What Type of Phone Case Protects Best? TPU, Polycarbonate

There are many phone case stores online, such as Amazon, TORRAS website, eBay, etc. However, do you know which phone case is best before buying? Come, learn about mobile phone cases to prevent being deceived.

This article tells 9 material phone case protects that help you make the right decision.

History of Phone Cases

The history of phone cases is closely linked to the evolution of mobile phones. In the 1980s, early mobile phones like the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X were large and cumbersome, and basic carrying bags made of leather or fabric were used for protection and transport.

The 2000s, especially after the release of the iPhone in 2007, marked a significant shift in phone case design. Modern materials like silicone, TPU, and hard plastic became common, focusing on both protection and aesthetics.

The 2010s saw the rise of rugged cases from brands like OtterBox and LifeProof, offering superior protection for active users, along with customizable and eco-friendly designs gaining popularity.

Today, phone cases not only provide protection and style. Brands like TORRAS are beginning to use sustainable, anti-oxidation, and drop-resistant materials to protect the phone. With the development of new technologies, our phone cases also support wireless charging. In 2024, it is expected that there will be a new wave of fashion.

9 Type of Phone Case Materials

Phone cases come in a variety of materials, each offering different levels of protection, style, and functionality. Here are 10 common types of phone case materials:

Silicone: Flexible and soft, silicone cases provide good shock absorption and a comfortable grip. They're also affordable and easy to clean but may attract lint and dust.
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): TPU cases are flexible yet more rigid than silicone, offering a balance between protection and durability. They're resistant to oil, grease, and abrasion.
Polycarbonate (PC): Hard and durable, polycarbonate cases offer strong protection against impacts and scratches. They can be transparent or come in various colors and designs.
Leather: Leather cases offer a premium feel and stylish look. They can be genuine or synthetic leather, providing moderate protection while adding a touch of elegance. Genuine leather cases tend to age gracefully.
Metal: Metal cases, often made of aluminum or steel, provide excellent protection and a sleek look. However, they can be heavy and may interfere with wireless charging and signal reception.
Carbon Fiber: Lightweight and extremely durable, carbon fiber cases offer high-end protection with a modern, sleek design. They are often more expensive and provide excellent impact resistance.
Hybrid: Hybrid cases combine materials, such as a TPU bumper with a polycarbonate back, to provide enhanced protection and style. They aim to balance flexibility, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Fabric: Fabric cases offer a unique texture and aesthetic. They provide decent protection and a comfortable grip but can be prone to staining and wear over time.
Gel: Similar to silicone, gel cases are soft and flexible, offering good grip and basic protection. They are lightweight and affordable.

Each material has its own advantages and drawbacks, so the best choice depends on individual needs and preferences, such as the level of protection, style, weight, and additional features like wireless charging compatibility.

What Are Difference Between Them? Which One Is Best

Different types of materials have their advantages and disadvantages. I have compiled some material comparison topics that everyone is more concerned about, hoping to help you understand them more deeply.

TPU Material vs Silicone

Protection： TPU is Better than silicone for impact resistance and scratch resistance. And it can maintain a clean appearance longer. The silicone has the same shock absorption as TPU but is more prone to attracting dust and lint. It will appear dirty over time.
Durability： TPU is better than silicone for maintaining shape and resisting deformation. More rigid and durable, less likely to stretch out or become loose over time. Silicone is very flexible and easy to put on and remove but can stretch and tear with prolonged use or excessive force.
Touch Feeling： Silicone is better for comfort and grip. Softer and more pliable, providing a comfortable and secure grip with a slightly tacky surface to prevent slipping.

The better choice is TPU. Provides a firmer, more solid grip with a smooth or slightly textured surface. And firmer than silicone

Additional Characteristics：TPU is Better for withstanding higher temperatures, available in a wide range of colors including transparent options. However, silicone is sensitive to extreme temperatures. Offers vibrant colors and designs but is typically not transparent and can attract dust.

By comparison, you will find that TPU material does meet people's needs in all aspects and is also the most popular mobile phone case material in 2024.

Silicone vs Plastic Phone Case

The above clip has briefly introduced the material advantages of silicone, such as its good shock absorption performance, soft material, and good resistance to scratches, etc.

So what about compared to plastic materials?

First, plastic is cheaper than silicone and comes in a variety of shapes and styles, but it offers weak impact protection compared to silicone and can crack or chip when hit hard. Of course, it won't if it's made of Polycarbonate material.

In addition, plastic materials are certainly not as comfortable to the touch as silicone materials, and plastic surfaces are usually smooth and easy to slip off.

Plastic shells may deform or soften in high-temperature environments. Over time, plastic shells may also be easily oxidized by air and turn yellow.

In summary, silicone is more popular than plastic.

Polycarbonate vs TPU

Protection: Polycarbonate offers superior scratch resistance and rigidity, making it excellent for impact protection. TPU provides excellent shock absorption and flexibility, making it ideal for absorbing impacts without cracking.
Durability: Polycarbonate is very durable but can be brittle under extreme stress. TPU is flexible and resilient, maintaining its shape and durability over time.
Feel: Polycarbonate cases are smooth and hard, offering a sleek feel but can be slippery. TPU cases provide a more comfortable and secure grip with a rubber-like texture.
Additional Characteristics: Polycarbonate cases are great for detailed designs and come in a wide range of colors, including transparent options. TPU cases are versatile, with good heat resistance and flexibility, often used in hybrid designs.

Just choose according to your preference.

Polycarbonate Vs Silicone

Polycarbonate phone cases offer superior impact and scratch resistance thanks to their rigid structure. They are highly durable, maintaining their shape well, but can be prone to cracking under significant stress. These cases provide a sleek and solid feel, with a variety of design options including transparent and detailed prints.

Silicone phone cases provide excellent shock absorption due to their soft and flexible nature, offering solid protection against minor drops. They deliver a comfortable and secure grip but can attract dust and lint. Silicone cases are very flexible, which can lead to stretching over time, and are more sensitive to extreme temperatures.

Polycarbonate cases are smooth and hard, which can be slippery, while silicone cases are soft and tacky, providing better grip. Polycarbonate is ideal for those seeking a durable, rigid case with good scratch resistance, whereas silicone is better for those who prioritize a comfortable grip and shock absorption.

In summary, choose polycarbonate for its rigidity and scratch resistance, and silicone for its comfort and flexibility. Each material caters to different preferences and needs.

How to Protect Your Phone from Damage?

Following these steps to protect your phone:

Use a Protective Case: Invest in a shock-absorbing or hard case to safeguard your phone from drops and impacts.
Apply a Screen Protector: Use a tempered glass or plastic film screen protector to prevent scratches and minimize the risk of screen damage.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Keep your phone away from direct sunlight, heaters, and freezing temperatures to protect the battery and internal components.
Handle with Care: Hold your phone securely, use both hands when necessary, and be mindful of where you place it to avoid accidental drops.
Be Mindful of Water and Dust: Use a waterproof case if you’re frequently around water and keep your phone away from dusty environments.
Regular Maintenance: Clean your phone regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth and inspect it for signs of wear or damage, replacing protective accessories as needed.
Use Caution with Charging: Use manufacturer-approved chargers, avoid overcharging, and unplug your phone once it’s fully charged to prevent battery degradation.
Safe Storage: Store your phone in secure locations where it won’t be knocked over or sat on, and use protective pouches or sleeves when carrying it in a bag or pocket.

TORRAS Is Be Your Best Partner

Having said so much, the only point I want to convey is that buying a good mobile phone case to protect your mobile phone is the first choice. Among many brands, TORRAS is the most trustworthy.We mainly sell three products:

Spin

All-in-One Design: Combines magnets, a 360° spin kickstand, a ring holder, and military-grade protection.
360° Spin Stand: Offers flexible angles and has passed 30,000 open/close tests for durability.
Versatile Kickstand: Functions as a stand, charging support, and ring holder, suitable for both vertical and horizontal orientations.
18N Magnetic Force: Utilizes Halbach technology for a magnetic force 40% stronger than official cases, ensuring secure attachment to mounts.
Military-Grade Protection: Provides 12FT drop protection, absorbs 98% of impact force, with raised edges for camera and screen protection.

Park

The mobile phone holder supports 360° rotation, and users can adjust the optimal angle when playing the phone.
Powerful magnets can ensure that the phone does not fall off.
100% compatible with all MagSafe accessories.
The mobile phone holder is extremely durable and can withstand more than 30,000 folding tests.
SGS and RoHS certified, 360° all-round air cushion, impact-resistant X-Shock technology.
Made of Polyester, Polypropylene, Silicone, Carbon Fiber, Plastic, Rubber, and Thermoplastic Polyurethane, it has a soft touch and is extremely wear-resistant and anti-fall.

Smart Screen Protector

We use ruggedized CSG glass found in military applications, providing tougher than 9H and up to 4 times stronger than ordinary glass.
We use EdgeForce technology to provide greater durability, enhanced privacy protection, and an improved visual experience.
This protector is customized for the iPhone 15 Pro Max and is guaranteed to fit its curved edges without any edge gaps.
With X-Silk technology, you are guaranteed to reduce fingerprints by up to 95% in daily use.
Simple installation: just two steps to press and tear to complete the installation.

Guardian Magsafe

Use a Halbach magnet array that holds 38 N52 magnets to ensure that your phone will not fall out at all while charging.
Supports dual use of cell phones and charging, providing multiple viewing angles while allowing you to wirelessly charge your phone without interruption.
Dual protection, the built-in stand protects the camera from scratches with an inner ring of TPU when open. Close it, aircraft grade aluminum provides 2.0MM raised edges and dual drop and abrasion protection.
Slim and easy to carry. The hidden mount is very slim and also rubberized edges with a recessed grip texture that combines function with practicality.
Matte frosted exterior provides 40% transparency, which not only prevents dust accumulation but also looks very stylish and meets the favorites of business high-end people.

In addition, our best-selling products are the 15 iPhone cases and 14 iPhone cases in various sizes, such as the Apple series (Pro, Pro Max, and Ordinary), and the Apple 15 series (Pro, Pro Max, and Ordinary).

Welcome to buy and enjoy discounts.

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