iPhone case that actually protects the phone?

[HousePlans]

DS11 has an iPhone that was given to him by a relative when she upgraded. Didn't take long for the screen to crack. We didn't replace the screen until it became unusable so he had an increasingly cracked screen for over a year.

Spent £84 on new front screen, screen protector and robust case a few weeks ago. He was so proud of his 'new' phone. He dropped the phone three days later and the screen cracked. DS has ADHD and struggles with emotional regulation, so you can imagine the reaction...

We bought another case, one that has a full front cover to it. He's just dropped it and the screen is cracked more.

Please someone recommend a case that actually does the job of protecting an iPhone screen!

I use Otterbox, it’s always been good, no issues when I drop phone to date.

As PP said - otterbox is best. Not fashionable or cool but protects the phone

Once the screen has cracked it will be far weaker than an un-cracked one so small knocks will make it worse. Otterbox defender is the heavy duty case, they also make other more fashiony cases that are protective. Spigen make good toughened glass screen protectors too, Otterbox make them as well but I haven't tried those ones.

Toughened glass screen protector.

A wrist strap or pop socket. Wrists straps are popular accessories with girls at the moment, not sure if there are male equivalents.

I've one of those cheap but slightly ugly clear cases you get for a fiver from stands in shopping centres then a tempered glass screen cover ((about £8 for two so when I inevitably crack one I have another on standby) from Amazon.

I am unbelievably clumsy with my phone but it's fared pretty well with these - I drop mine several times a week too.

I have used Spigen cases for years, I've dropped my phone several times and have never had a cracked screen. They look similar to Otterbox.

As a family we've used UAG phone covers. The only time anyone got a cracked screen is either no case or a 'fashion' case.

Otterbox strada. Leather with Otterbox rear protection and a folio flap with a strong magnet, so you have to conciously open it.

I have an Otterbox case and a tempered glass screen protector. No case is going to protect the screen unless it's a really bulky one with a built in screen protector.

I turned into my dad and read several tech magazine articles reviewing cases.
Ended up with one by mous.
Bought screen protectors by Spigen.

Only forgot little lens protectors (look like miniature screen protectors) so, 2yrs later, the paint around the rear camera lenses is worn, but hey ho.

PS.
If DS is prone to dropping it, would he consider adding a short wrist lanyard to the case?

Probably stating the obvious, but have you considered going for a more rugged phone, or at least a cheaper one ?

Iphones cost about 3-4x the price of a lot of android phones. There is no way I would give a kid a phone that expensive unless they could demonstrate that they were capable of looking after a cheaper one first.

TBH at the moment it just sounds like you are setting yourself up for bill after expensive bill.

I’ve used otterbox for years, they are the best, add on a tempered glass screen protector and even falling up the steps at the train station (landing on my hand with my phone face down on the edge of the step) only damaged the screen protector.

I once switched to a flip case so I could put my cards in it, and started dropping my phone all the time - I eventually concluded that the case was making the phone just slightly too big for my hands to hold securely. At 12, perhaps this might be an issue for your DS too?

Spigen as pp have said. I’ve dropped my phone many times on hard floors, once down the toilet and another time into a hot tub and it’s survived. They’re really good.

Thanks all. Will look at the options mentioned.

Yes completely agree re iPhones and clumsy kids! I have a very old iPhone myself so I certainly wouldn't have bought DS one. My SIL gave it to him when she got a new one. Are other brands of smart phone more robust?

Put a tempered glass screen over the screen. Then have a case too.

You can look at stuff like this :

https://www.techradar.com/best/best-rugged-smartphones

Some are pretty expensive though.

Or alternatively get a cheaper one with a case and then replace it as it breaks.

I have Nokia G42 which is cheap and has "QuickFix" repairability, which means you can replace the screen yourself if you want to and a full kit is available. However, I am not sure how economic this is as it is only £140 to buy one new, I might just chuck it away if it broke and get a new one.

The downside is with the cheaper ones is that they are less good for gaming. You can still get games on then, but they struggle with the high end ones.

Echoing those who recommend Otterbox or Spigen, plus a screen protector. Not pretty, but definitely robust.

I have a security case.

It has a plastic front and plastic screen cover and then it clips into a back case.

I'm also known for dropping things 🫣

I've just checked and mines shock proof one

I've had Spigen Tough Armour cases on all my IPhones - dropped a few times & been fine. DH drops his more than me & has switched to Spigen too.

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