Factors to Consider When Choosing an iPhone 4 Case

By Steve Holdgren

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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