Dynamic Technology

Protective cases for your smartphone

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That sinking feeling you get when you see your phone slip out of your hands is not unfamiliar. With phones getting smarter and their price tags getting steeper, a scratch on the display or a chip in the corner can cause much grief. A walk down your neighbourhood street should be enough to tell you that the market is flooded with cases of every colour, for every phone and they're even crafted from a variety of materials. There have been just too many times that we might have dropped our handsets and watched it fall to a hard floor or concrete pavement and while there isn’t much we can do to cure ourselves of that little bit of clumsiness, a protective case does bring much relief.

We know that it can be quite a daunting task to go out there hunting for the best "outfit" for your handset, so we'd like to help you out. It's not possible to list out cases and options for every handset available out there right now, so we've compiled a list of handsets that we think are quite popoular at the moment.

Do note that if your phone does not feature on our list, we've also listed a few online options that carry gear for a much larger list of devices. Try your luck on those sites if you don't find what you're looking for off the street.

From what we have seen, the following are among the most popular phones in the Indian market today:

• Samsung Galaxy S III
• Samsung Galaxy S II
• Samsung Galaxy Nexus
• Apple iPhone 4/4S
• Nokia Lumia 800/900
• Lumia 610
• HTC One V
• HTC One X
• Samsung Galaxy Note
• Samsung Galaxy Note II
• Samsung Galaxy Y
• Sony Xperia Neo V
• BlackBerry 8520
• BlackBerry Bold 9700

Samsung Galaxy S3

The Samsung Galaxy S3 is one of the South Korean giant’s most ambitious smartphone to date and was launched only recently amidst much fanfare. Likewise, cases for the Galaxy S3 are among the popular ones across sites like eBay and Flipkart, to name a few. On Flipkart.com, S3 users can give the Samsung EFC-1G6FWECINU Flip Cover a try. The site is offering it for Rs. 1,449. The case, as the name suggests, is in a flip cover form and is made of PU Leather.

Protect your Galaxy S III with this

Case-Mate SMGLXYS3 BT-GWHT Case for Samsung Galaxy S3 is another option that S3 users can look at. Flipkart is offering it at Rs 995. The case essentially is a PolyCore Shell and is impact resistant. Tradus.com has a rather colourful case option for S3 users in the form of Amzer 94227 Polka Dot TPU Case - MultiColor. There is no way you can miss the colourful polka dots all over the case, and those who like it can get it for Rs 531 onwards.

Samsung Galaxy Note

On Flipkart.com, you can find an Amzer 92969 Soft Gel TPU Gloss Skin Case in black for your Galaxy Note phablet for Rs 390. The case is made of silicon and among other things, the case is known to be "slip" resistant. Those looking for a leather case for their Note can find their match on eBay.in. Here, they can find a flip cover for their phablet made of leather for Rs 299. Further up on the price ladder is the Amzer 94201 Hybrid Kickstand Case for Samsung Galaxy Note (Black). The case is made of silicon and sells for Rs 925 and lends an interesting viewing angle to its users.

Several sites online have cases available for the phablet

Those owning this Samsung phablet and are on Otterbox looking for a fitting case, can give the Commuter Series cases and Defender Series cases on the site a try, depending on the level of protection needed. The Commuter Series cases for the Galaxy Note can be picked for $44.95 (Rs.2,386), while the Defender Series cases can be picked up for $59.95 (Rs.3,182).

Samsung Galaxy Note II

Those owning the latest phablet from Samsung can head over to Fommy if they’re on the lookout for a snap-on case. They can pick one from Amzer for Rs 749. For a stylish, book-like cover for the Note II, head over to Flipkart and you can pick up one for Rs 2,999. This flip-style cover is made of Polyurethane. Also check out the scratch guard+Samsung Galaxy Note II N7100 white Rubberized Hard Back Case for the Note II on eBay, available for Rs 890.

Samsung Galaxy S2

The S3’s predecessor, the Galaxy S2 is also one of the popular phones in the market today and finding a fitting case is almost effortless. For Rs 595, you can get yourself a leather pouch from eBay. Those looking for a silicon option can head over to Flipkart for Amzer 93356 Soft Gel TPU Gloss Skin Case. They can get this one for Rs 395. There are other silicon options available for Galaxy S2 users on Tradus.in in the Rs. 300 range. S2 users can go in for the Commuter Series Case for their smartphones. Available for $34.95 (roughly Rs.1,855), the case claims to offer the protection without the bulk.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus

The Galaxy Nexus may have been launched a while back, but seems to gaining popularity in recent times. For the Nexus, users have the option of picking anything from a silicon make to something more rugged and sturdy. On Fommy, you can pick for yourself a case with a kickstand and it will cost you Rs 649. There are polycarbonate options, too, which are easily available online. eBay too has many options and users can go in for cases ranging from those made of soft skin to white hard shells for those looking at some tough protection.

Fommy.co.in offers cases, too

Nexus users looking for cases on Otterbox, have the option between the Commuter Series cases and the Defender Series cases. Defender Series cases, typically offer heavy-duty protection against drops, dust and damage and are made of a polycarbonate shell. The former can be picked for $34.95 (roughly Rs.1,855), while the latter is available for $49.95 (roughly Rs.2,651).

Samsung Galaxy Y S5360

Samsung Galaxy Y S5360 users can opt for Amzer Soft Gel TPU Gloss Skin Case for Rs 249. They can also check out Flipkart for the nCase PFBC-8409BG Back Cover for Samsung Galaxy Y S5360 (Black & Grey) for Rs 300. For a hard plastic case, users can head over to eBay, wherein they can pick one for roughly Rs 1,000.

For the premium phone

Apple iPhone 4/4S

What should be the case of choice for a phone as premium as the iPhone? Perhaps a golden chrome plated case? The Golden Chrome Plated Hard Case Cover HoneyComb Style is available on eBay for Rs 650. As per the product listing on the site, the case is a hard shell. Likewise, those not so keen on the bling, but wanting something stylish, could consider METALLIC GLOSSY BACK COVER CASE (Black) for APPLE iPHONE 4G/4S ROYAL LOOKS selling on eBay for Rs 575.

iPhone 4/4S users can try Otterbox.com for a couple of more case options. The Commuter Series case available on the site, claims to offer protection from scratches, bumps and shocks, that may be given a try for your daily commutes. The Commuter Series can be picked for $34.95 (roughly Rs.1,855). There is also the Defender series of cases for iPhone 4/4S users, if what you’re looking for is some heavy-duty protection against drops, dust and damage and is made of a polycarbonate shell.

Simpler yet is the silicon case that you can pick from Flipkart.com for Rs 210. The case is made of silicon jelly and its makers assure of a firm grip, among other things. Higher up on the price ladder is the Amzer 3D Metallic Snap On Case for iPhone 4. The site is selling varying patterns of this case. The highlight obviously is the 3D pattern and you can pick the one you like for Rs 1,468 from Tradus.in.

Head over to Amzer for some case options

Nokia Lumia 800/900

Lumia owners can head over to Fommy for a Case-Mate Emerge Smooth Case and pick from a wide palette. Made of flexible polymer material, it is available at Fommy for roughly Rs 700. On Flipkart, users should check out Rock 800-4276R Naked Shell with Screen Protector for Nokia Lumia 800 for Rs 899. The case is made of polycarbonate.

Nokia Lumia 610

Nokia Lumia 610 is another one of the popular Lumias in the market today. eBay has the ROCK Nokia Lumia 610 Quicksand Series Hard Back case that you may want to check out; it is selling for Rs 850. On Tradus.in, one can find Angry Birds-themed hard back cases for the Lumia 610 selling from Rs 252 onwards. Head over to Fommy, if horizontal cases is what you're looking for. It's available for Rs 189.

Cases for your Nokia Lumia 610

Those owning the Lumia 800s and the 900s and are on Otterbox, looking for cases, can look at their Commuter Series cases or Defender Series cases, made of materials like polycarbonate on the outside for $34.95 (roughly Rs.1,855), and $49.95 (roughly Rs.2,651), respectively.

HTC One V

HTC One V is another popular phone in the market today. Those looking for a simple, black silicon case for their One Vs can head over to Flipkart for the Amzer 93509 Soft Gel TPU Gloss Skin Case. They can pick this one for Rs 390. Likewise, a snap-on case for the One V is available for Rs 549. The case is made of polycarbonate and its makers assure of protection from scratches, drop and falls.

Cases for the HTC One V on Otterbox

Otterbox has the Commuter Series cases for HTC One V users, too. As per the product listing on the site, the case’s self-adhering screen shield offers protection from scuffs and scrapes and the inner silicone layer offers impact resistance. The Commuter Series can be picked for $34.95 (roughly Rs.1,855).

Head over to eBay if what you're looking for is a scratch guard+rubber Touch ultra slim Hard back Case cover pouch. You can get it for Rs 545 on eBay. Fommy.co.in too has a number of cases on display for the HTC One V. Users have the option of picking anything from a silicon make to a wallet case, or a body glove drop suit. We prefer a more rugged looking Body Glove DropSuit Case (Black) for the One V. You can get it for Rs 1,499 on Fommy.

HTC One X

Those owning an HTC One X and looking for a fitting outfit can give the HTC HC C704 Hard Shell with Hole Case on Flipkart a try. Not only is the colour eye-catching, but the holed pattern is also a novelty. You can pick this one up for Rs 1,090. The case is made of polycarbonate and is not all looks. Another case that we found interesting was HTC HC C703 Hard Shell Case for HTC One X in Charcoal Grey colour. The case is available for Rs 1,090 on Flipkart. Head over to Fommy, if bright prints is your thing. Check out the Amzer Luxe Argyle High Gloss TPU Soft Gel Skin Case on Fommy for Rs 199. eBay is the place to go to if you’re looking for a flip-style case made of leather for your HTC One X. You can pick this one for a little over Rs 500.

Head over to Otterbox.com for case options

Commuter Series cases and Defender Series cases are available for HTC One X users on Otterbox. The Commuter Series cases can be picked for $34.95 (roughly Rs.1,855), while Defender Series cases are available for $49.95 (roughly Rs.2,651).

Sony Xperia Neo V

This one from Sony is a popular buy, too, and those looking for a case could give Krusell ColorCover case - Black for Sony Ericsson Xperia neo V, Sony Ericsson Xperia Neo a try. This one can be purchased for Rs 1,290 on Fommy. Those looking for one in silicon can head over to Flipkart for Amzer 93605 Soft Gel TPU Gloss Skin Case for Rs 390. On eBay, users can check out scratch guard+ Sony ericsson xperia neo v s line tpu gel carry case cover pouch for Rs 530.

BlackBerry Curve 8520

This one from the Canadian company is a popular phone and likewise, there is no dearth for fitting cases. I am sure none of you missed those bright-coloured cases on these phones, and if you fancy one for yours, then head over to eBay. It is availabe for Rs 100. Flipkart also has Amzer 89322 Silicone Skin Jelly Case for BlackBerry 8520 selling for a little over Rs 210.

BlackBerry Bold 9700

Silcon cases are aplenty for the Bold 9700. You can get a couple of colour options on Tradus.in selling for Rs 252 onwards. Head over to eBay for a couple of more options, like a full-body protector, which is available for roughly Rs 350. Fommy, in fact, has a Case-Mate Fuel Lite Battery Extender Case for BlackBerry Bold 9700 selling for a little higher at Rs 2,495.

BlackBerry Bold 9700 users in the Indian market can pick between the Commuter Series, Impact Series cases and Defender Series for their phones. These can be picked for $34.95 (roughly Rs.1,855), $19.95 - (roughly Rs.1,059) and $49.95 (roughly Rs.2,65), respectively.

From what I have been seeing around me, those who use cases for their smartphones seem to be effectively protecting their phones against scratches and chipping, among other things. Those using smartphones would vouch for spending a little extra to ensure its longevity.

If you happen to own an iPhone 5, already, then you could check out eBay or Flipkart, among others for a fitting case.

Besides these online destinations, your neighborhood market, too, should have cases on offer. From jelly-like cases to hard shells with funky prints, you can find them all. But, these cases may not offer the lasting quality you're looking for. While they may survive a fall or two, of what we have seen, some of these hard shells tend to develop cracks over time and become unusable.The Jelly-like skins sold on streets, too do not seem to do any better in the long-run. While they may be impact-absorbant, they tend to get dry and sticky when wet.

Screenguards

Talking of protection for handsets, one cannot overlook the importance of having a screenguard. Scratch resistant display or not, the last thing you need is a display that's riddled with fine lines making it cumbersome to read clearly. It also tends to make a device look a little shabby. So while you go hunting for the perfect outfit for your phone, spare some time on picking a good screenguard. There are several brands in the market, and placing one accurately on the display is a challenge we don't recommed you take up. Let the professionals do it. Get one applied as soon as you purchase your phone. Make sure that the one placing it leaves no air bubbles or fingerprints and that the edges are firmly applied.

Cover image credit: Exovault

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Report by: Anuradha Shetty