You’ll need at least $1000 to obtain the newest smartphone, but it’s worth it. A smartphone is an investment in your social life, administrative keep-up, and general happiness. We are all attached to our mobiles, so protecting our devices against falls, scratches, cracks, and dents is of the utmost importance.
Sure, you could pay out on insurance to protect you, but you could be looking at around $200 a year. And often, you’ll still have to pay out if the damage was nobody’s fault other than your own. Another option is to choose the right accessories first, thinking about prevention rather than reaction.
Plastic Isn’t All Bad All of the Time
Phone cases consist of various materials. We’ve got hard plastics, silicones, rubber, and even leather cases. So, which is best?
Phone case manufacturers produce cases to fit both Apple and Samsung devices. The predominant material in many phone cases is plastic. However, companies like Casely have created their products using 50% recycled TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane).
Studies regarding the recycling of TPU have increased as more interest focuses on sustainability, which has proven that this source is of economic and ecological benefit.
E-waste is a hot topic at the moment, but what other pros can we see from cases such as the above?
- Durability. Plastic is the most prevalent material in cases for this exact reason.
- Maintenance. Plastic is easily wiped down and can look new in no time.
- Diversity. No matter your style, plastic cases come in a plethora of options.
Silicone Vs. Plastic Myths Debunked
If you’ve ever considered the difference between these two prevalent phone case materials, you know there is a great deal to consider. The biggest argument is which material better absorbs shock.
Because of its unique properties, silicone is usually the better material for shock absorption. This manufactured material has elastic, rubber-like attributes. So, if we imagine the dreaded time you drop your mobile on the concrete, a silicone case would indeed cushion the impact. However, the vibrations from the shock will move through the phone, which could cause problems too, leaving us with a less than perfect alternative.
Surprisingly, plastic as an alternative may be a more sustainable choice. If we were comparing silicone to single-use plastic materials, it’s fair to say silicone would win the battle, but recycled TPU is edging this one. Silicone is still a form of plastic, so no matter the perspective you take, it is a choice between fossil fuel derivatives. It also has a very low recyclability rate, often ending in landfills.
Taking a Stake
It’s not an easy task to know which option is best. Some people refuse to use a phone case as they want to show off their expensive tech. Fair reasoning, but any smartphone will look rough and beaten if left in the elements. Most of us live busy lives, and our beloved mobiles can get forgotten, hence the importance of prevention.