Comparison UAG Pathfinder with Magsafe for iPhone 15 Pro Max vs Samsung Silicone Grip Case for Galaxy S23 Plus

Case compatibility with a specific mobile phone model — or, in the case of universal models, the absence of any specialization. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.

Specialized variants are much better compatible with the corresponding mobile phones, as initially "tailored" for the features of a particular device: the shape and dimensions of the case, the location of connectors, buttons, cameras, etc. As a result, the cover provides protection without creating inconvenience for the user and without limiting his capabilities. And some types of cases (see "Type"), by definition, are made only specialized. At the same time, not all models of mobile phones are awarded such an "honor" as the release of a specialized case. And if your device is relatively inexpensive, the probability of not finding a case for it is quite high.

Note that it hardly makes sense to try to choose a specialized case based on the similarity of dimensions: firstly, very few devices match in size up to a millimetre, and secondly, even with such a coincidence, compatibility of connectors, cameras, etc. is not guaranteed at all due to lack of correspondence of cutouts for them and other structural elements of the phone. If the description indicates compatibility with several models at once, this means that the case is available in several modifications, for the corresponding devices.

Universal covers, in turn, are not limited by specific models and can be u...sed with any mobile phones that fit in size. Moreover, the size can coincide very approximately — the main thing is that the phone, on the one hand, fits inside, on the other hand, it is not too small and is not loose in the main compartment. At the same time, only cases intended for transporting a mobile phone are universal (bags and cases, see “Type”); the ability to use the phone without removing it from the case is the prerogative of specialized options.

— Plastic. The most popular material for mobile cases today. On the one hand, plastic is cheap and easy to process, it can be produced in almost any colour, with original patterns and various surface textures, which provides a wide variety of models. On the other hand, it is quite durable, waterproof, and tolerates temperature extremes well. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the tendency of plastic covers to get scratches, which gradually leads to the loss of the neat look. At the same time, for everyday use, its durability is quite enough.

— Textile. Used in bags, cases and sports cases (see "Type"), a fairly common material among these types. The fabric has many varieties, ranging from soft and thin to reinforced rigid, comparable in strength and protection to plastic. However, the latter option is relatively rare, mainly in sports cases. The fabric can be natural, synthetic or a combination (the composition should be taken into account when cleaning and washing fabric covers). Among the advantages of fabric covers are low cost, pleasant to the touch and attractive appearance — a wide variety of patterns and colours can be applied. Among the disadvantages are a relatively low degree of protection against impacts, close-to-zero water protection, as well as sensitivity to a number of contaminants (for example, it is quite difficult to remove a fat stain from a fabric).

— Silicon...e. Soft and fairly elastic polymer material. Thanks to its elasticity, it provides good protection against impacts; in addition, it is resistant to scratches, temperature extremes and also does not allow moisture to pass through. Silicone cases can also have a wide range of colours.

— Leather. Stylish and top-notch class material. Leather cases look very eye-catching, thanks to which such a product can not only protect a mobile phone from adverse effects, but also emphasize the status of the owner. Physical specs are also quite worthy: this material is durable, waterproof, resistant to temperature extremes and scratches. Among the shortcomings, in addition to the high price, one can note the exactingness of care: the skin must be treated with special means and rather strict rules for cleaning and drying must be maintained, otherwise it may deform or crack, and the product will lose its main advantage — a signature appearance.

— Leatherette. An artificial material used to simulate leather (see above). To date, many types of leather substitutes are used, their quality and appearance, usually, directly depends on the price. At the same time, even the most expensive options are usually cheaper than genuine leather, but they can look no worse — at least if you do not look at the leatherette case at extremely close range. Another advantage is ease of care. The main disadvantage, specific for all leather substitutes, is the lower resistance to various factors: they are less durable than genuine leather, more prone to scuffs and sensitive to temperature changes.

— Metal. This material can be classified as advanced. It is waterproof, scratch resistant and one of the most durable cell phone cases available today. Another advantage of metal is the overall impression of reliability, both in appearance and to the touch. On the other hand, due to the high thermal conductivity, the metal noticeably “cools” hands in the cold, and also poorly protects the phone from the cold itself (which can adversely affect the battery). However, if you do not have to be outdoors for hours, this drawback can hardly be called critical. Of the varieties of metal, various aluminium alloys are most often used; this material, in addition to the above, has one more advantage — low weight.

— Carbon. Another name is carbon fiber. It is a composite based on carbon fiber, which provides very impressive specs: for example, the strength of carbon can be even higher than that of metal. Other properties can be judged at least by the fact that carbon is used in various fields where one has to deal with difficult conditions — up to aviation and space technology. At the same time, carbon is much lighter than metal, thus an important advantage of this material is also low thermal conductivity and, accordingly, good thermal insulation (for more details on the importance of this spec, see above, in the "Metal" section). Among the shortcomings, in addition to a rather high price, one can note a tendency to burn out in the sun.

— Rubber. The material is close in its properties to silicone, but unlike the latter, it provides higher protection against mechanical damage. Rubber absorbs shock and vibration properly, working as a kind of bump/shock absorber. Such protection is almost always shockproof. For this reason, rubber covers have a fairly massive design. On the other hand, such material is not well suited to emphasize the subtlety and elegance of a mobile device.

— Wood. Almost all cases made of wood are presented in the form of a protective cover with a bumper. The cover protects the back panel and sides of the phone properly. Wood has high aesthetic and decorative qualities, such a cover looks really attractive. In addition, solid wood provides a pleasant tactile sensation. But the wood also has its drawbacks. Natural wood requires careful handling. Cover surfaces will need to be cleaned regularly. The wood is sensitive to the moisture, if such a cover is wetted, it can swell and darken.

— Polyurethane. It occupies an intermediate position between plastic and silicone. This material is not as malleable as silicone, but not as rough as plastic. Cases of all types and modifications are made of polyurethane : pads, bumpers, books, etc. On the basis of polyurethane, you can create both an elegant case that can emphasize the beauty of an ultra-thin case, and shock-resistant protection, which is distinguished by a massive texture.

— Polycarbonate. Has many properties of plastic. It is practical and aesthetic, reliable and durable, but at the same time surpasses traditional plastic in strength. Cases made of polycarbonate are less prone to various abrasions and scratches, polycarbonate exhibits increased resistance to mechanical stress. One of the main properties of polycarbonate is high resistance to the damaging effects of sun exposure — polycarbonate covers do not fade and do not become cloudy over time.

The back side of the case is equipped with a magnetic plate, thanks to which the mobile device can be quickly fixed in the car holder, as well as on all kinds of desktop brackets and docking stations. Cases with a magnetic plate for mobile devices with a large screen are especially relevant. After all, these phones are often used as a car navigator.

The presence of a strap (lace) in the design of the cover. It can be either fixed or removable; in the latter case, the fastening is usually carried out by a carbine. Straps come in two varieties: for the hand and for the neck.

The hand strap is designed to wrap around your wrist while holding the case in your hand. First of all, it provides insurance in case you accidentally release the case from your hand: the lace will keep it on your wrist, or at least delay the fall for a couple of seconds, making it possible to react and catch the phone. Another use case is when you need to free your hand for a short time, when it makes no sense to put the phone in your pocket or purse (for example, to get the keys and open the door to the apartment, and then continue talking on the phone).

The neck strap actually creates a separate spot for the case. At the same time, the phone does not take up any hands or pockets, while at the same time it is constantly in close proximity. This feature can come in handy if you have to wear clothes without pockets or there is very little space in them. And waterproof models (see "Dust and water protection") can even provide swimming with a case on your neck.

Also, with the help of a strap, you can fix the case on the dashboard of a car and use it as a car holder. This, however, requires some skill.

The specific type of strap used in the design depends on the case model; t...his point should be clarified according to the official specs.

Cases with reinforced corners belong to the shockproof class. Corner reinforcements act as a bumper/shock absorber — if the phone slips out of your hands and falls on its edge, the protected corners will minimize mechanical impact. The mobile device will remain safe and sound after the fall. Most often, corner protection is represented by special air chambers.

Cases with MIL-STD-810 protection allow you to safely use your mobile device in extreme conditions. Such models are distinguished by excellent shockproof properties, significantly increase the resistance of the phone to the negative effects of moisture, low and high temperatures, various kinds of vibration and other mechanical effects. Initially, the MIL-STD-810 standard was developed for the military, who use radio communications in the field.