Do You Really Need a Phone Case?

Phones today use tougher glass and metal than a decade ago, but they're also larger, heavier, and more expensive to repair. The case question comes down to your risk tolerance and your history of drops.

The case for a case

A screen replacement on a flagship phone can cost hundreds of dollars. A $15 case with corner protection absorbs the everyday drop that would otherwise crack glass. For most people, that's a cheap insurance policy they'll use more than once.

The case against

A case hides the phone's design and adds bulk. If you rarely drop your phone, have a repair plan, or accept the risk of damage, going caseless is a reasonable choice. Some people simply prefer how a bare phone feels.

The middle ground

• A slim case with corner protection for everyday use
• A screen protector for scratches and minor impacts
• A rugged case only if you're hard on phones

The honest answer: most people should use a slim case, because the cost of one drop outweighs the cost of the case many times over. If you've never cracked a phone, caseless is defensible; if you have, the case has already paid for itself.