When buying a phone case for your Smartphone, you will come across two dominant types of cases based on materials: silicon and plastic. Both have come a long way in protecting and giving decent aesthetics to our phones, but what is the difference?

Silicone, a material praised for its flexibility and tactile grip, might be the easier choice for some who would hear it for the first time. Still, given their variety and versatility, plastic phone cases could snatch the crown anytime. To spell out the confusion between the two materials for the phone case, this article will provide you with a comprehensive review of both materials.

Silicone Phone Cases: Flexible Yet Tough

 Image Credit: Apple 

Certainly, silicone phone cases caught the public's attention because of its versatility and durability. With silicone as its primary material, its flexible and soft-rubber-like composition balances flexibility and toughness, enough to shield your Smartphone from impact and shocks. This flexibility also means that this type of case has an easy snap-on/snap-off feature.

The silicone phone case’s slim look attracts the eyes of its patron. Designed to be lightweight and unassuming, most of these cases preserve the overall sleek profile of the phone while still providing ample protection. Best phone cases also come with an opportunity to personalize it, and silicone phone cases’ wide range of color palettes and ability to be “blank canvasses” make them more popular for those eyeing the aesthetics. 

In terms of shock absorption, you can never go wrong with silicone phone cases as their shock-absorbing properties protect your phone from sustaining shock from accidental drops and impacts, which could potentially damage your device. Since silicone is also water-resistant, you may either wash it occasionally or wipe it with a damp cloth to maintain the appearance of the case over time.

Plastic Phone Cases: More Than Its Variety

 Image Credit: Samsung 

Plastics are the most common type of case when discussing phone case materials. More often than not, this type of case is subjected to stereotypical remarks among patrons, saying that it is inflexible, prone to dirt, and at risk of premature breakage. Sorry to burst your bubble, but plastic phone cases can be as protective and aesthetically pleasing as other materials. Plus, the versatility of plastic can be an advantage in producing hybrid materials that offer an elevated level of protection.

Other than that, its versatility comes with other features. Common among plastic-type cases, clear plastic variants provide a transparent profile, showcasing the phone's natural design and color. This can be a go-to look for Smartphone users who like to display their devices' “bare” aesthetics.

Aside from the fact that it is weather resistant, similar to a silicon-type case, plastic phone cases are proud of their ease of cleaning feature. Since they usually have a smooth surface that is easy to wipe and clean, they can be low-maintenance in terms of appearance.

Lastly, plastic phone cases can be more than just having a rigid composition. Since its material can be mixed with other materials that are formidable and flexible at the same time, these cases can more or less target various features that can only be found in heavy-duty protective phone cases before, such as impact resistance and shock absorption (most likely found in high-grade polycarbonate and TPU materials).

Silicone Vs. Plastic Phone Cases: Any Differences?

Are there any differences between silicone and plastic phone cases? While they seem similar in so many ways, there must be some distinctions. Since they are composed of different materials, these phone case types tend to have different features.

In its fundamental comparison of the material, a silicone phone case is flexible and rubber-like, while a plastic case is rigid because of its materials like polycarbonate and TPU. In terms of their primary protective features, a silicone phone case boasts excellent shock-absorbing and cushioning properties. In contrast, a plastic phone case has good impact resistance, safeguarding your device against drops.

While both silicone and plastic phone cases have the same slim profile and grip surface, the aspect customization may favor a plastic phone case. A silicone phone case is opaque and may have limited color options since solid colors are more typical. A plastic case, meanwhile, is open for diverse colors, styles, and patterns for personalization.

Lastly, while both types of phone cases have precise cutouts for ease of port access, smartphone accessories like Qi-certified wireless chargers may work well with a silicone phone case, although the plastic type has been keeping up.

Talking About Which One is Better?

Both plastic and silicone phone cases have their advantages and drawbacks. This makes them unique with each other, and patrons whose needs and preferences vary are the ones who will decide which one is the best for them. For the lovers of the aesthetic, they might benefit from the customization feature of the plastic phone case. However, a silicone phone case may be the best choice if someone likes it classy. 

For those who want a good deal of flexibility and accessible snap-on features, a silicone phone case takes the lead. Lastly, if you want your case to be rigid, the variety of plastic phone cases might woo you to buy it.

Whether you buy silicone or plastic phone cases, SUPCASE has a lot of good deals on cases and Smartphone accessories in store for you. More than the type of phone cases that offer style and protection, SUPCASE, along with the Samsung and iPhone mainstay case collections, introduces its new product line UB Pro, the leading phone case collection with its CNET-certified drop test supremacy and intuitive protective design. 

From screen browsing to checkout, your SUPCASE phone case will never disappoint in style and protection.