Weekend Open Forum: Do you use a case with your smartphone?

[t3chn0vamp]

I use a Capdase back cover for my Nexus 4 just to protect it in case of accidental drops.

 

[treetops]

I have a HTC One V with no case, Iv dropped it on concrete at least 20 times. It still works fine, what eventually cracked it was a bar wench sitting on my lap. It still works though.

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

I'm paranoid about damaging my phone so I keep it locked up safely in a safety deposit box in the bank. It shouldn't get damaged there :-D. Honest answer... No the thing is insured & I don't have a money wasting range topping device so I'm not terribly concerned about it.

 

[UO1988]

I have had otterbox commuter cases for my Galaxy S, S3 and now for my S4. My original Galaxy S, dropped from about 5 feet onto hard concrete shelf and cracked the screen. Eventually the case completely broke apart from removing to change batteries often. My S3, never cracked. The case did get a little worn, inside rubber torn at the headphone and charger covers but phone still works perfectly. When I got my S4, I didn't get an otterbox right away as I wanted to get it a little cheaper. Dropped my S4 twice on hard concrete. Screen was fine, but the plastic on the outside was chipped on every side. Since getting the otterbox, I have dropped it a few times and no damage what so ever. I will always buy a case until my phone is virtually unbreakable.

 

[Guest]

I do on my Lumia 920, but only at work (I'm a painter). I take it off once out of work. It's a rubber cover, so I get more grip, not so I care about scratches or dust or anything of that sort. Recently I was drunk on a company's trip and was dancing on golf court while the sprinklers were on, but that didn't damage the phone on anything. Of course speakers didn't work for a day, but it's OK

 

[captaincranky]

Smartphone? We don't need no steenking smartphones....!

 

[KidChaos]

Otterbox commuter on my last couple of phones has been great balance of protection without getting too bulky. Currently on Samsung Galaxy S3. During the old days of my Palm phones I cracked one too many and started getting cases and swear by them now. Usually order them before or same time as I buy a phone.

 

[Guest]

..my smartphone is smart enough to protect itself *LoL

 

[Timonius]

My smartphone is still on the shelf at <insert overpriced provider>. I'd put a case on it if it provides basic protection and still allows me to fit it in most pockets. I'm pretty careful with my devices. So no problem here.

 

[Guest]

I don't use cases or screen protectors, and I don't buy insurance.
Cases make the phone too bulky.
Screen Protectors make the screen look like S**t.
The money I've saved by not paying monthly insurance over the years, I could buy a new flagship phone and still have money left over.

 

[Ranger1st]

Can't find a case for my LG Optimus 4G LTE.. everywhere is swimming with pos iphone products..

 

[madboyv1]

I'm INCREDIBLY brutal with my phones. My last flip phone was a stand in hammer a number of times and an emergency table foot almost just as often. Still have it and still works actually. Now I can't do that with a smart phone for sure without breaking it, but I'm still very cruel to my phones. so having at least SOMETHING to help keep them together is unfortunately necessary for me.

My old HTC Evo 4G survived probably over 4 dozen table height or higher drops, being completely submerged in a flowing creek (and having to run after it), and at this point that phone is effectively two haves as all but one screw for the casing have failed. But it still works (though retired) and I use a thin case to keep it together.

Now I have an HTC One (M7) with a thin case to protect the aluminum casing in the back, as well as provide a lip to raise the screen from whatever surface it is sitting on/being dropped to. I'll try to be more careful... HONEST... *klang klang klang*

 

[nismo91]

Nope. not even a screen protector. the poor gorilla glass got scratches everywhere after I brought it to a beach. phone is almost two years old now. still the same old LG E900 Windows Phone 7.8. Might be putting case on my future phone if it's a high end one.

 

[Benny26]

After buying a new phone, Galaxy S3 Mini, I ran without a case for a few week but wasn't comfortable. Only takes a loss of concentration and it could easily break.

I decided to buy a small modest gel and silicone surround for it with a screen protector...and coming back off holiday I'm now glad I did. It's amazing how many nicks and scratches you pick up from lots of 'normal' day to day usage. The screen protector was worth it's weight in gold for me.

 

[Guest]

I now have a Galaxy S4 that I got from Best Buy and opted for the protection plan. So no I don't have a case on it.

Best Buy is the only protection plan I know of that covers against water damage (I don't think any of the big 3 carriers cover water damage if purchased direct from the carrier) and they also have no deductible (most of the carriers have a $100 deductible) granted this adds another $179 to the cost of the GS4 (if purchased up front) or $10 month for 2yrs.

But I also agree that these new smart phones are too sexy to have a case on them and with all the advances in tech ie: Gorilla Glass 3 (on the GS4) I'm not worried about it getting scratched up in my pocket.

 

[gobbybobby]

Never used a case, and Ive had the same HTC Touch 2 smartphone for Almost 4 years now. I will admit its rather slow at web browsing now, and the battery is not as good as it used to be and must be charged every day, but can still watch Youtube video on it, make calls and texts, why upgrade, also shows phones last a long time without protection, Ive dropped the thing 1000s of times, and it still looks in good shape and functions as day 1. (apart from the battery life of course)

I don't understand why people buy a new phone every year, seems a waste!

 

[windmill007]

Elango case for iPhone. Awesomely slim and creates grip. Hate those big cases they look stupid.

 

[SgtUSMC]

Used case and screen protector on Thunderbolt for the longest time. Living near the coast, sand tended to find a way in to my cars, my clothes, and yes, it worked its way into the spaces between my phone and my case. Then, *grind,grind,grind* and voila, my phone is all scratched up. So I did the only logical thing, which was throw the case in the trash. Dropped phone at least once since, on a hard floor -- undamaged. Figure I won't go back to cases.

 

[RenGood08]

I have an incredible case on my S4. I am a very klutzy person so I will get protective cases for my cellphone since I believe it's worth the investment. I have dropped my phone twice now. I have a soft case and a hard shell combination case and its thin enough that it is practically the size of the phone, but when I dropped it, no harm was done to the phone, just a little done to the case. Its a great investment if you wish you phones to last! (except the only thing that it doesn't protect from is dropping your phone in the toilet...I've learned my lesson, no electronics in the bathroom lol.)

 

[TorturedChaos]

I have a Otter Box Defender case for my Droid RAZR Max HD and I love the case and the warranty on it. Broke the belt clip after only having it for a month and the mailed me a new case no questions asked.