Galaxy Note 5 Lifeproof Case

Most smartphones nowadays feature metal or glass builds, then keeping them safe and free from damage tin can exist quite difficult. A good case or encompass goes a long fashion, even if y'all don't want to hibernate the phone's cute pattern. However, some cases can add some way points to it also. From the ultra-slim to the extremely rugged, there's a blazon of case for everybody.

If you lot're looking to purchase a example, you might exist curious about what kinds of cases are out there or what telephone case brands y'all should trust. In this case buyer's guide, we do our best to answer these questions and highlight some of the best smartphone case manufacturers effectually.

Looking to get more out of your phone? Cheque out our guide to the best telephone accessories y'all tin purchase.

What kind of phone case should I buy?

One of the starting time primal decisions you demand to make is the type of phone case y'all desire to buy. Nosotros're happy to report that present you accept a lot of options. Here'southward a quick breakdown:

• Thin cases: These trade protection for style and simplicity. They add little bulk to the phone itself, only offer limited drop protection or additional features.
• Hybrid cases: Hybrid cases are the "normal" cases that yous run across at most retailers, and there'southward a lot of design variety hither. For about people, these are the cases to buy.
• Rugged cases: Thick and bulky, rugged cases offer maximum protection from drops, oftentimes at the expense of design niceties. They also often include extras like kickstands and waterproofing.
• Clear cases: Transparent and elementary, articulate cases allow you to show off your phone's design while protecting information technology from drops. Just be aware that they can be difficult to go on clean.
• Wallet cases: Wallet cases allow you to shop cards, IDs, or cash while keeping your phone protected. Apart from cardholder cases, there are also folio-way cases with a comprehend to protect your screen.
• Magnetic cases: These are designed to work with magnetic accessories similar Apple tree'southward MagSafe ecosystem. At that place aren't too many options, and they're fairly niche, simply they can open up some interesting possibilities.
• Bombardment cases: While too bulky for everyday use, cases with a built-in battery pack are great for camping or long trips. Oftentimes they have reverse-wireless charging for other accessories, too.
• Waterproof cases: Nowadays, most flagship phones offer some class of water resistance, simply none of them will stand to saltwater. These relatively rare and niche cases exist to make full that gap.
• Skins: Skins aren't exactly cases, simply they oft perform the aforementioned chore. However, they offer very little protection as they just stick to your telephone with agglutinative, similar a sticker.

For about people, sparse and hybrid cases are the style to go. They offering a good mix of protection and way, oft without breaking the bank. Plus, in that location are so many designs and colors to cull from (including articulate cases) that you're certain to find one that suits your style. With some brands, you lot can even customize the instance with text or other designs.

If y'all desire a little more utility from your case, y'all've got even more than options. Wallets and magnetic cases offer everyday convenience, and more niche options similar battery cases can be a great choice for sure situations. If you lot piece of work in the field (or are but a fleck clumsy), rugged cases often offer war machine-grade protection, preventing major harm from drops equally high equally xx feet.

What are phone cases made of?

Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

That cream Cyrill case looks proficient today, simply stains will exist its worst enemy.

Phone cases are generally made from polymers similar thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polycarbonate (PC), and silicone. The most common material is TPU, which offers the ideal residuum between weight, flexibility, and durability.

More rigid plastics like PC are typically used in conjunction with TPU to add bumpers and other protective elements to a case. These cases too offer lots of blueprint options, including articulate finishes and a host of color options.

Silicone has great properties for phone cases similar flexibility, durability, and a nice soft rubbery finish. Information technology'due south less prone to cracking than TPU or PC, and they're typically thinner and lighter. They likewise offering nifty color options, although they tend to exist much more difficult to clean due to the rubbery texture.

TPU, PC, silicone, bioplastics, and luxury materials like leather and wood can all be found in phone cases.

Leather is also sometimes constitute in cases but typically as part of a hybrid blueprint. This ways that the case's interior is TPU, and the exterior has a thin layer of leather. These cases can be beautiful and develop a patina over time, but the thin leather layer tin can get damaged fairly easily. Keep this in listen earlier purchasing.

In contempo years we've as well seen more environmentally-friendly materials like biodegradable plastic and even wood used in cases. These are less resistant than polymers and frequently don't final equally long. That said, most people volition upgrade their phone every few years, and when they do, that plastic case is going right into the trash dump. This is a fashion to lessen your touch on on the planet.

What are the all-time phone case brands?

Of grade, at some point, you are at the mercy of what telephone instance brands have for sale. Each make has its own lineup of unique cases, and generally releases the same designs for different phones. That said, popular phones like the Samsung Galaxy S22 or Apple iPhone 13 oftentimes have a much wider variety of cases on offering.

To help yous give an idea of what's out in that location, here's a breakup of each major phone case manufacturer and the types of cases each one offers.

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Spigen

Spigen cases have long been favorites of ours here at Android Authority, and they've also been popular among our readers. The company offers an excellent range of cases, primarily thin or rugged, for a wide range of phones.

Most importantly, they're all extremely affordable, ranging from $eight to $20 on average. That's a fraction of the price of virtually cases, which in some cases tin can cost well over $l.

The easiest Spigen case to recommend is the Rugged Armor, which is thin and calorie-free only offers everyday drib protection. The carbon-fiber elements on the dorsum look great, and the raised lip effectually the display help prevent impairment to your screen. Learn more about this case for some of the most popular phone models below.

The visitor offers many other cases, as well, of course, ranging from the ultra-thin Thin Fit and Air Armor models to articulate models like the Liquid Crystal and Ultra Hybrid. There'southward fifty-fifty an ultra-rugged case chosen the Tough Armor that features a built-in kickstand. It isn't the near rugged we've tested, but it'south good value for the price.

If we accept any criticism of Spigen cases, it's that they don't offer the best color options. Well-nigh cases are limited to blackness or gray colorways, and in that location aren't whatever options to customize them. Almost of the designs are decidedly masculine, likewise. If yous're looking for colorful or intricate designs, y'all'd best look elsewhere.

Otterbox is yet another giant in the telephone case infinite, and its specialty is heavy-duty cases. Otterbox cases are typically large, bulky, and might not exist the almost visually appealing, merely they'll certainly go along your phone protected during accidental bumps and drops.

This also means they're on the more expensive side, with prices ranging from $thirty to $lxx. But it might be worth getting an expensive case to make certain that your far more expensive smartphone stays undamaged for as long as possible. Thankfully, the company makes cases for all the leading brands, including Samsung, Apple, Google, Motorola, OnePlus, Huawei, and others.

Our favorite Otterbox example is the Defender series, which is thick and heavy with lots of layers of protection. It besides has covers for all buttons and ports to protect from dust and debris, as well as a built-in belt clip that doubles as a kickstand. Larn more about this case for the most pop phone models beneath.

Otterbox offers other cases as well, of course. The company's Commuter and Symmetry serial cases are a bit lighter weight and offer to a higher place-average protection for your phone. They're likewise available for a wider variety of phones, including midrange and entry-level devices via the Driver Lite serial.

Apart from its protective cases, the company also offers a folio-way wallet case called the Strada. There are few color or material options bachelor here, but it is a nice instance with a magnetic clasp and good drop protection. Cheque out the full range of Otterbox cases hither, or learn more in the article beneath.

Speck cases are a great option between the two instance brands above. They don't offer as much protection as Otterbox cases, but they're cheaper. They're not equally cheap every bit Spigen cases, merely they're more protective and have meliorate colour and blueprint options.

The company produces a variety of cases for all major flagships, merely support for midrange and entry-level phones is express. Prices range from $25 to $40, with the few entry-level cases the visitor offers a bit cheaper than flagship offerings.

Speck'due south almost popular example, and the one we'd recommend for about people, is the Presidio Grip. The name comes from the raised ridges on the back of the case, which aid with grip. It's available in various colors (including clear), and at that place's fifty-fifty a more than recent version called Presidio2 Grip, which has an anti-microbial coating. Acquire more than at the links beneath.

Speck also has excellent articulate cases on offering if you want to bear witness off the telephone's await with the Presidio Grip Clear and Presidio Stay Articulate. The Presidio Pro is another nifty choice with its slim profile still allowing for dual-layer protection and should exist able to handle a drop from up to ten feet. All recent versions of these cases also come with an anti-microbial coating.

For more recent mid-range releases, though, the Speck Exotech and Speck ImpactHero are the cases to go. Speck too offers cases for a few mid-rangers in the grade of the Presidio Lite, but these aren't always as practiced as their more than expensive counterparts.

Where Otterbox made a name for itself by offer rugged cases, Urban Armor Gear (UAG) takes that concept to the next level. Its most pop cases are very rugged and feature upward to 20 feet of drop protection and touch on resistance. Yet, some of its other options are likewise surprisingly lightweight and sparse enough to permit wireless charging and NFC payments.

They're not the cheapest, running anywhere from $thirty to $60 for almost cases, but they're a dandy choice for sporty or outdoorsy types. The only downside is that the visitor doesn't offer as many options as other case makers. Unless you have a flagship device from Samsung or Apple, coverage tin be hitting or miss.

The UAG case we'd recommend for most people is the Plasma, which features a nice balance of protection and convenience. Information technology isn't the almost rugged case UAG offers, but with 16 feet of drop protection and 2 layers of protection, you lot tin balance assured your telephone will stay safe in even the harshest of environments. Cheque it out for the near popular phone models below.

If you lot desire maximum protection, bank check out the UAG Monarch. Information technology's the virtually rugged case the visitor offers, and it is built to take a beating. The Pathfinder serial is a footstep below that, offering similar protection to the Plasma, but with a slightly different pattern.

On the lighter side of things, the Noncombatant, Plyo, and Lucent series cases are bang-up everyday choices, but they don't stand out equally much compared to competitors. The company as well makes the Outback series with completely biodegradable and compostable cases, which is a great pick for the environmentally-conscious consumer.

Ringke may not have a multifariousness of case types to choose from, but it remains a very popular choice for many users. The cases are swell, of course, but one of the reasons for the company'due south popularity is the large number of devices it supports and the low cost point its cases come in at.

Apart from the pop flagships, you'll notice Ringke cases for about mid-range and entry-level devices, and phones from the likes of Xiaomi, Poco, and OEMs that other instance makers don't comprehend. Ringke cases are available for a agglomeration of former phones also.

Ringke'due south most popular case, the Fusion-X, is also the nigh recognizable. Its slim polycarbonate back is combined with a thick TPU bumper that is not just unique-looking, simply offers excellent protection for the phone. The company has both slimmer and more than rugged options bachelor, but the Fusion-Ten is the usual go-to for Ringke cases. Check information technology out for the virtually popular devices below.

Ringke doesn't have too many other example types on hand, with the Ringke Slim and Fusion rounding out the list. The Fusion is substantially a slimmed-down version of the Fusion-10 without the distinctive TPU bumper, while the Slim is an ultra-thin and lightweight instance that may not suit the clumsy. The more durable Ringke Onyx fills that gap, and it'south elementary but comes in some nice colors.

The Ringke Fusion and Slim are the cases you'll get for phones that are more than than a couple of years onetime. The company besides makes specialized cases for the Galaxy Z Fold and other niche devices, but overall back up is more express than other phone example brands.

Poetic is some other well-known phone instance maker that offers a few types of cases, with rugged protection on offer with its popular options. There is some similarity between Poetic's cases and others on this listing, so they don't have too many standout features or capabilities.

That doesn't take away from the fact that they get the chore done and keep your phone safe. And at a cheaper price point besides. Most poetic cases are under $xx, and some options are bachelor for under $x.

Poetic's smartphone compatibility is pretty proficient also. Autonomously from the flagships, you'll find Poetic cases for a agglomeration of mid-rangers and older devices likewise.

As for which Poetic instance to buy, we recommend the Poetic Revolution. Information technology has armed services-grade drib protection, thanks to its two-function blueprint. The dorsum is a typical two-layer pattern with rugged bumpers, only the front panel has raised bevels and an integrated screen protector. It too has a built-in kickstand and is significantly cheaper than most rugged phone cases.

Apart from the Revolution, the Poetic Guardian and Spartan cases also offer great protection with a slightly different blueprint. The Guardian, in particular, offers a unique look, and both are typically available on the cheap. Yet, device support is limited, so you might be out of luck if you don't have one of the latest flagships.

Adjacent up is Incipio, which has been effectually for more than 2 decades. However, the company recently revamped its case lineup, and every bit part of that procedure, information technology pared back its offerings to just the latest Samsung and Apple devices. Even so, if y'all have a flagship device from either of those companies, Incipio makes some excellent cases.

The visitor'south best general-purpose case is the Incipio Grip, a relatively thin case with a distinctive grippy texture on the sides. Despite the somewhat spartan advent, you lot're too getting great driblet protection of upwards to fourteen anxiety. Information technology runs a little pricier than some alternatives, just if you've already spent the coin on a flagship, information technology's worth investing in a instance y'all like. Learn more about the Grip for your model at the links below.

Incipio has too recently buffed up its environmentally-friendly options with the Organicore line, fabricated entirely from found-based materials. The Organicore Clear is also the world'south first 100% compostable clear case. It still features textured grips effectually the rim of the telephone, simply the streamlined design is a step up from most clear TPU cases yous'll find from other manufacturers.

If y'all're looking for something a lilliputian more flashy, Incipio has too teamed up with designers like Kate Spade and Autobus to offer their signature looks in a thin hardshell instance. These cases aren't quite as protective (upwards to ten feet), only they are lightweight and add a touch of luxury to a device you'll be handling every single day of your life.

Supcase, short for Super Case, is all the same another phone case brand specializing in rugged, outdoorsy cases and accessories. Case in indicate: every telephone case the The states-based company sells has passed MIL-STD 810G certification. And unlike a lot of alternatives, it covers a wide variety of phone models and comes in at a toll that won't eat a pigsty through your wallet.

The company'due south signature lineup is named after the Unicorn Beetle (or UB for short), an exceptionally hardy type of rhinoceros beetle capable of surviving in the harshest of conditions. Supcase takes that inspiration to centre, with some UB cases surviving drops of upwardly to 50 feet.

Patently, your mileage may vary, and unless you're extremely lucky, yous should expect possible impairment at a tertiary that height. Which, for the record, is still incredible.

Past far, the most ubiquitous instance, and the one nosotros'd recommend for most people, is the UB Pro. Supcase produces this case for simply about every major phone on the market, and it has a lot going for information technology. The rugged design features hybrid protection, with a thick TPU bumper and a polycarbonate shell to preclude scratches. On flat-screen models, there's also an integrated screen protector for fifty-fifty greater protection. Acquire more at the links below.

Other Supcase cases, similar the UB Style, offer slightly less protection, but the clear design is much more subtle. The UB Exo is a overnice middle basis, with a clear finish and an integrated screen protector. However, neither of these options are bachelor for almost phone models.

In fact, outside of the iPhone lineup, Supcase mostly only offers the UB Pro. Information technology'due south a fine case, to be sure, but we promise the company expands its offerings in the future.

Caseology is technically a sub-brand of Spigen, and it'south 1 of the newest case brands to make a breakthrough in recent years. And for good reason. Different Supcase or Otterbox, which have a hyper-focus on rugged designs, Caseology seeks to offer fashionable cases with unique, centre-communicable designs.

That isn't to say that they can't take a chirapsia. All Caseology cases laissez passer MIL-STD 810G-516.seven certification, so you can remainder assured your phone will be rubber and secure. Even better, Caseology cases are remarkably affordable, typically coming in between $20 and $xxx.

Our favorite Caseology case is the Parallax, which has a striking textured pattern on the back. This dramatically improves grip and, combined with dual-layer hybrid protection, gives the case fantabulous impact resistance. The Parallax is i of Caseology'southward most ubiquitous cases, with more than 40 telephone models supported in several attractive colorways. Learn more below.

However, the Parallax isn't Caseology'due south simply stylish case, with the 2-tone Nano Pop providing a more subdued (merely all the same hit) selection. More than niche options like the clear case Skyfall and cardholder case Vault are also available, but availability is more express, and the designs themselves aren't every bit unique.

Notwithstanding, with the pedigree of Spigen backside it, Caseology cases are a great purchase for just about anyone. Like Spigen's main offerings, they hit that sweetness spot in pricing, also, making them an affordable and rubber choice.

Learn more: Caseology cases: A buyer'southward guide

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Other telephone example brands

At that place'due south no shortage of phone instance brands out at that place, but outside of the options above, few back up cases beyond the Apple and Samsung lineups. Here's a quick roundup of these niche case brands and what they might have to offer for you.

• First-party (Samsung, Apple, etc.): Some phone manufacturers also make cases, and often they're some of the all-time you can buy. Nevertheless, they tend to exist significantly more expensive than alternatives, especially for standard designs.
• Tudia: Tudia doesn't offer much in the way of variety, but its Merge instance is an affordable option for mid-range and upkeep devices. Strangely, the company does not brand cases for the latest flagship devices.
• Casely: If you want design options, Casely is incredible. It features hundreds of designs from real artists and designers, with three instance types to print them on. In that location's even a phone case subscription box. Yet, support is limited to Apple tree and Samsung devices.
• Pela Instance: Much similar Casely, Pela offers a wide variety of designs. Its cases are a bit pricey, just they're as well super soft and noticeably higher-quality than most. Information technology likewise supports a slightly wider range of devices, including Pixels and some Huawei devices.
• Moment: Moment is best known for its phone photographic camera accessories, only information technology makes some excellent cases to mountain them likewise, too.
• Nomad: Nomad's well-nigh unique cases are its leather offerings, including standard cases and folio-way wallet cases. They're beautiful cases, merely go along in mind that leather isn't the most durable textile.
• dbrand: dbrand fabricated a name for itself by selling phone skins, only information technology also offers a uncomplicated Grip case for the latest flagships. It isn't cheap, simply it has some unique features and interesting colorways.
• Case-Mate: Case-Mate is worth checking out if you want a simple, clear case with a more feminine design. Many cases are made with recycled or plant-based materials, too.
• Popsockets: Popsockets telephone grips have been pop for a while, but the company also makes highly customizable cases for them. The Otter + Pop Symmetry series is a articulation effort with Otterbox, 1 of the about trusted brands in phone cases.
• Smartish: Smartish is best known for its excellent Wallet Slayer card holder case, simply it also makes a few other wallet cases. Most, however, are limited to iPhones.
• Quad Lock: This visitor only makes 1 case, but it unlocks its ecosystem of mounts for bikes, motorcycles, running, and more. It also makes water-resistant ponchos for rainy days.
• Rokform: Rokform also offers rugged cases that work with an ecosystem of Roklock mounts. They too feature magnets, meaning they're also compatible with MagSafe accessories.
• Lifeproof: Lifeproof's signature FRĒ and NÜÜD series cases are some of the few genuinely waterproof cases out in that location. They're expensive, but you get what you pay for.
• Catalyst: Goad also offers waterproof cases, some of which are capable of upwards to x meters of depth. However, cases are pricey and limited to just Apple devices.
• Casetify: Casetify is a leading brand for custom cases. Designs are limited to iPhones and Samsung devices, simply you tin choose custom text, colors, and more for well-nigh every instance.

What brand of case practice you currently use?

556 votes

Frequently asked questions

Below are some of the questions we get asked most frequently by folks looking to purchase a new phone case, or but learning how to best maintain or make clean their existing cases.

Q: Do I need a waterproof example?
A: Honestly, it depends on your use case. Many of today'southward phones already accept bones water resistance. That said, these devices have limits to how much water exposure they can go through before the seals commencement to weaken. If you lot want the best waterproof protection, we highly recommend getting a waterproof pouch case instead.

Q: How long will my phone case last?
A: Many manufacturers offer one or fifty-fifty ii-year warranties on their cases. How long your case lasts volition depend on what information technology's made of and how well you take care of it. Generally, expect leather cases and cases with printed designs to vesture faster than alternatives.

Q: What does MIL-STD 810G-516.half-dozen mean?
A: Substantially, this means the case meets armed services standards for drop tests, based on publicly available MIL-STD-810G documentation. For more than details on the standard and what it all means, you'll want to check out our guide.

Q: H ow do I clean and disinfect a phone case?
A: There are various ways to disinfect and make clean a phone, including using special wipes or a microfiber material. For more than specifics, check out our guide to properly cleaning your phone.

Q: How do I clean a clear phone case that is turning xanthous?
A: Over fourth dimension, articulate cases sometimes become a fleck of a xanthous tint. Thankfully, cleaning them isn't difficult. Y'all'll want to utilize a mixture of warm h2o and a drop or 2 of dish lather. From there, you'll apply a toothbrush to scrub the solution over the case. Be certain to let it air dry out for a few hours before putting it back on. Keep in mind that if the case is very worn, the procedure might not make much divergence.

Q: How practice you get pasty residue off a phone case?
A: If you're the kind that likes to decorate your instance with stickers, you might find that removing them leaves a pasty residue backside. Thankfully you can hands remove the rest past dipping a cotton ball in nail polish remover. But be certain to have some lightly soapy water after and rinse off any traces of the polish, so information technology doesn't damage the case. Too, be warned that this can damage printed designs on some cases.

Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/best-phone-case-brands-746904/

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