Is a Hard or Soft Phone Case Better?
25 Aug 2021The ongoing mental battle in deciding which is better for your phone ends here. Because each phone case has its unique advantages, we will take a closer look at them in comparison.
Factors like how it looks, feels, and the safety aspect of the phone cases will be taken into account. In this article, we’ll tell you which is best: hard phone cases or soft phone cases?
Hard Phone Cases versus Soft Phone Cases
Hard Phone Case |
Soft Phone Case |
Polycarbonate (PC) |
Silicone/ leather |
Solid and firm |
Soft satisfying touch |
Chip and scratch easily |
Flexible |
Environmental damage long-lasting |
Kinder to the environment |
Assorted styles |
Mostly restricted to solid colors |
Bulky |
Skin |
Performance
The PC material used to make the hardcovers is so hard-wearing it lasts a lifetime. But this does not mean that the cover cannot break.
Dependent on the thickness, the plastic hardcovers are prone to chip when falling. They can scratch quite easily as well leaving it looking a bit tacky after a while.
We understand that the intention of the bulky hard plastic cover is to allow for maximum protection. But this could make it annoyingly uncomfortable in your pocket, especially if you don’t have a bag or another means to carry your phone.
Soft covers usually take the form of a phone which keeps the natural shape. This allows you to comfortably grasp and control the device.
In addition to that, the texture, especially silicone, also allows for better grip in your hand and your jeans pocket. This prevents unnecessary falls.
Though a soft case can protect your device from short drops, there is a conspicuous performance difference between the hard and soft case. The tough hard plastic has better impact resistance than the soft case.
Personal Style
If you asking what type of phone case should I get. Differentiating between the two is important because just as the phone cases are unique, so are individuals.
A tradesman may want a durable phone case, especially when working onsite. So that they have full protection in their rugged working environment. But an attorney for example may want to pick the best slim phone case so that it’s not visible under a suit.
The phone case you choose needs to suit your personality and your lifestyle. Thankfully, finding the best phone cases is easier than ever in today’s world due to online shopping.
Warranty
Because plastic is more hardwearing, the warranty lifespan of soft cases if any at all, would more than likely be a maximum of 6 months.
The hard plastic cover might have a warranty of approximately 12 to 18 months depending on the brand.
Hard or Soft?
So what phone case is the most protective? Well through a process of elimination, the two phone cases are almost equivalent in offering protection for your device. But the long-standing plastic hard case still takes the lead.
This protective material has lived up to taking its role as a lifesaver very seriously. Literally taking the brand of the fall.
Hard Phone Case
What we like about hard phone cases is their durability. If looked after, it will last much longer than its silicone competitor which defines value for money.
Hard plastic phone covers are known to come in an array of different styles and can be customized to individual preferences. This alone is a great personalized gift idea for family and friends or even clients.
What we don’t like is that it can be quite bulky and scratch easily. Also that the texture is so smooth it can slip out of your hand.
Though they aren’t as environmentally friendly up-front, their durability means that you won’t have to replace them as quickly. This means that not as many harmful resources are used in making them.
Pros
- Light
- Cost-effective
- Variety of styles
- Good insulation
Cons
- Slippery
- Not as environmentally friendly
Soft Phone Cases
What we like about soft phone cases is that it’s kinder to the environment than plastic when discarded. When silicone for example is burned the fumes are not as harmful.
Natural leather phone cases are also biodegradable so it will disintegrate leaving our planet unharmed.
We also like that the soft cases are easier to put onto your phone. It can effortlessly slip over the phone and has sufficient buttonholes so that it can be accessed readily.
What we don’t like is that the soft cases may need to be replaced more frequently than the hard plastic cases. The reason for this is that they can stain quickly and the skins can stretch.
This can sometimes cancel out their slight advantage on the environmentally friendly front.
Pros
- Snug fit
- Satisfying soft touch
- Full coverage
- Side buttons are easy to feel and press
Cons
- Do not effectively absorb shock
- Stain easily
Hard Plastic Phone Cases and Soft Phone Cases (FAQ)
Is it better to get a silicone or hard case?
Hard plastic phone cases are better because they are made up of polycarbonate which is strong. This results in it lasting a really long time. It can confidently take impact and best of all, this material is affordable.
Silicone is soft and can easily wear out. It is also not great on impact, only allowing for shorter falls.
What type of case is best for a phone?
Hard plastic is considered to be the best protective cover for a phone case. The polycarbonate plastic used to make it is the best plastic to use for phone cases. It’s tough and lasting and protects your phone from unwanted scratches.
What is the difference between a soft and a hard phone case?
Although there are a variety of differences between the soft and hard phone case, the obvious would be that the soft is more flexible compared to the hard.
This plastic won't tear or stretch like silicone. In that lies the evidence that the hard cases are more durable.
This combined with the fact that it has more protective advantages than silicone is what makes hard cases better overall.
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