, but now I have a loop. I know a few people with popsockets who swear by them as well.
posted by soelo at 8:11 AM on February 14, 2018 [3 favorites]
How do you envision using a case? Do you think you can get by without a wallet and just tuck your credit card and ID in a case? Do you think you'll watch enough videos you want a stand, or you'd want to watch more videos? And if you want to watch videos, what orientation?
Personally, I'm a guy with a wallet with enough extra cards and cash that I don't want all that stacked onto the back of my phone. Instead, I have had slightly bulkier, rubbery cases that have served me very well. Similar to soelo, where the lip sticks up higher than the thickness of the screen protector, and similarly, I've had 3 phones that have survived quite well, including some mid-height drops.
I also have a phone with a very slim, slightly grippy case. I'd call it "minimal," in that it snaps on to the sides and has no coverage at the top or over the buttons. With that description, you might not be surprised to learn that I've dropped this phone and the screen cracked. Lesson learned for myself - something with a rubbery or other non-stick surface and a bit of bulk is much preferred to no case, because a $15 inconvenience will save you $hundreds for a new phone or screen replacement. I generally go for the cheapest rubbery case I can find that has good reviews, and I've enjoyed the Caseology [Parallax Series] case for the Google Pixel (though it's not rubbery enough to not slide off of slick surfaces) and the Ringke [FUSION Series] clear back with black bumper case for iPhone 5c (which is the right amount of grippy, IMO). On the latter, I printed something to insert in the back of the case, because I didn't really like the back of the iPhone enough to leave it plain, which was really a bonus feature.
I don't care for stands, but if you think you'd like to add a stand to an existing case, there are PopSockets that give you a thing to make your device more grip-able and stand-up-able but doesn't always stick out, or any number of other configurations and do-dads. If you go to enough conferences, you might even find some for free. Just make sure your case is slick enough to allow a stick-on stand to actually stick on. The Caseology Parallax Series case is too bumpy to stick anything to it.
posted by filthy light thief at 9:39 AM on February 14, 2018
Personally, I'm a guy with a wallet with enough extra cards and cash that I don't want all that stacked onto the back of my phone. Instead, I have had slightly bulkier, rubbery cases that have served me very well. Similar to soelo, where the lip sticks up higher than the thickness of the screen protector, and similarly, I've had 3 phones that have survived quite well, including some mid-height drops.
I also have a phone with a very slim, slightly grippy case. I'd call it "minimal," in that it snaps on to the sides and has no coverage at the top or over the buttons. With that description, you might not be surprised to learn that I've dropped this phone and the screen cracked. Lesson learned for myself - something with a rubbery or other non-stick surface and a bit of bulk is much preferred to no case, because a $15 inconvenience will save you $hundreds for a new phone or screen replacement. I generally go for the cheapest rubbery case I can find that has good reviews, and I've enjoyed the Caseology [Parallax Series] case for the Google Pixel (though it's not rubbery enough to not slide off of slick surfaces) and the Ringke [FUSION Series] clear back with black bumper case for iPhone 5c (which is the right amount of grippy, IMO). On the latter, I printed something to insert in the back of the case, because I didn't really like the back of the iPhone enough to leave it plain, which was really a bonus feature.
I don't care for stands, but if you think you'd like to add a stand to an existing case, there are PopSockets that give you a thing to make your device more grip-able and stand-up-able but doesn't always stick out, or any number of other configurations and do-dads. If you go to enough conferences, you might even find some for free. Just make sure your case is slick enough to allow a stick-on stand to actually stick on. The Caseology Parallax Series case is too bumpy to stick anything to it.
posted by filthy light thief at 9:39 AM on February 14, 2018
I have a jellyish case for my android phone. Not the linked one, there were no bright colors for my model at that time. The case for my previous phone was screaming yellow, which made it much easier to locate the phone, which I 'lose' routinely. Would love to be able to add a strap.
posted by theora55 at 6:59 PM on February 14, 2018
posted by theora55 at 6:59 PM on February 14, 2018
I thought about this question today when my galaxy s8 suddenly leaped our of my hoodie pocket in a campground bathroom, hit the tile floor and skidded down about 10 feet before it hit the wall. It was fine. I was lucky. Also, it has a case on it, one that’s rubbery and grippable and has a lip around the screen. Phones fall when you least expect it . If the screen cracks on a galaxy you are screwed, they cost more than the phone is worth. I learned this to my sorrow last summer in Mexico when my galaxy S5 met a concrete floor - so yes, the risk of damage is completely real.
posted by mygothlaundry at 11:56 PM on February 14, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by mygothlaundry at 11:56 PM on February 14, 2018 [1 favorite]
I would also recommend Spigen, that's what I use.
I've found that buying from the Spigen eBay store is cheaper than buying the same item from their main website. For example:
» Galaxy Note 5 Neo Hybrid Crystal from Spigen Ebay $19.99 (free shipping)
» Galaxy Note 5 Neo Hybrid Crystal from Spigen.com $29.99 (plus shipping)
posted by mon-ma-tron at 11:26 AM on February 15, 2018
I've found that buying from the Spigen eBay store is cheaper than buying the same item from their main website. For example:
» Galaxy Note 5 Neo Hybrid Crystal from Spigen Ebay $19.99 (free shipping)
» Galaxy Note 5 Neo Hybrid Crystal from Spigen.com $29.99 (plus shipping)
posted by mon-ma-tron at 11:26 AM on February 15, 2018
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posted by hotchocolate at 8:47 PM on February 13, 2018 [3 favorites]