Which case is better - silicone or plastic?

The first thing an owner worries about if they drop their phone is the integrity of the screen. You are lucky if after falling on the asphalt there is not a scratch left on it. But what about internal elements such as motherboard, memory?

Can a blow cause irreparable damage to them, which will immediately affect the entire operation of the device? Or will a metal case with a case provide sufficient protection?

What's wrong with the smartphone screen?

The screen is the most delicate part of a smartphone. It is for this reason that engineers put so much effort into the design of Gorilla Glass and Dragon Glass.

Today, almost all smartphones, even those in the budget category, are equipped with extremely durable glass. In addition, bulletproof glass can be additionally installed on the screen, which will serve as additional protection against cracks.

But even if you picked up the phone from the asphalt and saw that the screen remained intact, do not rush to rejoice.

Everything is intact on the outside, but what's inside?

The impact can also damage the internal elements of the smartphone. A fall can have serious consequences, primarily for the camera module.

Another thing is that damage does not necessarily manifest itself in the first minutes after the impact. Perhaps only after a few days or even weeks, due to damaged soldering, the phone will begin to generate errors, work slower than usual, or even reboot on its own. By this point, you may forget about the fall that happened.

Angle of incidence

It should be noted that the consequences of the impact depend on the angle of impact of the smartphone. If the device is dropped face down, then in addition to visible cracks on the glass and problems with the touchpad, you can detect a malfunction in the front camera or proximity sensor.

If the blow hits the back, you may suffer

• motherboard,
• rear camera or
• flash.

Other problems

As for other violations, due to loss of contact with the antenna, the smartphone may stop picking up the network and Wi-Fi.

Also, if the phone falls quite often, the solder on the board may fall off, and then there will be problems with the headphone or charging jack.

There may be problems with the on-screen keyboard. For example, when you press a certain button, another character is printed - the one that is located above the pressed button. To print the desired letter, you will have to press the button located below.

All these problems can be diagnosed by employees. Therefore, the question “what to do if you dropped your phone” can be answered like this:

If your phone has suffered a serious fall, it would be a good idea to play it safe and take it to a service center for diagnostics.

If possible, before returning the phone to the service center, you need to save all data (photos, videos, contacts, correspondence, etc.) to a computer, SD memory card or to the cloud. There is a high probability that after diagnosis this data may be irretrievably lost.

From practice

A Nokia folding phone fell onto the stairs. It will be even harsher than asphalt. It literally fell apart: the battery is separate, the lower part is separate, the upper part is separate and the SIM card is next to it. I thought that the phone would no longer work. I collected everything together and connected it. It still works, oddly enough, for many years. And the battery remains the same in this clamshell. In fact, the Nokia advertisement worked. But the phone is simple, without any frills, perhaps simplicity gives additional reliability in such cases.

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It is very unpleasant when your smartphone slips out of your hands. Modern devices with large glass screens rarely survive a fall on a hard floor without consequences. Of course, you can buy a smartphone with a high degree of protection and a durable body, but it will look much less elegant than thin and fragile phablets. However, it seems that there is still an opportunity to keep the glass of a smartphone intact when dropped from any height.

Engineering student Philip Frenzel from Ahlen University in Germany has patented a protective case with an unusual design. According to him, the idea came to him after he broke his new iPhone, which fell out of his jacket pocket. The invention took four years to develop and is assembled from 3D printed parts. The resulting cover is a kind of mechanical airbag.

The case is equipped with sensors that are triggered when it is in a state of free fall. At their signal, metal springs extend from its four edges, softening the blow. No matter which side the gadget falls on, it will not receive damage.

After the mechanism is activated and the smartphone has successfully landed, all you have to do is pick it up and put the springs back inside the case. Rubber linings on the shock absorbers further soften the impact and, in addition, protect you from cuts. It's funny, but this is not the first such device: Amazon developed its own protective case with a similar operating principle back in 2012 and received a patent for it. True, Amazon's brainchild never came to life.

Frenzel has already created a logo for his design and even printed several T-shirts with it. Fundraising on Kickstarter, according to the creator of the case, will begin in the near future.

Accidental impacts, falls, liquid ingress, or pressure from solid objects on the screen usually lead to damage to the touch display. If you are not very knowledgeable about how your device works, the best option is mobile phone repair. Our technicians will quickly replace or repair the damaged part.

Consequences of falling phone

After a slight drop, the trace in the middle of the board may break. In this case, the entire phone board must be replaced. All that remains from the old device is the body, screen, cables and speakers with microphones. The cost is comparable to buying a new phone. It is very difficult to identify such a breakdown by external signs.

A fall may damage the chips inside the phone. There are quite a lot of them - processor, power controllers, radio switches, etc. The main problem is to find which microcircuit is affected. To fix the problem, you need to warm up the phone or unsolder the chip, and then solder it again. After such manipulations, the mobile device may permanently fail. However, high-quality repairs of Nokia and other brands minimize such risks.

If your device has been dropped, first of all, look to see if any cracks have appeared on the screen and body. You also need to make sure whether the phone turns on and whether it sees the SIM card. Check the functionality of the buttons, audibility, and the presence of a speakerphone. Don't forget about the camera, side keys, flash card and charger. After a fall, the phone needs to be checked very carefully so that nothing is overlooked. If everything is fine and no defects appear after a couple of days, everything works out fine. Otherwise, you will have to contact a phone repair shop.

How to protect your phone from falls

To avoid unpleasant consequences that arise from dropping your phone, be sure to buy a good case. It is desirable that it be closed, in which case maximum protection of the device from damage is guaranteed. Check the quality of the lace - the fastening should be reliable, and the lace itself should be intact. Do not place your device where it could fall. Don't give cell phones to small children unless you want to pay for iPhone repairs. A protective film on the screen will protect against scratches that inevitably occur when the device is dropped. If you follow these simple rules, your phone will be protected from any external influences.

Imagine this situation: you are talking on the phone at a bus stop, and then a passer-by accidentally brushes your shoulder, causing the phone to fly onto the asphalt and receive further damage, or even break. Not the best deal? Now imagine that you decide to throw your smartphone along with the keys to your apartment in one pocket, and then you discover new scratches on the “back” and “sides”. Few people will be happy with such “surprises,” so let’s try to protect ourselves from such disastrous outcomes. This article will help you reliably protect your device with the help of special accessories. Let's figure it out: which case is better - silicone or plastic?

Choosing the best model - basic criteria and characteristics

Any owner of a modern smartphone often puzzles himself with the question of which case is better - plastic or silicone? Let's try to understand what their differences are, and which case is still better to choose to protect your mobile device.

The case should have a list of useful properties:

• Protecting your smartphone from mechanical influences;
• Complete exclusion of contamination;
• Reliable phone screen protection;
• Providing easy access to control buttons and connectors;
• Design.

Protection

Cases made of both plastic and silicone provide excellent protection, as they perfectly absorb and soften shocks, while reliably protecting the display of your mobile device.

What is more resistant to mechanical damage?

• Plastic is stronger and tougher than silicone. It is not prone to cracks and tolerates temperature effects well. Plastic tolerates paint well and holds it for a long time. Cases made of this material fit perfectly in the hand, practically without increasing the size of the device. The soft coating will prevent the smartphone from sliding inside the case, which will save it from scratches and abrasions.
• Silicone is a soft and flexible material. Cases made of this material are easy to put on your smartphone and do not scratch the surface. Such covers do not tear, do not fade, and withstand even greater temperature changes compared to plastic. The phone inside will not slide.

Important! If you tried to stick the film on the screen yourself and it didn’t work out very well, use our tips.

Design

The thickness of the cover can be determined based on individual preferences. It is not difficult to find ultra-thin plastic and silicone cases on the market, made in a large number of variations:

• It’s not difficult to decorate plastic covers with anything.
• The design and color options for silicone cases are less extensive.

Important! Based on the properties of the material, it can be understood that silicone cases are slightly inferior to plastic ones in strength, durability and design solutions. But still, when choosing, it is better to rely on individual preferences.

Have you decided yet? There's no need to rush. You need to know absolutely all the advantages and disadvantages in order to make the most intelligent choice about which case is better - silicone or plastic.

Silicone cases

They are made of impact-resistant material that absorbs drops and protects the insides and outer casing of the smartphone from mechanical damage.

Advantages:

• Budgeting. Models made from this material are very popular due to their low price. No one forbids you to buy several different shells and change them at least every day, because this will not hit your pocket so hard.
• Silicone perfectly protects the device from shock.
• Great selection. You can find an overlay with almost any image or order a model with your own image.
• Environmental friendliness. Before production, hundreds of raw materials are tested for toxicity and safety.

Flaws:

• Sometimes they tend to stretch and deform.
• Such cases will not protect the screen itself.
• The tenacity of the material will make it difficult to remove the phone from your pocket.

Important! If you have chosen a transparent version of the protective case, you first need to put your gadget in order. We will show you some simple ways...

Plastic case

Polycarbonate has good resistance to impacts, premature wear and scratches. Cases are often made in a wide variety of shapes, which adds “interest” to the design. Let's consider other properties to understand which case is better - silicone or plastic.

Advantages:

• Variety of design styles. A huge selection of different cases with interesting designs and brands.
• Scratches are not a problem for this material. Sharp objects will not damage the back panel and side walls of the phone.
• Reasonable price. The ratio of quality and price makes such pads a desirable purchase.
• Operation. They are easy to use because they have all the necessary holes and do not interfere with the functionality of the mobile device. Does not require the purchase of expensive care products.

Flaws:

• Mediocre fall protection. The plastic shell itself can crack if dropped, without protecting your device.
• Does not provide full screen protection.
• Makes the phone bulky.

TPU silicone is something new

The abbreviation “TPU” in the name of a silicone model means that this is a case made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

This material combines the best properties of silicone and plastic:

• The high strength of the material of the protective cover eliminates the risk of acquiring new abrasions and scratches.
• It is indifferent to the sharpest temperature changes and does not fade when exposed to sunlight.
• Cases made of TPU silicone are resistant to any kind of deformation and fit onto the device without any problems. This cover can last at least 5 years.
• The phone will not end badly due to the damping properties of the material.
• Does not accumulate dust.

Important! If you often listen to music or online books on the go, lead a healthy lifestyle and run, you need a good headset. On the pages of our portal you will find practical advice on how to...

It is impossible to choose the best option

Which is better - a silicone case or a plastic one? It cannot be denied that plastic and silicone cases have their pros and cons, which we discussed above. It is impossible to objectively say that plastic is better than silicone, or vice versa. But to ensure that your gadget has a design that pleases you, even the simplest model can be decorated. Find out

Unfortunately, a smartphone cannot be absolutely protected unless it is equipped with a high-quality protective accessory. It is very important to purchase a high-quality case for it that can protect the device and make it truly durable and long-lasting. But which case can save your device from any fall? It's important to figure it out.

Which protective accessory should you choose?

It’s worth thinking about how exactly you need to protect your device. To do this, you need to decide where and how exactly the smartphone will be used in the future. If its owner does nothing other than sedentary work or study, then you should not take a super-armored accessory. It will be enough to take any more or less decent case and wear it.

But if it is assumed that the device will be used in extreme conditions, if its owner is engaged in active activities and often moves around the city, then there is no better device for it.

Such an accessory can protect the device in almost any situation. But only if you choose and use it correctly. And this is a very important point that cannot be ignored.

It is important to remember that most manufacturers focus on protective production. Similar models are also rarer. But they are not as comfortable as overlays. And, for example, a bumper or pocket should not be considered as shockproof at all - they are not capable of providing enough protection.

Why is a shockproof smartphone case ideal?

Unfortunately, any smartphone is very susceptible to damage from impacts or falls. Because the more complex the device, the easier it is to damage it. And if you don’t give your device enough protection, then at the first accident it may split or crack. There are too many electronic components, from the display to the motherboard, that can be damaged if dropped.

Why then can’t you buy a regular protective accessory for your phone and not worry? After all, the shockproof case, it would seem, is no different in appearance from its ordinary counterparts. But this is a very common misconception that has cost many phone owners their gadget. It is worth understanding in more detail what is the reason for such a difference between seemingly similar models.

Can a shockproof case really protect your device?

It would seem that this kind of accessories does not have any features that can become a panacea for saving the device. What is this - a simple and effective move by marketers to attract the attention of the end consumer. But no. This accessory has too many features that cannot be found in ordinary cases.

It is important to remember that among shockproof cases there may be such only in words. But the care and common sense of the buyer himself is important here. Naturally, the thin one with the inscription “super durable” is not so. Perhaps he himself will not be damaged if he falls. But this will not make things any easier for the phone. But a reinforced one can become reliable protection.

Design differences and characteristics

As a rule, such accessories are noticeably different from all others precisely in their “filling,” so to speak, and not in their appearance. During production, some features of these protective covers are always implemented:

1. Thicker layer of material. This will absorb the resulting impact energy so that it practically does not reach the smartphone.
2. Special technologies. For example, a special geometry of the cover is used or its material is additionally processed (foamed).
3. Thickenings in particularly vulnerable places. All shockproof cases feature two design features: reinforced corners of the smartphone and edges around the display. They are designed to strengthen the obviously weak parts of smartphones.
4. Protection of buttons and connectors. Most more or less decent protective accessories have special inserts that act as buttons. Naturally, the original ones are hidden under them. Also, many models can provide protection of connectors from dust and dirt using special plugs.
5. Sometimes there is additional protective glass. This is both a plus and a minus. As a rule, thicker and more reliable glass is built into the case. But if it breaks, the entire accessory will have to be replaced.

These and many other features that shockproof phone cases have may vary depending on the manufacturer. However, the essence is always the same - complete and total protection of the device inside the case. Sometimes at the expense of small size and style. Don't expect the shockproof case to be small. Thickness is the main pillar of its reliability.

Benefits of a shockproof accessory

Such cases have many advantages compared to conventional protective ones. What are the serious differences that make these models especially durable?

1. Special materials. As a rule, such smartphone accessories use particularly durable raw materials. The most common use is or. However, today specially prepared plastic or is often used.
2. Reinforced design. Manufacturers are concerned precisely with the quality of protection. Therefore, additional stiffening ribs and special thickenings are often added to the design.
3. Safety margin. Some protective accessories are made so durable that the device can survive even a very strong fall.

However, here everything will depend not so much on the reliability of the accessory. Unfortunately, even armored devices can break. Fall protection will not be perfect in any case. And it's important to remember this. Even if you drop a smartphone in the most powerful and reliable Lunatik Taktik case at too great a distance to the ground, it can break.

What material is commonly used for shockproof cases?

Among such accessories, it is worth highlighting several unspoken categories that protect the device in different ways. Naturally, this will primarily depend directly on the material from which the purchase will be made. So the choice of this parameter should be approached with all responsibility.

When choosing a protective case, you don’t always need to look only at these criteria. Of course, you always want the best for your device. But if you are a fragile girl, you most likely will not buy an accessory from Lunatik. Simply because it makes the phone a lot bigger and adds extra weight.

Features when using shockproof accessories

Naturally, even such cases have some limitations that you should not forget about. There are no perfect accessories, and even cases that cost exorbitant prices have their weak points. And therefore, you should not expect that when purchasing a shockproof model you will be able to hammer nails or crack nuts with your phone.

First of all, we must not forget one important rule: no matter how reliable the purchase may seem, you should not test your device for durability. Unfortunately, sometimes even if you carelessly transfer a gadget from your pocket to a table, a breakdown can occur. Simply because the blow hit the weakest point. Perhaps there was already a crack there. And even the most reliable case will not protect you from such accidents.

Further, the shockproof case does not determine waterproofness. Therefore, unless specifically indicated, immersing the device is not recommended. However, a high-quality accessory can protect against dust, sand and small stones. And snow, if the case has special plugs for the connectors, is much less likely to get under it than under a regular one.

It is also important to remember that some shockproof cases require assembly. And at the same time, it is very important to follow the instructions for collecting them. For example, when twisting Lunatik, it is important not to twist the bolts, so as not to strip the threads, or accidentally lose some part.

If the case does not have a special screen protector, you must definitely buy it. Because first of all you need to protect the weakest part of the smartphone, that is, the display. It is important to clarify whether it is possible to place this same glass under the accessory, or whether it will not fit there.

There cannot be any covers “for growth”! The device must sit securely in the protective case and not dangle. Otherwise, upon impact, it will, by inertia, hit its own protection and be damaged. No amount of absorbing force will help in this case.

How to choose the right protective case?

Before making such a responsible choice, you need to try and analyze all the possible factors that affect the device in the owner’s daily life. Of course, it’s good to have protection for all occasions - but still, not everyone will agree to carry an armored brick in their pocket instead of their smartphone, which is a high-quality shockproof case.

If the device is not faced with the task of surviving all kinds of disasters together with its extreme owner, you can get by with a more or less decent plastic accessory. In cases where the owner of the device is extremely careful and does not go beyond the “home-work-shop” triangle, you can even get by with a silicone shockproof case. However, a small margin of safety will not hurt in any case.

Well, if you need to get the most out of your phone, then the choice should definitely fall on reliable models made of plastic and metal. As a rule, they are noticeably thicker and come from well-known brands that specialize primarily in protection. Of course, you will have to say goodbye to the convenient dimensions of your device, but you definitely won’t have to repair it.

Once the type of intended purchase is determined, you need to try to decide on its design. Of course, you don’t have much choice, but most catalogs are ready to offer a fairly decent selection of options. You can find:

1. Various color options. For example, many manufacturers paint their products in different colors. You can find red, blue, black, white and even gold models. But few cases can boast such abundance.
2. The presence of drawings or patterns. Various options are also possible. Geometric solutions and camouflages are common. Everything that will emphasize the brutality of the accessory and its reliability.
3. Some external differences. For example, the shape of the cover. In comparison, SGP cases are more like a standard rectangle, while Lunatik cases are closer to an octagonal shape.
4. Possible cutouts and recesses. Of course, they will seriously reduce the reliability of the accessory. But shockproof cases with a window for a logo, for example, are not uncommon.

And lastly, your own desires and style. Of course, you can buy the most powerful and expensive protective case without hesitation. But not every fragile girl will be able to constantly carry a powerful aluminum accessory in her small handbag. But it will suit a stern man perfectly.

By the way, if you have doubts about certain situations that the gadget may encounter, it is recommended to buy several protective accessories. For example, for everyday wear - a lightweight plastic or silicone case. And for a foray into the mountains or a hike - “heavy artillery” in the form of metal covers.

Which protective accessories should you pay attention to?

Among all the manufacturers of protective accessories for smartphones and mobile phones, it is worth highlighting several brands that focus specifically on protecting the devices of their customers. As a rule, they either deal with them entirely or provide a separate line of products.

First of all, you should pay attention to the brand. The accessories of this company are distinguished not only by their enviable durability. They are made in a rather unusual style - they can hardly be called shockproof only in appearance. Of course, they are noticeably thicker than regular cases. But you don’t feel it, their proportions are so perfect. All shockproof cases from Element Case are made of durable and thick plastic. There are characteristic aluminum inserts on the top and bottom edges of the smartphone. The product comes with a special protective film for the screen.

Accessories from the company (SGP) are a lighter form of protection designed for everyday wear. They are not capable of feats, but they have an enviable variety. The strong plastic from which the cases are made has a recess for the Apple logo. However, the accessory is thick enough that scratching the surface of the back panel is not so easy. Spigen will allow you to choose an excellent everyday model for every taste - this accessory has a lot of different shades.

Protective shockproof cases from are a product for everyone. They are laconic and durable enough to be considered quite good representatives of their segment. The products of this brand do not shine with variety - all cases are made in the form of black plastic covers. Only the frames around the camera and the nameplate at the bottom change - they are made with a color change. There are also black ones, they are suitable for those who want a plain case.

The crown of all shockproof cases is a company whose cases called Taktik break all records for durability and convenience. Of course, from the outside, the device with such an accessory will look like a tank. But it will be extremely difficult to break it. The cases of this company are made of the strongest metal, inside of which there is a special ribbed silicone socket in which the device must be placed. Each edge of this “body armor” has additional stiffening ribs, which make the case ideal for protecting the device in any situation. In addition, this case has plugs for all connectors, protection for the device’s camera, and even thick protective glass that can save the display in any situation.

Somewhat unusual would be a brand whose product looks more like a regular protective accessory than a shockproof one. It is made of ordinary, albeit thickened, silicone and has a special cutout for the Apple iPhone logo. However, the chrome bumper gives it additional reliability. However, such an accessory cannot really be called shockproof. Although it is ideal as an enhanced everyday wear.

What other accessories are needed to protect your smartphone?

Naturally, no case can handle guaranteed device protection on its own. Unfortunately, only armored flips or books are capable of this. But they do not shine with reliability, and they are quite difficult to find. Therefore, it is worth figuring out exactly what accessories are needed in the kit for the shockproof pad.

1. . This method of protection is used to save the screen from scratches and cracks. But only if the case you are purchasing does not have its own glass. If the case, like most models from Lunatik, has its own “display”, there is no need to buy additional glass.
2. . If you like to play sports, this accessory is a must-have. It will greatly increase your comfort during training. Of course, you can just put the case with your phone in your pocket and not worry about its safety. But it will be much more convenient to study with a bag.

Also, if you do not expect constant danger to your device, you may need a replacement case made of thin material. It can be worn when excess volume is critical. For example, to put your smartphone in a small clutch and go on a holiday.

What to do if the phone is already broken?

But, as often happens, many people think about protecting their device only after it has already broken down. As sad as it may be, living with a broken gadget is quite difficult. It’s good if it’s simply broken and cannot be used without repair. In this case, the answer is obvious - take it to a service center. But it often happens that the device only has a broken screen. And the smartphone works. But how much nerve does it eat away from its owner...

Therefore, you should not endure if your gadget is already broken. It is recommended to repair it. But you shouldn’t climb into the inside of the device yourself - there is a risk that after such intervention it will never turn on again, and no technician will be able to fix the breakdown.

What to do? We invite you to visit Monkeyshop and leave your device at our phone repair service center. We can help fix almost any problem. Your smartphone screen is broken? No problem, we'll replace it. Damaged internals or buttons? We'll repair it. Your device will be returned to you safe and sound, after which you can safely put it in a shockproof case and use it.

Where to buy a real shockproof smartphone case?

Unfortunately, now finding a real and high-quality protective accessory is not so easy. The Internet is flooded with Chinese fakes that are not of enviable quality. Of course, they will be stronger than a regular case. But it is not always possible to demand 100% protection from them - everything will depend on the quality of the replica.

In our Monkeyshop online store you can find really high-quality shockproof cases for many smartphone models. Don’t skimp on the “health” of your electronic friend, but buy him high-quality protection. And then he will be able to please you for a very long time with his stable work and pleasant appearance.