Smartphone Case Myths: Fact or Fiction?
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1. The case worsens network and Wi-Fi signal
In the overwhelming majority of cases, covers do not affect the operation of the built-in antennas of a smartphone. However, in rare cases, the quality of signal reception from cellular towers or a home router may indeed worsen. Potential problems arise with metal models of covers, and even then, not with all of them. This also includes rare cases of covers with metal or magnetic inserts that may shield radio waves.
Antennas in smartphones are usually located at the top or bottom of the body, while metal elements or magnetic holders for a popsocket are typically placed somewhere in the middle of the cover. So, they should not weaken radio signals. Checking whether a cover truly degrades call quality is quite simple — it is necessary to evaluate the signal level without it and with it. If there is a difference, it is better to replace the cover with another one.
2. The case causes the smartphone to overheat
Covers usually do not interfere with heat dissipation from a smartphone's internal components. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Thick rubber (polyurethane) or thermoplastic covers, as well as rugged "armored" models, can worsen heat dissipation. Problems with overheating are most pronounced under prolonged intensive loads (for example, during hour-long mobile gaming marathons) and when the smartphone is under scorching sunlight.
Charging needs special mention — thick covers can hinder proper heat dissipation from the smartphone battery. Especially if the device is used during the charging process. In the long term, this threatens a loss of battery capacity, causing it to swell or fail prematurely.
3. The case accelerates battery drainage
Traditional cases do not diminish the smartphone's battery life on a full charge. But as mentioned above, models with dense and thick textures can cause the mobile device to overheat — impaired heat dissipation creates additional stress on the battery, and it does indeed deplete faster.
Meanwhile, battery charge is drained by smart-feature cases. Some of them notify the user about incoming calls and notifications, others show the current time, and in advanced implementations, control of the music player work is presumed directly from the cover.
4. Cases with magnets disrupt wireless charging
Magnets in cases are typically used to mount a smartphone to a pad of suitable magnetic holders (usually car holders). And if the magnetic plate is located in the induction coil area, it can indeed interfere with power transmission and reduce wireless charging efficiency. Cover manufacturers often ensure magnet compatibility with wireless charging — instead of a solid plate, a ring-shaped metal insert is often used, or magnets are placed at the corners of the cover.
Stunning examples of well-thought-out wireless charging include covers for iPhones with MagSafe support. Their design involves a characteristic metal ring that precisely matches a similar magnetic mount on the back of the body. This ring does not interfere with the charging process and does not reduce its efficiency. Moreover, it helps to accurately lock the phone on the wireless charging pad.
5. The case reduces speaker volume
A correctly chosen cover for a specific phone model will not hinder sound distribution from the speakers. The main thing is for the cover not to block the speaker openings and to fit them precisely. Problems usually occur with cheap and universal models that are intended for use with any mobile phones approximately fitting in size.
for the needs of the charging port and speakers.
Thick silicone and polyurethane covers can potentially muffle speaker volume. This is because these materials dampen sounds naturally.
6. The case deteriorates photo quality
A tightly fitting case with cutouts for cameras that precisely match the location of the lenses will not affect the quality of photos and videos in any way. But keep in mind — the cover should not cover part of the camera or flash, which sometimes happens in the aforementioned universal cases.
Cases with camera protection can contribute to degrading photo quality. They have additional glass or plastic for "covering" the camera module lenses. In cheap cases, such protection gets scratched and becomes cloudy over time, causing blurriness and distortion in color reproduction.
7. Cases with built-in batteries damage the smartphone battery
Battery cases contain their own integrated battery and act as an additional power source for the smartphone. Essentially, they are akin to mini power banks, integrated directly into the case. Original accessories such as the Apple Smart Battery Case do no harm to the smartphone's battery. However, cases of questionable quality can indeed harm the battery.
Battery problems arise from unstable power supply voltage from the battery case, or constant recharging at a 100-percent charge level — all this collectively reduces the battery's lifespan.
8. Cases with batteries can explode
The likelihood of an in-case battery explosion is negligible. Even the cheapest of these cases often have simple protection systems against short circuits and overloads. The risk of battery explosion exists in the case of defects or physical damage to the battery (for example, from strong impacts). However, in practice, this usually does not occur — the battery is more likely to simply fail rather than explode.
9. The thicker the case, the better the protection
This statement is true for shock-resistant cases and models with reinforced corners. Thicker cases better absorb impact energy when a smartphone falls. The greater thickness is often due to multiple layers of protection and the use of special cushioning inserts.
In regular cases without reinforced protective properties, thickness does not play a decisive role. And conversely, an overly bulky case might simply make it cumbersome to use the smartphone.
10. Natural leather cases are more durable than silicone ones
Leather cases are associated with premium quality and respectability. Moreover, natural leather is an eco-friendly material, contributing to environmental care. Natural leather products are characterized by durability and longevity, lending the device an impressive and expensive appearance, and are very pleasant to the touch. The only "but" — leather cases are susceptible to moisture exposure, so they are often treated with special agents to extend their service life. Compared to silicone cases, natural leather is indeed more durable, as inexpensive silicone products often yellow and lose shape.
A more affordable alternative to natural leather is faux leather cases. The durability of such models directly depends on the quality of manufacturing. However, in general, they last about the same as silicone cases.
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