3 ms·

Ask HN: Hard vs soft cases for cell phones - can we have a scientific study?

• Kluny 14y ago
  I'm inclined to think that hard cases are the way to go, based on the fact that my motorcycle helmet is hard. But I would like to see some scientific data if any is available. It's hard to get though, given that the nature of the experiment involves testing $600 items to destruction, repeatedly.
  • DavidAdams 14y ago
    A motorcycle helmet is a hybrid of hard and soft. Hard shell, soft impact absorption. I agree with the other poster. The best phone case is a hybrid. Check out the Switcheasy Tones.
• jug6ernaut 14y ago
  (I did no study) But IMO, the best is nether hard or soft, but a hybrid of the two. Both have different properties that do different things. Hard: Deflect impact Distributes impact Soft: Absorbs impact The key is to slow impact as slow as possible and to distribute it over the largest area to limit the total force to any given point. For this you need both hard and soft. I do have statistical evidence tho that 10/10 times my phone did not break when i did not drop it :). /me goes caseless.
• dholowiski 14y ago
  Screen protector and naked otherwise. And if your phone manufacturer insists on a glass back as well, time to switch phones.