▷ Silicone, tpu or rigid, which mobile cover protects more?

In the middle of 2020, there are as many fundos as mobile models on the market. Beyond the design or the physical aspect, the covers that are currently sold are made of three types of materials: silicone, TPU and rigid (plastic, metal, with cover…). If we talk about protection, the choice between one material or another can make the difference when it comes to withstanding a fall and, therefore, safeguarding the integrity of the phone's components. But, which phone case protects the most? Let's see what differences there are between the different types of mobile phone case.

Silicone covers: simple protection, with all that goes with it

Silicone cases are the most popular type of case on sites such as AliExpress or eBay and “everything at 100” stores. This is because the manufacturing cost is significantly lower than that of other covers. So is the degree of protection they provide.

In general, the thickness of silicone cases is quite light, which helps you reduce its weight and overall volume. The disadvantage of this type of case lies precisely in the thickness and the null air space between the phone and the case, which directly affects the percentage of absorption against falls. To this must be added that they do not usually include any projection to protect the screen. In other words, in the event of violent falls and blows, it is normal for our phone to absorb all the impact, with all that this entails (broken screen, dents in the chassis, etc.).

TPU gel cases: halfway between silicone cases and hard cases

TPU cases, also known as thermoplastic polyurethane, are a solution halfway between silicone cases and hard cases. In general, they are usually covered by a semi-rigid base and a soft wrap, which helps them improve the percentage of shock absorption while facilitating their placement. Some models even have small air chambers on the edges that help them better absorb the impact of falls. What is usually common in this type of case is the thickness of the materials and the presence of notches to protect the screen. It is one of the most recommended options if we want to maintain part of the charm of the phone while maintaining the integrity of the components (chassis, screen, camera…).

Rigid cases: when all that glitters is not gold

Talking about rigid cases implies talking about different types of materials: aluminum, metal, cases with a hard cover… In today's market they are advertised as the pinnacle of covers, offering comprehensive protection. But are they as safe as they claim to be? It depends.

The degree of absorption of this type of covers depends not only on the materials, but also on the exterior design and the distance between the cover and the chassis. When opting for a rigid case, it is advisable to opt for designs with external rubber or TPU protection. In this way, the projections will help absorb part of the impact of the blow, something that does not happen if we opt for covers made entirely of aluminum or metal. After all, vibrations are transmitted to the chassis of the phone if they lack space or exterior or interior coverings.