How to Chose a Smartphone?
June 20, 2024 12:25 PM Subscribe
Looking for an approach to choosing a smartphone - how do you decide between brands? Size? Features? Plans?
All I know is that I'm looking for a smartphone, one that can use data and wifi, which my current phone cannot.
Hoping for an approach to the type of phone beyond that. How do you decide the phone brand, size, features, plan, etc?
I don't yet own a smartphone due to the ethics of it (shady labour practices to build them, for example), the environmental impact (high water use, precious metals, planned obsolescence, etc), the cost (some for over 1000$ !), and not really needing it, just being inconvenienced by not having one. However it now seems more a need to me, and the inconvenience is now just not being able to do certain things that require a smartphone.
All I know is that I'm looking for a smartphone, one that can use data and wifi, which my current phone cannot.
Hoping for an approach to the type of phone beyond that. How do you decide the phone brand, size, features, plan, etc?
I don't yet own a smartphone due to the ethics of it (shady labour practices to build them, for example), the environmental impact (high water use, precious metals, planned obsolescence, etc), the cost (some for over 1000$ !), and not really needing it, just being inconvenienced by not having one. However it now seems more a need to me, and the inconvenience is now just not being able to do certain things that require a smartphone.
Having the same brand as family/friends can be a benefit when sending messages, video chatting, etc.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:40 PM on June 20 [9 favorites]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:40 PM on June 20 [9 favorites]
I buy mine used off Amazon refurbished. Yes, it's evil Amazon but at least it's not a new phone. I like a larger phone and a good camera and I didn't want to lock myself into Apple any more than I already was, so I went Android long ago. I've always had Samsung smart phones and they've always been fine but some people hate them - it is just going to be personal preference. You can go to a phone store and try a few out - there will be hard hard sell going on but if you're strong you can ignore it. Then you can go online and buy the same phone or a generation earlier, refurbished, unlocked, for half price or less. Or, you can be like my friend who just gets the cheapest possible smartphone from WalMart and uses it until it breaks - the no contract monthly companies like TracPhone all have smartphones now. She's fine with a clunky phone that mostly works; it would drive me nuts.
posted by mygothlaundry at 12:43 PM on June 20 [1 favorite]
posted by mygothlaundry at 12:43 PM on June 20 [1 favorite]
Do you have special coverage needs? I wanted good international roaming options so the last time I was choosing a carrier, that was my main concern when looking at plans. Another factor that may affect your plan is how much you think you'll call vs text vs use data.
For the phone, I'd suggest going to a physical store and picking up the phones and interacting with them. I've learned I don't like a phone that's much bigger than my hand. I definitely have interface preferences, but those have tended to show up more with extended use (I am someone who Samsung doesn't work for).
If you'd prefer lower cost phones, you're probably going to end up looking mostly at Androids, although there is a robust market for refurbished iPhones. Personally I'm looking into modular phones like the Fairphone for my next phone because the planned obsolescence factor bugs the crap out of me.
I prioritize the amount of memory and the battery life (in my budget) when shopping for a phone because my experience is those contribute to greater longevity. I am hooked on the convenience of wifi calling and using my phone as a hotspot, so l wouldn't want to be without those features in my phone or plan. I'm not heavily into photo or videography, games, or audio, so I don't need much there. But if your phone's camera or audio input/output might improve something in your life, that's worth considering.
posted by EvaDestruction at 1:01 PM on June 20
For the phone, I'd suggest going to a physical store and picking up the phones and interacting with them. I've learned I don't like a phone that's much bigger than my hand. I definitely have interface preferences, but those have tended to show up more with extended use (I am someone who Samsung doesn't work for).
If you'd prefer lower cost phones, you're probably going to end up looking mostly at Androids, although there is a robust market for refurbished iPhones. Personally I'm looking into modular phones like the Fairphone for my next phone because the planned obsolescence factor bugs the crap out of me.
I prioritize the amount of memory and the battery life (in my budget) when shopping for a phone because my experience is those contribute to greater longevity. I am hooked on the convenience of wifi calling and using my phone as a hotspot, so l wouldn't want to be without those features in my phone or plan. I'm not heavily into photo or videography, games, or audio, so I don't need much there. But if your phone's camera or audio input/output might improve something in your life, that's worth considering.
posted by EvaDestruction at 1:01 PM on June 20
You can definitely get a decent smartphone for cheaper than $1000. First decision is iPhone (Apple) or Android (Google). Android tends to be cheaper for similar features, if you're not pulled into either ecosystem yet. iPhones come in one brand only, for Android there's much more choice but also many more budget options. Consider this the same decision process as a very small laptop, the actual phone function is vestigial by now.
I for one simplify it by always getting a top of the line Samsung I then keep for four years or so. You probably don't need a flagship phone as your first smartphone, but something readable and with a bit of space. Right now that'd be a Samsung A35 5G -$399 new, $285 refurbished on Best Buy, this year's midrange model fast enough not to frustrate you.
I'm allergic to Apple but it looks like the same price may get you less phone or at least an older model with fewer years of OS and security upgrades. Depends on your taste there.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 1:06 PM on June 20 [2 favorites]
I for one simplify it by always getting a top of the line Samsung I then keep for four years or so. You probably don't need a flagship phone as your first smartphone, but something readable and with a bit of space. Right now that'd be a Samsung A35 5G -$399 new, $285 refurbished on Best Buy, this year's midrange model fast enough not to frustrate you.
I'm allergic to Apple but it looks like the same price may get you less phone or at least an older model with fewer years of OS and security upgrades. Depends on your taste there.
posted by I claim sanctuary at 1:06 PM on June 20 [2 favorites]
Last year's flagship phone is a good choice. So, in the Android world, a Samsung Galaxy S23 (released in 2023) would fit that.
I used to buy the cheaper phones, but found that they would often end up having some hidden shortcoming that I would find out at a very inopportune time, like getting off a plane at my international destination to discover that my phone didn't even have the radio (RF bands) to work in that country. Yikes.
Your needs are so modest, maybe you should just start off with a more basic model. But I learned to go higher up, especially since I try to keep my phones for at least four years.
posted by intermod at 1:08 PM on June 20
I used to buy the cheaper phones, but found that they would often end up having some hidden shortcoming that I would find out at a very inopportune time, like getting off a plane at my international destination to discover that my phone didn't even have the radio (RF bands) to work in that country. Yikes.
Your needs are so modest, maybe you should just start off with a more basic model. But I learned to go higher up, especially since I try to keep my phones for at least four years.
posted by intermod at 1:08 PM on June 20
Look at reviews, but remember that the reviewers are going to be way more demanding than you will. You absolutely don't need a top-of-the-line phone, just as someone who needs to commute 5 miles to work doesn't need a Maserati. Chances are that you will be completely satisfied with a good budget phone, and a midrange phone will definitely be sufficient - probably more than sufficient. (A slightly out of date top-range phone will often be functionally equivalent.)
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 1:13 PM on June 20
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 1:13 PM on June 20
I like a large screen for readability and occasionally reading books on my phone. I heartily dislike my iphone, bad at typing, alarm is not very good, does not want to play well with non-Apple systems, but it is well-built and sturdy, have had it for several years and expect it to last well. Battery life is very good. It does what I need and then some. I don't care what color texts are.
I use my phone for books, music, weather reports, email, calendar and the all-important reminders, timer, alarm clock, GPS/maps, camera, web browser(news, MeFi), night sky identifier, trail guides, nature apps, it has an app that measures heart rate when I have tachycardia, as well as phone and text. I've used the compass. When power was out for 4 days, I used a backup battery bank and felt a lot less isolated. You don't have to use your phone a lot, but you might choose to.
Your carrier charges you a lot for a phone, even/esp. if bundled with service. I use a Bring Your Own Phone, No Contract service. In my case, Visible, but there are a number of good services. You can buy a phone from the maker, amazon, a phone carrier. Mine was refurb from Apple.
Yes, mobile phones are becoming critical, kind of an identification device. I use hearing aids, mobile controls settings. I very much appreciate your concern for the environmental costs but modern phone technology offers a lot in return for the cost.
posted by theora55 at 1:25 PM on June 20
I use my phone for books, music, weather reports, email, calendar and the all-important reminders, timer, alarm clock, GPS/maps, camera, web browser(news, MeFi), night sky identifier, trail guides, nature apps, it has an app that measures heart rate when I have tachycardia, as well as phone and text. I've used the compass. When power was out for 4 days, I used a backup battery bank and felt a lot less isolated. You don't have to use your phone a lot, but you might choose to.
Your carrier charges you a lot for a phone, even/esp. if bundled with service. I use a Bring Your Own Phone, No Contract service. In my case, Visible, but there are a number of good services. You can buy a phone from the maker, amazon, a phone carrier. Mine was refurb from Apple.
Yes, mobile phones are becoming critical, kind of an identification device. I use hearing aids, mobile controls settings. I very much appreciate your concern for the environmental costs but modern phone technology offers a lot in return for the cost.
posted by theora55 at 1:25 PM on June 20
My last couple of phones have been cheap Motorola ones. I look for phones with long battery life and the rest doesn't really matter to me. I mean it does matter but I'm pretty rough with my phone and I mount it on my bicycle which apparently is bad for cameras and means that it gets exposed to the elements more than most phones so I get cheaper ones because I'd be annoyed with myself for ruining a more expensive phone. If I played more games on my phone I'd probably be more inclined to get a better one.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 1:26 PM on June 20 [1 favorite]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 1:26 PM on June 20 [1 favorite]
Pick an inexpensive plan and an inexpensive phone. Go with Android, not iPhone. Consumer Cellular has low cost plans that you aren't locked into for any set period of time. You don't have to buy a phone from them, but any of the less expensive phones they sell would probably work just fine for you. They have the Moto G Play for $99.
I would start with an inexpensive phone like that and then you can gradually figure out whether anything about it is dissatisfying. Is it too big to hold comfortably? Too small for easy viewing? Do you wish it took better photos? Do some apps not work well on it? Does the battery need to be charged before the end of the day? Once you have a better idea what you need in a phone then you can shop for a different one if you want, but you're likely to be completely satisfied by a cheap model, at least for the first year or so.
posted by Redstart at 1:48 PM on June 20 [3 favorites]
I would start with an inexpensive phone like that and then you can gradually figure out whether anything about it is dissatisfying. Is it too big to hold comfortably? Too small for easy viewing? Do you wish it took better photos? Do some apps not work well on it? Does the battery need to be charged before the end of the day? Once you have a better idea what you need in a phone then you can shop for a different one if you want, but you're likely to be completely satisfied by a cheap model, at least for the first year or so.
posted by Redstart at 1:48 PM on June 20 [3 favorites]
Seconding a cheap Motorola is the way to go. Unless you have some specific needs, don't worry about features, size or any of that. Just get a cheap Motorola from the Moto G family (check that it has NFC if paying with your phone is important to you). Unless you want to be in Apple's ecosystem, you really want the latest and greatest, or you are very particular about the camera, this will be fine and much cheaper than other options. The differences between a cheaper phone and the latest flagship model are not major and are generally erased quite quickly by the passage of time with the introduction of the new latest and greatest model.
posted by ssg at 2:18 PM on June 20 [1 favorite]
posted by ssg at 2:18 PM on June 20 [1 favorite]
I finally broke down and got a smartphone 4 years ago because I was traveling and camping. I got a cheap Motorola, paid 150 for it new, still works fine. I works well with my Chromebook.
posted by mareli at 2:46 PM on June 20
posted by mareli at 2:46 PM on June 20
If the thing stopping you from getting a smartphone previously was environmental impact, rather than cost, I would definitely not go with the cheap carrier phone. An iPhone will hold up and continue getting necessary software updates much longer than most other phones. A phone you keep for longer is much more environmentally friendly! You can get a refurbished one (often directly from Apple) or a previous year's model to reduce cost while still getting something that will continue to be supported for a long time.
posted by duien at 2:48 PM on June 20 [5 favorites]
posted by duien at 2:48 PM on June 20 [5 favorites]
I have been in the Motorola ecosystem for years. So the short answer is I always get a Motorola. The long answer is:
For years I would Google "best budget smartphones" and get whichever Moto was in that list. This last time I bought a phone (2023) I googled "best smartphones 2022" and got the best Moto that was a year out of date, which meant it was less than half the price of the current year's model. I don't need the cutting edge of anything, and it was going to be such an upgrade over the phone I had before that it was going to be a great experience for me even being "year old tech." Great decision. It's still a great phone and I plan to use it for a long time yet.
My advice would be to go to a Verizon store and play around with their floor models to get an idea of what OS and what general layout you like best. Then go home, google one of the searches I did based on how much you want to spend, and get the recommendation for the phone brand you liked the most. (Buy direct from the manufacturer so it has less carrier crapware on it, then register your sim with the carrier separately.)
posted by phunniemee at 3:05 PM on June 20 [1 favorite]
For years I would Google "best budget smartphones" and get whichever Moto was in that list. This last time I bought a phone (2023) I googled "best smartphones 2022" and got the best Moto that was a year out of date, which meant it was less than half the price of the current year's model. I don't need the cutting edge of anything, and it was going to be such an upgrade over the phone I had before that it was going to be a great experience for me even being "year old tech." Great decision. It's still a great phone and I plan to use it for a long time yet.
My advice would be to go to a Verizon store and play around with their floor models to get an idea of what OS and what general layout you like best. Then go home, google one of the searches I did based on how much you want to spend, and get the recommendation for the phone brand you liked the most. (Buy direct from the manufacturer so it has less carrier crapware on it, then register your sim with the carrier separately.)
posted by phunniemee at 3:05 PM on June 20 [1 favorite]
If you're not planning to use the phone except when you absolutely have to, then a limited data plan is probably fine. I would want at least 5GB to be safe, but I lived on a 2GB diet for a long time without going over very often. It meant I basically only used my phone for things like checking email, using my mobile banking, etc. I would wait until I was at home on wifi to download things to my phone. Most phones will have a feature you can turn on that warns you when you've used X amount of data that month (you tell it when you want the warning).
If you want to use your phone for things like streaming music, podcasts, or video, or if you plan to download many apps, then you might want to look into an unlimited plan. These are usually going to be more expensive, but carriers are always running promotions that can make them more affordable. Just be absolutely sure you understand the terms (like it's not going to shoot up after 3 months).
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 3:06 PM on June 20
If you want to use your phone for things like streaming music, podcasts, or video, or if you plan to download many apps, then you might want to look into an unlimited plan. These are usually going to be more expensive, but carriers are always running promotions that can make them more affordable. Just be absolutely sure you understand the terms (like it's not going to shoot up after 3 months).
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 3:06 PM on June 20
If you are a mac-using person, or have an ipad, or have family that have iphones, just get an iphone and don't overthink it. Even the lowest-tier iphone SE is a fabulous, durable phone that will last a long time. It's currently under $500 full retail - your carrier may offer one for cheaper or free.
If you are a windows person, other people above have offered good advice.
posted by niicholas at 3:48 PM on June 20 [3 favorites]
If you are a windows person, other people above have offered good advice.
posted by niicholas at 3:48 PM on June 20 [3 favorites]
It sounds like a lot of the particulars that worry people---"but this year's newest camera!" "what about thousands of GB of storage?!!" "maybe the new ones swivel and fold and have a special stylus!"---don't particularly worry you. I'm like you, in this way. When I need a new phone I go to newegg.com or a manufacturer's website and order the cheapest refurbished phone that has 32gb+ of memory. It is an approach that has served me well.
Probably your only major question is whether you want iPhone or Android.
A secondary but also important question is size. How much of your pocket do you want this thing to fill?
posted by kensington314 at 3:57 PM on June 20 [2 favorites]
Probably your only major question is whether you want iPhone or Android.
A secondary but also important question is size. How much of your pocket do you want this thing to fill?
posted by kensington314 at 3:57 PM on June 20 [2 favorites]
A modular smartphone might work for you. In the US, the Murena Fairphone 4 addresses a lot of your concerns regarding privacy, repairability and environmental impact.
posted by mdonley at 4:29 PM on June 20
posted by mdonley at 4:29 PM on June 20
I picked mine (iPhone SE) because it was small and had good voice control. It really depends which features are most important to you. What are the certain things you need one for?
posted by wheatlets at 4:41 PM on June 20
posted by wheatlets at 4:41 PM on June 20
Yeah, you can get a cheap-ish Smartphone and it will be more than you need. Backmarket is a good source for reliable refurbished phones. You don't want to get them *too* old, but somewhat old is fine.
Since you are new to smartphones, you do want to invest in a decent case - you will eventually drop it, and a good case will prevent damage. Screen covers are less crucial - only if you really care about not having any scratches on the screen.
Tello offers a great budget phone plan - I pay $8 a month.
(Side note: I disagree that you are a Mac person, you need an iPhone - I have a Mac laptop, and do just fine without an iPhone - I also mostly avoid my phone - like the OP, I mainly have it because it's required for modern living.)
posted by coffeecat at 4:48 PM on June 20
Since you are new to smartphones, you do want to invest in a decent case - you will eventually drop it, and a good case will prevent damage. Screen covers are less crucial - only if you really care about not having any scratches on the screen.
Tello offers a great budget phone plan - I pay $8 a month.
(Side note: I disagree that you are a Mac person, you need an iPhone - I have a Mac laptop, and do just fine without an iPhone - I also mostly avoid my phone - like the OP, I mainly have it because it's required for modern living.)
posted by coffeecat at 4:48 PM on June 20
I don't yet own a smartphone due to the ethics
Fairphone appears to be focused on ethics [cnet]. companies can be compared via SourceWatch
posted by HearHere at 6:49 PM on June 20 [1 favorite]
Fairphone appears to be focused on ethics [cnet]. companies can be compared via SourceWatch
posted by HearHere at 6:49 PM on June 20 [1 favorite]
I have an iPhone SE 2022 (Apple's budget option) for work, though I'm an Android person. The screen is small and it is annoying to type on. But if you've gone this far without one and are happy using a computer for stuff, perhaps that won't matter to you. I feel like it's probably easier to learn and more intuitive, but the importance of that depends on how much you need to do with it. I'm guessing it will last for a long time.
A relative has an older cheaper Android phone, and it's full of weird malware and hard for family members to troubleshoot and fix. Last time we had to fix it, there were four different apps purporting to be the phone app. Yes, they had to click stuff for this to happen, but this is a relative who is pretty good with a desktop computer and still ends up effectively breaking the phone. This can't happen on iPhones.
So I would take some of the advice above with a bit of a grain of salt - Apple is known for making long lasting well designed devices. And I say all of this as a die hard Android user in my personal life.
posted by lookoutbelow at 7:47 PM on June 20 [2 favorites]
A relative has an older cheaper Android phone, and it's full of weird malware and hard for family members to troubleshoot and fix. Last time we had to fix it, there were four different apps purporting to be the phone app. Yes, they had to click stuff for this to happen, but this is a relative who is pretty good with a desktop computer and still ends up effectively breaking the phone. This can't happen on iPhones.
So I would take some of the advice above with a bit of a grain of salt - Apple is known for making long lasting well designed devices. And I say all of this as a die hard Android user in my personal life.
posted by lookoutbelow at 7:47 PM on June 20 [2 favorites]
Unless a high end camera is important to you, Nth-ing the Moto G. Make sure the model you get has a magnetometer - it really helps with navigation if you're a walking. I have an iPhone now (because I needed a certain iOS app) but it has no ability (or even 3rd party option) to cap your monthly data without crippling it's functionality.
posted by brachiopod at 8:14 PM on June 20
posted by brachiopod at 8:14 PM on June 20
We buy used iPhones from craigslist and put them on Metro which is T mobile. Plans are pretty cheap for “unlimited” use and we never run out of data. The coverage is fine, not just in cities, but if you’re way out in the sticks in like US Cellular area, no service. You can usually find some places with wifi anyway.
posted by toodleydoodley at 9:12 PM on June 20
posted by toodleydoodley at 9:12 PM on June 20
I have tendon pain in most areas so also go for the iPhone SE, because phones larger than that cause pain within a week. The trade offs are that the screen is small and sometimes hard to see (workarounds are built in, like magnifying the text), and the battery life apparently isn’t as great as larger phones (because the battery is smaller). But if you’re not using it literally all the time, that shouldn’t be an issue.
posted by cotton dress sock at 10:33 PM on June 20
posted by cotton dress sock at 10:33 PM on June 20
As others say, the first choice is between Apple and Android. Android is cheaper and if you don't have a strong preference it probably makes more sense given your criteria.
Then I would say a late model refurbished phone is probably a tad more environmentally friendly. A late model (2022 or 2023) will last longer before it goes obsolete so you will buy fewer overall, and a refurbished phone is cheaper and reuse is more environmentally friendly than buying new.
Look at the best buy reviews for those years to find decent models.
Beyond that, you may want to look at the size of the phone. Smart phones are generally a bit bigger than dumb phones and can also vary significantly in size. My hand are particularly small and I strongly prefer a smaller phone. You may go the other way, as a larger phone has a larger screen which can be easier to use. In any case, you should be able to test out the various size options in any bricks and mortar store without buying anything.
posted by plonkee at 1:26 AM on June 21
Then I would say a late model refurbished phone is probably a tad more environmentally friendly. A late model (2022 or 2023) will last longer before it goes obsolete so you will buy fewer overall, and a refurbished phone is cheaper and reuse is more environmentally friendly than buying new.
Look at the best buy reviews for those years to find decent models.
Beyond that, you may want to look at the size of the phone. Smart phones are generally a bit bigger than dumb phones and can also vary significantly in size. My hand are particularly small and I strongly prefer a smaller phone. You may go the other way, as a larger phone has a larger screen which can be easier to use. In any case, you should be able to test out the various size options in any bricks and mortar store without buying anything.
posted by plonkee at 1:26 AM on June 21
Aside from the 4g/5g issue, the actual phone function is so much the same on all phones that its not even mentioned in ads. I would suppose that every new phone does 5g nowadays.
Size is an important consideration. They come in sizes bigger than you want, but the bigger the phone, the bigger the text you want to read and the keyboard you want to type on. And you will want to type if only to maintain your contact list, I.e. the internal phone book, and because texting is over-taking email for short communications.
The plan and included data and charges for additional data is important and can be hard to evaluate because your use of the phone may be different from what you expect. Also, it can be affected by settings on the phone such as leaving it connected to WIfi.
posted by SemiSalt at 4:54 AM on June 21
Size is an important consideration. They come in sizes bigger than you want, but the bigger the phone, the bigger the text you want to read and the keyboard you want to type on. And you will want to type if only to maintain your contact list, I.e. the internal phone book, and because texting is over-taking email for short communications.
The plan and included data and charges for additional data is important and can be hard to evaluate because your use of the phone may be different from what you expect. Also, it can be affected by settings on the phone such as leaving it connected to WIfi.
posted by SemiSalt at 4:54 AM on June 21
Not really seeing emphasized here, but if you expect to ask a friend, family or neighbor for help with technology, go with whatever they are familiar. (Ie don't buy an iPhone if your friends and fam are all Android users or vice versa) there's also a bunch of variation between brands. My parents love Motorola phones (good battery, survive a lot of damage), but bro and I both use either Google or Samsung phones so trouble shooting the parental phones just takes a little longer. Same with other family members, I'm not great at triaging iPhone issues so that just leads to frustration all around.
Keep in mind that Google's pixel phones tend to have less crapwear to delete (random free games etc) so that may be a good option for you to keep in mind. Samsung tend to have incredible cameras if that's important to you.
posted by larthegreat at 6:55 AM on June 21 [1 favorite]
Keep in mind that Google's pixel phones tend to have less crapwear to delete (random free games etc) so that may be a good option for you to keep in mind. Samsung tend to have incredible cameras if that's important to you.
posted by larthegreat at 6:55 AM on June 21 [1 favorite]
Used iPhones have served me well. I don’t love Apple but they continue to support/provide security updates for their phones for a long time—I’m using an iPhone SE 2020 & my girlfriend is using an old old iPhone 8 that a friend had lying around and gave her when her cheap android from her phone carrier broke. Get a decent case—OtterBox if you need heavy-duty or waterproofing, Spigen if you want lower-profile protection so it won’t break or scratch so easily when dropped on a hard surface.
posted by needs more cowbell at 8:23 AM on June 21
posted by needs more cowbell at 8:23 AM on June 21
Let's just say, a Spigen case apparently helped an iPhone survive dropped from 13000 ft when that 737 lost the door plug.
posted by kschang at 9:21 AM on June 21
posted by kschang at 9:21 AM on June 21
Oh, good points on cases. I don’t trust any cases I can afford to actually be waterproof: we used to use Lifeproof cases and had glorious days of ocean and spring diving with phones. And then we got a rash of cases that failed to be even water resistant. Anymore we just use Speck hard shell cases (candy shell, presidio, etc) bc they have a built-up ridge around the phone bezel and reinforced corners that haven’t let me break a phone yet, no matter how often I drop it.
posted by toodleydoodley at 10:55 AM on June 21
posted by toodleydoodley at 10:55 AM on June 21
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posted by schyler523 at 12:31 PM on June 20