If you’ve invested in an iPhone 4 and an expensive phone plan, then you almost certainly want a cover that will protect your smart phone from drops, bangs, scratches, and everyday wear and tear. The last thing you need is an irreparable crack on your screen or, worse, a completely shattered phone.

There are so many styles of phone cases that offer more than just protection: style, comfort, and ease of carrying. You need to decide what kind of phone user you are so you can pick a case that best suits your personal habits and preferences.

Bulky vs. slim

Candyshell cases are usually more bulky, but offer more protection

When you argue between bulkiness or slimness in an iPhone case, aren’t you really debating between function and style? The more a case encloses a phone in sturdy rubber—front, back, and sides—the heavier and bulkier it will be. And yet, it will also offer the greatest protection for your phone.

Be honest with yourself: Are you even a little bit clumsy? I wouldn’t call myself a complete klutz, but I’ve dropped my phone more times than I can count. It just happens. Smart phones have become a natural extension of our bodies, and we’re not always the gentlest creatures.

On the other hand, if you regularly carry your phone in your pocket, then a bulky case can make it difficult to slip in and out, not to mention make it uncomfortable to sit down. If that’s the case, then a slim, low profile model may be more your thing. You’ll just have to sacrifice some security when it comes to protecting the front of your phone. Slim cases either have a lip that overlaps the front of the phone, which offers some screen protection, or they lie flush with the front of the phone.

Slim cases are generally adequate if you aren’t too worried about abusing your phone. They protect the iPhone from everyday scratches, so you can carry it in a purse or in a pocket along with keys. And you can’t deny that slim cases are sleek and stylish. They emphasize and enhance the unique design of the phone. Some cases or skins feature creative colors, patterns, or designs that set your phone apart from all the rest.

Material

A phone case should provide a secure hand grip, but it should also be smooth enough that it slides in and out of pockets easily. Consider also whether the case material collects fingerprints, scratches, or lint.

Good phone cases are made of some heavy-duty silicone material that absorbs shocks and protects against impacts. Some are adequately slim and sleek. But consider that this type of material often sticks inside your pocket or bag. Some rubbery materials also pick up lint and dust.

Leather is another good, albeit pricey, choice. If it’s well cured, it will offer great protection and classy style to your iPhone, and it won’t be sticky.

Accessibility

If there’s one thing about phone cases that often frustrates people, it’s when the case blocks buttons and ports on the phone. You don’t want to remove the case every time you take a picture, adjust the volume, or charge the phone. Some cases are designed to be nearly impossible to remove, too.

When you’re selecting a case, make sure it’s compatible with your specific type of iPhone 4, be it iPhone 4S or 4G, Verizon, Sprint, or AT&T. It’s aggravating to get a snazzy looking case only to realize that the holes are misaligned or the fit isn’t just right.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

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Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

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Based in New York City, Builtny creates fashionable cases, totes, and bags for smartphones, laptops, tablets, and e-readers. You can choose from pouches, sleeves, zippered bags, and hard and soft cases and specify your desired color or pattern. There’s a wide selection of polka dot, stripe, and floral patterns. The company blends fashion with function, providing protective cases that cushion your smartphones and protect them from bumps and everyday wear and tear. The prices are quite reasonable, too. With so many style choices, you’ll be pleased with how attractively they dress up smartphones.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

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If you’ve ever tried to use a smartphone’s GPS while driving, then you know it’s challenging, if not dangerous, to keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Arkon provides car mounts for smartphones, tablets, and other devices, allowing you to drive safely. The mounts attach to the windshield, dashboard, or cupholder. Even motorcyclists and bicyclists can find cases that keep their smartphones protected but visible on the handlebar. Whether you need a sports armband, travel case, or desktop stand for your e-reader, Arkon has convenient, innovative products designed for several major companies.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

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A major retailer of smartphone and laptop accessories, HiTech Closeout features products at surprisingly low prices. Whether you need a protective case, screen shield, armband, or charger, you’ll find plenty of products to choose from. The website lets you search by category, carrier, or brand and offers accessories for all the major manufacturers: Apple, Samsung, Blackberry, Sony, Nokia, Motorola, etc. The company’s selection seems pretty comprehensive if not too varied—you won’t find many wild, uniquely designed cases. But if you just need something simple at a fair price, you’ll be pleased with what HiTech Closeout has to offer.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

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Today, even businesses can get in on the practice of “skinning” their smartphones and other electronics. You’ll promote your business every time you pull out your phone with a unique decal. Skin It offers hundreds of designs, from classical art to images from popular media. You can also order skins featuring your own photographs, artwork, college or company logo for a personalized case. There are more than just skins, too: Skin It offers clear protective cases, leather pouch cases, neoprene sleeves, and etched metal backings for your smartphone. We were impressed by the wide selection of designs, from classical pieces by Botticelli to images from popular movies like Pirates of the Caribbean.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

For a variety of colorful smartphone cases at reasonable prices, Incipio delivers. The California-based company offers dual case packages, so you can switch out two different color cases depending on your mood. There are plenty of styles and materials to choose from, including the feather case made of form-fitting polycarbonate and the Offgrid case which powers your iPhone with a built-in battery. Almost all the cases are offered in solid matte colors; Incipio adds new bright and pastel colors to its lineup every season. If you’re looking for unique patterns and designs, you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

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Those who own iPhones and other Apple products know that the Apple store is equipped with hundreds of accessories and apps to enhance its devices. Apple includes a wide collection of protective cases, from basic bumper cases of molded plastic to folio cases of genuine leather. Whether you want style, personalized touches, or protection for your iPhone, Apple has something in mind for you. We especially like the wallet clutch cases, which hold credit cards and cash along with the iPhone 4/4S. As with all things Apple, though, the products tend to run on the expensive side.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

Fortte provides cases for the professional-minded customers. Its protective cases are made of fine leather that is as stylish as it is functional. Whether you’re dressing up your smartphone, tablet, mp3 player, or e-reader, Fortte has plenty of designs and styles to choose from. It even lets you customize your case, choosing the dimensions and colors so you can have a unique case specially tailored to match your favorite college or sports team. Embossing is a nice option, too, making for a special personalized gift. When businesses place orders for over 12 embossed cases, they receive a special discount.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

For people who need an artistic touch to everything in their lives, including their smartphones, GelaSkins provides an attractive solution. You won’t find the plain cases in blacks or solid colors here; GelaSkins features hundreds of designs from international artists, including some classic pieces by M.C. Escher, Norman Rockwell, and Claude Monet. The skins are lightweight vinyl decals that cover the front, back, and sides of the phones, offering basic protection from scratches and bumps. For heavier protection, there’s the hardcase made of polycarbonate, available for different iPhone devices. If you love showing off your individuality and artistic leanings, then GelaSkins has plenty of appealing designs to choose from.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

When it comes to smartphone accessories, Case-Mate offers colorful, creative variety in cases. Not only can you choose from a wide range of colors, styles, and materials, but you can upload your own photographs and artwork to create a completely unique case. Case-Mate uses high-quality materials, such as Napa leather and soft inner linings that don’t scratch your devices. A new popular product is the Tank iPhone 4/4S case, which protects the phone from impacts and covers the screen with a retractable guard. Customers typically leave positive feedback, and Case-Mate’s website has a forum for product suggestions.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve

By Steve Holdgren

No matter what smartphone you own, you’ve probably heard of OtterBox and its innovative techniques for protecting these valuable devices from destruction. OtterBox’s cases are fairly indestructible themselves. Made of the toughest, thickest materials like silicone and polycarbonate, they’re much stronger than the typical rubbery case you can pick up for not much money. OtterBox’s headquarters are in Fort Collins, Colorado, and its members make a habit of testing out the products while they engage in active sports: biking, snowboarding, hiking, running, boating, etc. If they feel confident that their cases will protect their smartphones even in semi-perilous situations, then you should too.

Steve Holdgren is an engineer by trade and has worked for some of the largest energy related engineering firms in the world with his latest stint in Switzerland. He holds a degree is mechanical engineering… See more about Steve