With smartphones increasing in price, more and more people are opting for rugged phone cases to protect them. But what makes a phone case rugged? And what kind of protection are consumers looking for? That’s what we are here to answer. So read on to learn everything you need to know about smartphone protection, including the best rugged phone cases to add to your inventory to boost sales in 2024.
Table of Contents
Market for rugged phone cases
What is a rugged phone case?
Who is purchasing rugged phone cases?
The importance of a rugged phone case
Factors to consider when choosing a rugged phone case
Best rugged phone cases in 2024
Final thoughts
Market for rugged phone cases
More than 86% of the population worldwide owns a smartphone, as it has become a regular part of our daily lives, with almost half of the people in the U.S. spending between 5 and 6 hours on their smartphones daily.
The number of smartphone users is anticipated to reach 7.1 billion in 2024. Mordor Intelligence predicts that the mobile protective cases market is estimated to reach USD 26 billion in 2024 and USD 33.70 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.33% during the forecast period. Of course, that’s the market size for all smartphone cases sold; however, research shows that protective factors are among the highest reasons for investing in a phone case.
What is a rugged phone case?
A rugged phone case refers to a protective covering designed to shield smartphones from a variety of potential hazards and damages. These cases are specifically engineered to enhance durability and resistance, ensuring the device remains functional and intact even in challenging environments or situations. The term “rugged” implies a robust, sturdy, and tough design capable of withstanding impacts, drops, water exposure, dust, and other external factors that could harm a smartphone.
Who is purchasing rugged phone cases?
The target market for rugged phone cases encompasses various consumer segments with unique needs and preferences. While rugged cases are designed to offer enhanced smartphone protection, different groups find these cases particularly appealing based on their lifestyles, professions, or specific usage scenarios.
Here are some key segments within the smartphone market that are most likely to purchase rugged phone cases:
- Outdoor enthusiasts and fitness-focused users:
- Individuals frequently engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, biking, or sports often prioritize rugged phone cases. These cases protect against drops, impacts, and exposure to elements like water and dust, making them ideal for outdoor adventures.
- Fitness enthusiasts and athletes also often opt for rugged phone cases to protect smartphones during workouts, outdoor runs, or other physical activities, preventing damage from sweat, impacts, or accidental drops.
- Individuals in adventurous professions like forestry, agriculture, or wildlife conservation may also choose rugged cases to ensure their smartphones remain functional in challenging environments.
- Construction and trade professionals:
- Workers in construction, trade, or any field where the smartphone is subjected to rough conditions benefit from rugged phone cases. The cases help safeguard devices from accidental drops, impacts on construction sites, and exposure to dust or debris.
- Workers in industrial settings or manufacturing facilities, where smartphones are exposed to harsh conditions, may choose rugged cases for their devices. These cases offer protection against impacts, dust, and potential liquid spills.
- Parents and families:
- Families with young children may find rugged phone cases beneficial in protecting devices from accidental drops or spills. The durability of these cases can provide an extra layer of security, especially when smartphones are used by children.
- Travelers and commuters:
- Individuals who travel frequently or have demanding daily commutes may opt for rugged phone cases. These cases help protect smartphones from the rigors of travel, including potential drops, bumps, and exposure to various environments.
- Individuals with a history of accidental drops:
- Users with a track record of dropping their phones or have experienced device damage due to accidents may opt for rugged phone cases as a preventive measure.
When selling and marketing rugged phone cases, consider these target audiences. You may only want to target some of these audiences, but keep your target audience in mind when marketing the cases in your product lineup.
The importance of a rugged phone case
Before diving into the specifics of the best rugged phone cases, let’s understand why they are essential for protecting your smartphone investment.
The cost of smartphone repairs
Smartphone repairs can be costly, especially when it comes to screen replacements or internal component fixes. According to TickTockTech, the average cost of repairing a smartphone screen is between USD 150 and USD 350 without warranty. And according to a 2021 poll, at that time, approximately 1 in 3 Americans admitted to currently having a crack in their screen.
Rugged phone cases act as a preventive measure, reducing the likelihood of device damage and minimizing repair expenses. For consumers, this translates to potential cost savings over the lifespan of their smartphones. Additionally, by shielding devices from everyday wear and tear, accidental drops, and environmental factors, these cases help consumers maintain the functionality and aesthetic integrity of their phones for an extended period, which also saves them money in the longer term as they can keep their existing phone longer and helps to maintain its resale value.
Impact of drops and falls
The primary purpose of rugged phone cases is to provide enhanced smartphone protection. The same poll mentioned above noted that the average American drops their phone approximately 4 times per week, and a third of participants dropped their phones even more than that.
These cases are designed to withstand drops, impacts, and other potential hazards that could lead to damage. By absorbing shocks and distributing impact forces, rugged cases help prevent cracked screens, dents, and internal component damage.
Consumers with active lifestyles, such as fitness enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, or individuals who participate in sports, appreciate the peace of mind that rugged phone cases offer. Knowing that their devices are well-protected allows them to fully engage in their activities without constant worry about potential damage.
Factors to consider when choosing a rugged phone case
Now that we understand the importance of rugged phone cases let’s delve into the criteria that make a phone case truly rugged and capable of providing robust protection.
1. Drop protection
Since dropping is one of the leading causes of smartphone damage, drop protection is critical when looking for a case.
Companies or manufacturers may say that their phone cases protect against drops, but how do consumers know if the cases they’re looking at provide the protection they’re looking for? Some manufacturers conduct drop tests on their cases and provide certification or documentation of their performance. Cases that have been drop-test certified are more likely to provide reliable protection during falls. Check for any available information on the manufacturer’s website or product packaging.
Here are some other things to look for to ensure that cases provide the kind of protection that consumers are looking for:
- Material construction: Look for cases made from impact-resistant materials such as polycarbonate, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), or a combination of materials. These materials absorb and disperse the energy from impacts, reducing the likelihood of damage during drops.
- Corner reinforcements: Cases with reinforced corners effectively provide drop protection as corners are vulnerable areas during impacts, and extra padding or reinforcement helps absorb and distribute the force, minimizing the risk of damage to the phone.
- Shock-absorbing technology: Some cases feature advanced shock-absorbing technologies or designs like air cushions, gel layers, or internal structures specifically engineered to absorb and dissipate the energy generated during a fall.
- Raised edges and bezels: A case with raised edges or bezels around the screen and camera areas provides additional protection. These raised features create a buffer, preventing direct contact with surfaces when the phone is placed face down, reducing the risk of scratches or screen damage.
Also, cases that carry military-grade certification (such as MIL-STD-810G) have undergone rigorous testing for durability and impact resistance. This certification indicates that the case meets specific standards set by the military for ruggedness.
2. Water and dust resistance
In addition to drops, smartphones are susceptible to water and dust damage, and a rugged case should provide adequate protection against these elements. Cases with seals, port covers, or IP (Ingress Protection) ratings can protect smartphones from water splashes, dust, and other environmental elements.
3. Compatibility with wireless charging
While wireless charging isn’t necessarily the most important factor when choosing a rugged case, many consumers regularly use it and opt for a case that supports it over one that doesn’t.
Market.us forecasts that the global wireless charging market will exceed USD 63.7 billion by 2032, from USD 7.7 billion in 2022, with a projected CAGR of 24.2% from 2023 to 2032. According to Google Ads, there are over 33,000 monthly searches for wireless phone chargers and over 49,000 monthly searches for iPhone wireless chargers.
So, ensure you carry at least some rugged phone cases that maintain compatibility with wireless charging. Users appreciate the convenience of wireless charging, and cases that support this feature enhance the overall user experience.
4. Design and aesthetics
While protection is the focus, rugged phone cases don’t have to compromise on style. Choose cases that balance durability with aesthetic appeal.
Consumers are more likely to choose a protective case that aligns with their preferences regarding design and style.
Best rugged phone cases in 2024
So, now that you know why consumers are looking for rugged cases that protect their smartphones, let’s look at some of the best cases on the market in 2024.
OtterBox
The OtterBox consistently ranks among the best rugged phone cases, offering robust drop protection. According to a customer satisfaction survey conducted by J.D. Power, OtterBox received high ratings for durability, impact resistance, and overall satisfaction.
The OtterBox Commuter and Defender Series cater to different user preferences and protection needs. The Commuter Series offers a more streamlined design for everyday use, while the Defender Series provides a higher level of protection for users in demanding and rugged environments.
Spigen Tough Armor
Spigen is a popular brand known for its durable phone cases, and the Tough Armor series is no exception. According to drop test results published by Spigen, the Tough Armor case provides excellent protection against drops and impacts. This data, coupled with positive customer reviews on Spigen’s website, emphasizes the effectiveness of the Tough Armor series in safeguarding smartphones from accidental falls.
Supcase
Supcase, notably the Unicorn Beetle Pro Series, is renowned for its durability. This case has been subjected to rigorous testing, earning high ratings for drops from heights of up to 50 feet. Remarkably, one verified buyer even attests to testing the case by running it over with a truck, and the phone remained undamaged.
Lifeproof
Lifeproof is renowned for its waterproof cases, and the FRĒ Series stands out for its water-resistant design. Based on customer reviews on several platforms, the Lifeproof FRĒ Series consistently receives positive feedback for its ability to protect smartphones from water damage.
Final thoughts
Selecting the best rugged smartphone cases is a crucial decision that directly impacts customer satisfaction and the success of your online store. As we’ve explored various factors such as drop protection, material quality, water resistance, and design, it becomes evident that a well-curated selection of rugged cases can make a significant difference. To browse a range of smartphone cases, and to explore more trends in the tech industry, check out Alibaba.com.
