Which material for the case is the most protective?

[hajime]

Hello. Cases are made of different materials. For example, hard plastic, soft plastic, rubber, metal, soft jacket & metal outer casing like the Almor Jacket from Capdase, etc. Based on your experience, how do you rank the materials from the most protective to the least? Thanks.

 

[jj48]

Hello. Cases are made of different materials. For example, hard plastic, soft plastic, rubber, metal, soft jacket & metal outer casing like the Almor Jacket from Capdase, etc. Based on your experience, how do you rank the materials from the most protective to the least? Thanks.

Of all the iPhones and all the cases I've had the one that stayed in the best condition is the one I never used a case with. However I found hard plastic to be especially poor with my 3G/3GS, the story may be different with the 4/4S factor but I haven't tried one personally. I also find that rubber doesn't last that long. I personally think the pouch or leather cases offer quite good protection.

 

[charlesdayton]

From my experience from most protective to less:

1. Hybrid hard shell with silicone or TPU interior. Best at shock absorption.
2. TPU Flexible like silicone but harder.
3. Silicone. And other rubber cases.
4. Hard plastic: Transmits shock directly
5. Aluminum: Similar to plastic in terms of shock protection.


As for Scratch resistance:

1.Silicone
2. TPU
3. Aluminum
4. Plastic

 

[hajime]

From my experience from most protective to less:

1. Hybrid hard shell with silicone or TPU interior. Best at shock absorption.
2. TPU Flexible like silicone but harder.
3. Silicone. And other rubber cases.
4. Hard plastic: Transmits shock directly
5. Aluminum: Similar to plastic in terms of shock protection.


As for Scratch resistance:

1.Silicone
2. TPU
3. Aluminum
4. Plastic

Thanks. Do aluminum/metal cases affect the phone reception and the compass?

 

[chewes]

Well the lifeproof iPhone 4/4s case is thin, waterproof, and one of the most protectives cases while looking good. I wonder what it's made out of.

 

[Ray-]

Well the lifeproof iPhone 4/4s case is thin, waterproof, and one of the most protectives cases while looking good. I wonder what it's made out of.

Lifeproof uses 2 main materials. The outside is a softer rubber that gives away and squelches when dropped, and then there's a rigid polycarb inner frame.

Them and otterbox are good if you plan on (well I guess no one "plans" on) dropping your phone a lot. But no matter what case you use, if you drop the phone enough, and even if there's no surface damage, there's certainly going to be vibration dmg and eventually you'll find that you dropped it one time too many..!

 

[charlesdayton]

Thanks. Do aluminum/metal cases affect the phone reception and the compass?

Yes they do. Some less than others.