The iPhone XR is arguably one of the best-looking phones around, along with the much more recent iPhone 13. The sleek design has been one of the devices’ most lauded characteristics.
While the temptation to use your phone in its birthday suit may be great, the question is:
Should you be using the iPhone XR without a case?
Probably not.
After all, that beautiful exterior and all of its fragile components (like the camera) stand to suffer significant damage if the phone is ever knocked, scraped, sat on, or dropped without a case protecting it!
In this article, we’ve outlined all the major things you need to know when deciding whether you need a case for your iPhone XR. Read on!
Is The iPhone XR Slippery?
One of the main factors to consider in the debate of Phone Case versus No Phone Case is how slippery and prone to falling out of your fingers your device is!
The exterior of the iPhone XR is constructed of glass and surrounded by an aluminum frame.
Despite its undeniable beauty, one of the biggest drawbacks of a glass-backed phone is its fragile nature.
Glass-backed phones are prone to sliding off curved and angled surfaces, as well as slipping out of unsteady hands.
This aspect becomes more pronounced whenever the surface is slippery or hands sweaty!
The smooth glass back makes the iPhone XR somewhat difficult to grip. As a result, the iPhone XR always requires significant attention and care while handling.
Do You Need A Case if You Have A Screen Protector?
While having both a phone case and a screen protector can seem like overkill to some, there are legitimate reasons as to why this is such an effective combination.
Let’s take a look at the primary functions of each of these protective measures!
The main function of a phone case is to protect the general body of your cellular device. By general body, we mean the corners, edges, and the back of the smartphone.
As such, the case protects every part of the phone- except the screen itself.
On the other hand, as the name suggests, a screen protector protects your phone’s screen from physical damage.
Just from that definition, we can already see why both accessories are necessary.
Together, they provide full protection to your device (or as close to full protection as the possibility allows).
In short, if you’re clumsy and prone to dropping things (Author’s note: guilty!), you’ll soon be thankful for having both a screen protector and case on your phone!
5 Compelling Reasons To Get A Phone Case For Your iPhone XR
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1. Cases Physically Protect Your Phone If It Drops (And It Will…)
A case adds bulk to your phone.
Depending on the material (hard plastic, metal, leather, silicone, etc.), a phone case can also significantly absorb the impact if your phone ever drops from a sizable height.
Both the added bulk and built-in impact absorption capabilities decrease the likelihood of your phone being shattered beyond use after falling!
2. Cases Protect The Interior Of Your Phone From Excess Dust And Heat
Most cases have low thermal conductivity.
This feature means that heat does not pass through them very quickly.
Low thermal conductivity makes a case essential if you regularly work with intense heat (like with welders) or if you reside in sunny or tropical climates.
In the same vein, cases can prevent dust from entering your device; some types will even cover your phone’s ports when they’re not in use!
Both of these functions can significantly increase the lifespan of your device.
3. Cases Make Your Phone Easier To Grip
Phones have a penchant for slipping and falling- especially ones made of glass like the iPhone XR!
Adding a case makes your phone easier to secure in your hands, and many cases make this even more of an emphasis with anti-slip features such as etched-in grooves.
Also, anti-slip materials such as rubber or silicone are often used. Finally, for even better control over your device, you can utilize handy little accessories called pop sockets.
4. Cases Keep Your Phone In Mint Condition
A case protects your phone from daily wear-and-tear, cracks, and scratches that it might otherwise incur.
Without these superficial markings, your iPhone will be able to preserve its youthful appearance for longer.
This is especially great news especially if you’re wanting to trade-in or replace your phone later on!
5. Cases Allow For Artistic Expression, Individuality, And Additional Storage
While the main function is to protect, a phone case can do so much more.
Due to their cost-effectiveness and variety, cases turn your phone from a mass-produced device to a unique accessory.
The right phone case can add an extra “oomph” to your outfit by complementing or contrasting it when needed. I mean, just look at this professional-athlete-worthy beauty!
If you’re feeling creative, you can paint or draw on a plain phone case and showcase your artwork everywhere you go.
Last (but certainly not least), phone cases can be used as an extra storage option for your cards, cash, and even keys when you don’t feel like being burdened with bulky bags.
So in addition to the style that phone cases bring to your overall outfit, they can offer a great deal of substance to boot!
Types Of Phone Cases
Rubber Cases
Rubber cases are great for the anti-scratch and anti-slip benefits that they provide.
At the same time, it’s also the most cost-effective material for a case that one can typically purchase and is available in an almost infinite variety of styles.
On the negative side, you may need to replace a rubber case more frequently, as they tend to stretch out and lose their shape over time.
Silicone Cases
These kinds of cases are simple, sleek, durable, and highlight your device’s natural features.
Silicone is a great anti-slip material and absorbs shock decently as well.
Silicone cases are ideal for users who do not wish for much bulk but still want a fair level of protection.
Plastic Cases
Plastic cases are cost-effective, durable, and very customizable; it’s arguably the most common type of case on the market!
On the downside, cases made of plastic tend to be slippery by nature and can break more easily if they fall from great heights or from the wrong angle.
Hybrid-Back Cases
Hybrid-back cases lead the way in terms of protection.
They are usually shock-proof and highly durable and come with grooves to increase your ability to grip and securely hold your phone.
However, avoid hybrid back cases if you prefer a more minimalist look.
They are bulky and hide most- if not all-of the natural features of your device. Also, there aren’t that many options when it comes to this type of case!
Flip Cases
This is one of the rarer types of phone case that also protects the device’s screen in addition to the body. In addition to that, they’re pretty durable as well.
Unfortunately, flip cases are bulky and heavy (just like hybrid-back cases). As a result, they tend to detract from the natural beauty of your device.
Finally, flip cases also make your device slightly less accessible as there is an added layer/step to get to your phone screen.
In Conclusion
The debate on whether a case is necessary is ongoing.
However, the general consensus would argue Yes- phone cases are a relatively inexpensive way to protect your phone from otherwise costly damage.
Yet, this decision ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Still, with millions of phone cases available worldwide, it’s very likely that you’ll be able to find a phone case to suit all your tastes and preferences. At the same time, you get to enjoy the added layer of protection and utility.
That’s a win-win situation if we ever saw one!
Phone cases are one of them. Want to know what the other 14 Most Essential Smartphone Accessories are this year? Click HERE to find out!
