Why you shouldn’t use the free case that comes with your phone

No matter what phone you buy, one of the few things that remains the same is the need to use a case. No matter how durable the latest Gorilla Glass display or fancy titanium body is, the fact remains that glass will scratch and crack; and the metal will dent, chip, or bend. Case is the most effective way to ensure this doesn’t happen, and also allows us to add a little sparkle to our anonymous rectangles.

This doesn’t happen very often, but there are phones that come with a case, usually packaged devices. budget or mid-price category. Should this be taken into account when choosing a smartphone, considering it as a potential savings compared to another device that does not have it? And if your new phone comes with a free case, should you use it? My answer to both of these questions is no.

This article was prepared in collaboration with Soupcasebut its contents were not shown to the company in advance. All content is independently written and meets Android Police’s strict editorial standards.

Not all cases are the same

Some corners are literally cut

I’m not a fan of OEM cases at all. They are almost always overpriced compared to what you can get from the usual suspects on Amazon like Spigen, Caseology or Supcase. A prime example of this is the Google Pixel 8a case, which you can see on the left in the image above, next to the regular Pixel 8 case. Even though Google charges $30 for it, there are virtually no edges around the display and camera panel, so there’s little protection is provided, and the case completely disappears around the charging port.

If Google can cut corners this way on a case that costs $30, what do you think will happen to the included case for free? The included phone cases are just as flimsy and often more fragile.

The case that comes with the phone is designed to cut corners. Remember that phone manufacturers have refused to include something as important as a charger in the box in the name of maximizing profits and the weight and size of the box. This means that the included case will also be designed to take these factors into account, without the need to significantly change the weight and size of the packaging and without it reducing profit margins. Budget and mid-range phones already have small margins, so this is a major concern in this case.

Blackview Shark 8 The box comes with a case and, as you’d expect, there’s nothing special about it. In our review, we found it to be best for preventing scratches while you wait for something better to arrive, since it’s so thin that there’s little chance of it protecting your phone from falling.

What are the benefits of dealing with third parties?

Form, function and features

Naturally, if you’re buying a phone in this price range, you’re just as focused on your budget as the manufacturers. However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good case. New Moto G Stylus for $400.for example, has high quality cases it only cost $8. FNTCase has a durable case with a built-in stand and camera protector for $8, and at that price it even includes a glass protector. Increase your budget to $20 and you can even get something that adds MagSafe/Qi2 to the device.

The G Stylus isn’t an isolated example either. The Pixel 8a we mentioned earlier also has many wonderful cases available for under $20. Unlike the cheap case that comes with it, cases from Rinke, Supcase, Spigen or any other manufacturer often do more than protect your phone from scratches.

They’re designed to withstand drops and impacts, with built-in air bags and bumpers to ensure that the kinetic energy of a strong impact travels through the case and not through the phone. Apart from protection, they also add much-needed features to your device. MagSafe/Qi2 support, ID or payment card slots, kickstands, and lanyard holders are just a few of the things you can use if you choose the right case.

The Galaxy Z Fold 4 may not be as affordable a device as the ones we just discussed, but it perfectly illustrates how useful cases can be. The Fold 4 supports the S Pen, which is a must-have accessory in my opinion, but there’s nowhere to store it, unlike Samsung’s old Note or the new S Ultra models. Cases solve this problem because I’m Blason Halo pictured above, providing a storage solution inside the security loop.

To save, you need to spend money

Small expenses can prevent big ones

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. I learned this the hard way in September when my Fold 4 slipped out of my hands while I was doing something in the garden. I always use a case on my main phone, but I used the Fold 4 indoors where I assumed it would be secure. Alas, the expedition to my garden resulted in the destruction you see above. The phone is still fully functional, the damage was limited to the back glass of the camera, both displays were not damaged. Even so, this would not have happened if I had used the case.

Spending a little money on a quality case, whether it’s a budget model or an expensive folding phone, can save you a lot more money in the future. In my case, replacing this rear glass will cost much more than the price of the body. If you’re on a budget, spending a small amount today will save you money in the long run, and if your new phone comes with one in a box, I’d only recommend using it until a better case comes along that delivers the desired effect. protection and useful features can be delivered.