Smartphone cases and covers

Silicone, TPU or polycarbonate: the materials for cases

The material determines how a case behaves. Silicone, soft and grippy, feels nice in hand and absorbs minor shocks, but it attracts pocket dust. TPU, a thermoplastic polyurethane, is thinner and firmer while remaining flexible: it's the material for clear cases and shock-absorbent edges. Polycarbonate, rigid, protects very well against scratches but transfers more energy from a drop when used alone. The most protective cases often combine a TPU frame, which absorbs impacts on the edges, and a polycarbonate back, which resists abrasion.

Other accessories

Smartphone accessories also come in various types:

• Tempered glass.
• Screen cleaner.

All accessories are gathered on the smartphone accessories page.

Shockproof case or flip case: which protection

The shockproof case reinforces the four corners, which hit the ground first during a drop, with air cushions or thicker material. Its edges slightly extend beyond the screen and the camera block, ensuring that the phone lying flat or dropped face down doesn't touch the glass. Some manufacturers rely on the US military standard MIL-STD-810, which outlines repeated drop tests. The flip case, or wallet case, also protects the screen in a bag and often holds a card, but it makes the phone heavier and slows down photo taking.

Exact model, MagSafe and wireless charging

A case is chosen for a specific model: from one version to another, even within a range, the dimensions, button placement and camera block size change. So it's important to check the full name of the phone, including Plus, Pro or Max. Wireless charging using the Qi standard works through a thin plastic case, but a very thick case, metal case, or one with a magnetic mount attached to the back can block it. MagSafe compatible cases, Apple’s magnet system, include a magnetic ring that centers the charger and holds magnetic accessories; a newer version of the Qi standard has adopted this principle for other brands.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and sent out in 24 hours. The major events of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school season.

Frequently asked questions

How to clean a transparent case that has yellowed?

Yellowing comes from UV rays and TPU oxidation. A soak in soapy warm water followed by a baking soda paste rubbed with a soft brush can reduce surface marks. However, established yellowing within the material won't disappear completely.

Does a case make a phone waterproof?

No, a standard case protects against shocks and scratches, not submersion. For the beach, swimming pool or water sports, only a waterproof pouch or a certified waterproof case can prevent water from entering through the ports and buttons.

Can a case cause the phone to heat up?

A thick case limits heat dissipation somewhat, especially during fast charging, gaming, or GPS navigation in direct sunlight. If the phone gets very hot, remove the case during charging and don’t leave it behind a windshield.

What case for exercising with your phone?

For running or cycling, opt for a thin, grippy shockproof case that doesn’t slip from an armband or handlebar mount. Cases compatible with magnetic or bayonet mounts prevent the need to handle the phone while in motion.

When should you change your phone case?

Replace it as soon as the corners are cracked, it no longer holds the device securely or it has stretched out. A silicone case deforms and gets dirty within a year or two, a clear case yellows, while a rigid case lasts longer.