How to Find the Best Protective Phone Cases

From the Ceramic Shield front and aerospace-grade aluminium enclosure of the Apple iPhone 15 to the Samsung Galaxy's Corning Gorilla Glass screen, modern phones are built with a variety of protective features.

However, we can't always predict those accidental drops on a busy work commute or the rain downpours that cause water to seep into your phone. Investing in a quality shockproof case is therefore the most effective approach for extending the lifespan of your new device and ensuring solid protection through everyday life.

If you're struggling to make the right choice, explore our guide to shockproof phone cases and discover which features guarantee military-grade protection for your new iPhone, Samsung, Google, or Motorola device.

Finding the Best Phone Case for Protection: Key Features

From military-grade drop protection to waterproofing, here are some of the most important features to look out for when choosing protective cases:

Durable Materials

One of the most crucial factors determining the quality of protective phone cases is the materials they're made from. Most phone cases that prioritise protection feature integrated shock-absorbing R7X technology, a high-strength aluminium alloy frame, and at least one of the following materials:

• TPU: Thermoplastic polyurethane is a synthetic plastic material that offers excellent flexibility for phone cases, which ensures they mould easily to your device. It also makes installing Samsung and iPhone cases much easier, while effectively dispersing the impact from accidental drops.
• Polycarbonate: This is a type of hard plastic championed for its rigid material and military-grade protection, keeping your phone shielded with a high level of impact strength. Polycarbonate can also be reshaped multiple times without degrading, therefore allowing it to be moulded into a variety of complex shapes and designs, from clear cases to more vibrant, patterned models.
• Silicone: Although this is another type of polymer, silicone has a softer, rubbery texture, which is also great for the planet. A silicone phone case therefore offers superior grip and great protection for those who are prone to dropping their phones regularly.

Ghostek phone cases are made from at least one of these materials, with models such as the Covert featuring all three. Despite being built with durability in mind, this transparent case is lightweight and offers a slim profile, making it pocket-friendly without adding much bulk.

Drop Protection

Even with the strong Gorilla Glass material that many modern smartphone screens are made with, they are, unfortunately, still vulnerable to shattering if the point of impact is located at the corner of the phone. 

Raised edges and bumpers on the corners are therefore essential for lowering the concentrated force that's exerted on the glass, therefore shielding your device's delicate screen and camera lens.

Protective Samsung and iPhone cases should also have precise detailed cutouts for charging ports and defined reactive buttons so that functionality isn't affected, particularly when you're on the go and trying to quickly access your phone's features.

Heavy-duty phone cases like our Atomic Slim model provide all of these benefits, along with drop-proofing for falls of up to 12 feet. If you're rushing to make it onto the train or accidentally pick up your phone with wet hands, its anti-slip secure grip also offers added protection in case the worst does happen.

Water Resistance

While water damage tends to be a rarer occurrence compared to accidental drops, this usually becomes a more pressing issue during those summer trips to the beach. Rain and hailstones may also infiltrate your device, especially when getting caught in those heavy downpours.

Plus, saltwater can be incredibly corrosive, which is why investing in a waterproof phone case is always a good idea if you're venturing near any pool of water this year.

Our Nautical model is one of the best protective phone cases for everything from underwater photography to keeping out sand when on the beach.

With an IP68 rating, this Samsung and iPhone case is certified swimproof and waterproof, and can survive submersion in depths of water up to 20 feet for as long as 1 hour. It also features watertight port seals to protect charging ports from water and dust, along with 12-foot drop resistance and a belt clip holster for those summertime adventures!

Wallet Cases

When considering protective phone cases, those with built-in wallets probably aren't the first thing that springs to mind. However, the wallet portion of the case can add an additional layer of durability, especially with those that provide more coverage around the edges, or extra bulk from any cards or cash carried.

Wallet phone cases like the Ghostek Exec feature a 3-card magnetic compartment to securely hold your ID, credit, and transportation cards. This attaches and detaches easily using strong MagSafe magnets, while also supporting wireless charging functionality.

Other Factors to Consider

Along with military-grade, shockproof drop protection and waterproofing, the best protective phone cases should also offer additional features that allow you to make the most of everything your new device has to offer.

Keep these factors in mind when selecting a high-quality case:

MagSafe Compatibility

MagSafe is a technology created by Apple that consists of magnets located around the phone's internal charging coil. 

Originally designed as a safety feature for MacBook charging cords, cases that are MagSafe compatible can significantly enhance the functionality of your device, supporting everything from wireless charging to vehicle mount attachments that snap on and off with a convenient magnetic ring.

Phone cases with MagSafe compatibility are therefore ideal for delivering faster charging up to 15W, while also keeping your device protected when using it on the go.

On-the-Go Functionality

Although the tiled surfaces of the bathroom or kitchen are notorious for causing scratches and cracks, the risk of damage to your phone significantly increases when you're out and about.

However, finding additional phone case features such as vehicle mounts that attach to cars and bikes or swivel belt clip holsters can reduce the occurrence of accidental drops if you're trying to use your device in a hurry.

Multi-functional, protective phone cases like the Iron Armor also offer a handy kickstand, which props up your phone in landscape or portrait mode for safe movie-watching wherever you are.

Screen Protection

Many of the latest Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy models are today built with stronger glass screens that won't shatter on impact. Despite this, your phone remains vulnerable to scratches that can make navigating the screen more difficult. Plus, over time these scratches can develop into larger cracks, which phone cases with a built-in screen protector will prevent.

At Ghostek, we also offer separate screen protectors to re-enforce the protection of your rugged case. Each model offers 9H tempered glass hardness, impact and scratch protection, an anti-smudge coating, plus perfect touch sensitivity.