What's the Best Material for Your Phone Case?

Examining Silicon, TPU, PC & Compostable Cases

When it comes to phone cases, there are many materials available on the market that offer different levels of protection, comfort, and style. From sleek metal phone cases to vibrant silicone phone cases, the options can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, this post will examine the pros and cons of four phone case materials: silicon, TPU, PC, and compostable cases. 

1. Silicon Phone Cases: Silicon phone cases are popular among many users due to their lightweight nature and flexibility when it comes to design options. They may not provide as much shock absorption as other phone cases, but they are an affordable option that offers a variety of design options. Silicon is the cheapest material and also the fastest to turn yellow or discolored. Compared to TPU and especially PC, silicone is a magnet for dirt and dust and it literally absorbs everything from your skin and the environment around it. This means you may be able to clean a clear silicone case—but you'll have to do it repeatedly and permanent discoloration will eventually set in anyway. 

2. TPU Phone Cases: TPU stands for Thermoplastic Polyurethane. TPU phone cases offer more shock absorption than silicon phone cases and can withstand minor impacts. They also provide good grip, making them ideal for people who like to take their phones on the go. However, they tend to be thicker than other phone case materials, which can make it difficult to access phone ports. This is not the case with our 3D Wrap cases and our AirPods cases - they both have very precise port openings and highly sensitive side button: as the TPU is highly sensitive, it actually allows the creation of highly performing and extremely protective cases. 

Here's what we know about the TPU material:

• High abrasion, oils and grease resistance and excellent elasticity that grant maximum level of protection by absorbing any bump.
• Recyclable and fully biodegradable in 3 - 5 years, which makes it planet friendly, unlike the pollutant silicones.
• Highly cold and heat resistant: it will remain highly flexible even in the coldest winter days and stay tough even at the beach.
• Excellent microbial resistance properties, which preserves against bacteria and viruses better than the alternative plastic and silicone materials.
• Non-toxic and 100% food-safe meeting the highest safety standards.

The are also considered ECO friendly products due to the above features. The material allows for multiple colors. 

3. PC Phone Cases: PC phone cases are typically made from polycarbonate plastic and offer superior protection from drops and scratches compared to Silicon or TPU phone cases. They come in a wide range of colors and styles so you can find one that suits your needs. The downside is that PC phone cases can be quite bulky and may not fit in some phone pockets.

Here's what we know about the PC material:

• Lightweight, yet rigid, stiff and strong material, that provides extra resistance to impact.
• Recyclable and fully biodegradable. The carbonate bond in our aliphatic polycarbonates is facile and hence this polymer is easily biodegradable. This kind of polycarbonates uses CO2 for synthesizing, which additionally helps decrease its emission.
• This material has many applications in the medicine, automotive, aircraft and especially in the security industries, as it can withstand sudden stress or intense force. 

It's the same material used from military forces to for bullet proof protection! So far, the most durable material. Our Crystal Clear cases are made from this material with some TPU used inside to soften the bumps. It gets almost no yellowing, it's hard and flexible, it's highly protective. It's the same combination of materials that Apple chooses for their clear cases too! 

4. Compostable Organic Phone Cases: Compostable phone cases are made from plant-based materials such as cornstarch, bamboo fiber, and sugarcane pulp. They are also biodegradable, but in much less time - about a year. They are also environmentally friendly, making them a great option for those who care about sustainability. However, they tend to be less durable than other phone case materials so they may require more frequent replacement.

Conclusion: When it comes to phone cases, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on your needs and preferences, the best phone case material could be silicon, TPU, PC or compostable. Weigh the pros and cons of each material before making a decision, and you’ll be sure to find the phone case that's right for you. 

Our flagship 3D Wrap cases combine the best of all worlds - hard PC back shell designed with sublimation printing that simply won't fade away and a soft and black TPU inner shell that absorbs all the bumps and keep your phone intact. No cheap materials like silicon, no compostable materials that fit any vacation but not the office, yet still biodegradable and planet friendly. No yellowing, no fading colors, no chipping paints, yet elegant design with round edges, fit for any office and business meeting, and the protection is military grade!