Phone Cases: 6 Mistakes to Avoid Before You Buy
By Fonea · 14 October 2026 · 3 min read
A case costs very little, yet it protects a device that is often worth several hundred euros. Even so, most of us pick one in a hurry because we like the colour. Here are the six mistakes we see most often, and how to steer clear of them.
Mistake 1: buying for the wrong model
An iPhone 16 and an iPhone 16 Pro have neither the same screen size nor the same camera bump. The same goes for a Galaxy S24 and an S25, whose buttons do not sit in exactly the same place. A case made for the wrong model leaves buttons out of line and a lens half covered.
Our tip: open Settings, General, About and note your phone's exact model name before ordering. On our product pages, every case is picked from a precise list that also shows the screen size.
Mistake 2: ignoring the edges
When a phone falls flat, the edges hit the ground first. A case whose rim does not rise above the screen leaves the glass to take the full impact.
Make sure your case has:
- a raised lip around the screen;
- a raised lip around the camera bump;
- reinforced corners, where phones land most often.
Our clear shockproof case ticks all three boxes, with air-cushioned corners.
Mistake 3: choosing a material at random
Every material has its strengths and trade-offs:
- soft TPU absorbs shocks well but can turn yellow over time;
- hard polycarbonate resists scratches better and stays clear;
- silicone feels great in the hand but picks up pocket lint.
A hybrid case, with a hard back and a soft bumper, strikes a good balance between protection and long-lasting clarity.
Mistake 4: forgetting wireless charging and magnetic accessories
A very thick case, or one with a metal plate, can get in the way of wireless charging. On the flip side, a case with a built-in magnetic ring makes your phone work with MagSafe accessories, even on a Galaxy: magnetic power bank, car mount or card wallet.
If you use a 3-in-1 charger or a magnetic power bank, always look for "MagSafe compatible" or built-in magnets in the specs.
Mistake 5: thinking a case is enough
A case protects the back and sides, but not the screen surface or the camera lenses. For all-round protection, pair it with:
- a tempered glass screen protector, ideally a privacy one if you check personal information on public transport;
- a camera lens protector, especially on Pro models whose camera bump sticks out further.
While you are at it, make sure the case leaves enough room for the screen protector: a rim that is too tight can lift its edges and create bubbles.
Mistake 6: overlooking how you actually use your phone
A case should fit your lifestyle too. Often out without a bag? A crossbody phone lanyard saves you from holding your phone all day: it attaches to most cases with a thin tab that sits inside. Want lighter pockets? A magnetic card wallet can replace your purse or wallet for quick trips out.
The bottom line
Before buying a case, ask yourself three questions: is it the right model, do its edges protect the screen and the camera, and does it work with my charging accessories? If the answer is yes to all three, you have found the one. And if you have any doubt about compatibility, email us before you order.
