If everyone is using protective cases, does smartphone design matter?

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Ilia Temelkov
Ilia Temelkov
Phonearena team
Original poster
• 2mo ago

For quite a while, smartphone design has been so predictable that now the biggest differentiator between different models is the shape of the camera bump on the back. On top of that, our big, bulky, and mostly slippery devices usually get out of their boxes, so they can quickly end up wrapped in a protective case. Eventually, all new phones look like any other phone - new or old.


Despite this, smartphone companies keep focusing on the aesthetics of their products. Of course, some consumers pay attention to this, and some brave souls even carry their fragile devices like they’re not a drop away from getting shattered. The vast majority of people are more sensible and not only use cases but also screen protectors, improving their devices’ durability and often the grip and handling. 


So, does design really matter that much? Do you really need a shiny frame and brightly colored back if you’re going to cover it anyways? Do you think using a case is mandatory? Is the presence of a logo on the back such a big deal for you? What do you think should change in smartphone designs?

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• 2mo ago

Of course smartphone design still matters, the looks and weight matter's the most because that's the first thing customers look at.

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• 2mo agoedited

I use now because mine is plastic and can get scratched at gym if I put on on the floor.

my previous was glass back, I was never worried same way. Glass has few scratches because I dropped it so many time, but it has never shattered.Dragon Tail glass.


Plastic is worse than glass to lose heat. Cases help to retain heat even more.

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• 2mo ago

I've said that for years! "slim, sexy, colorful and stylish" makes no difference because they are so expensive, EVERYONE sticks them in a protective case!

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• 2mo ago

Well, yes and no. Color becomes a lot less relevant but things like camera placement, size, shape (square edges vs rounded edges) still remaine relevant design elements. I am sure I have missed s few examples but you get the idea.

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• 2mo agoedited

If everyone is wearing clothes does body shape even matter ?🤡

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• 2mo ago

Design as in the colour or the textured back would not be that important. But design is more than just that. So the camera island, the buttons, still play an important part of it. So TLDR, it is still important to an extend.

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Ilia Temelkov
Ilia Temelkov
Phonearena team
Original poster
• 2mo ago
↵stferrari said:

Well, yes and no. Color becomes a lot less relevant but things like camera placement, size, shape (square edges vs rounded edges) still remaine relevant design elements. I am sure I have missed s few examples but you get the idea.

The camera is probably the only feature that really stands out on phones and the best way to recognize one from the other. However, the size is a function of the display and the edges also get inside the case, so you don’t feel them all that much.

I do agree that some elements are still relevant and important but in general I really struggle to explain why the visuals of a phone should be accounted for when choosing a phone.

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• 2mo ago

No, the design doesn't matter at all. Except for the display which is not covered in all sorts of crap.

I don't buy a SAMSUNG GALAXY S24ULTRA TITANIUM VIOLET for then to wrap a cheap silicone cover on or any other cover for that matter. I don't carry a purse either, so my phone is as naked as possible. Not even a screenprotector. A screenprotector gets a lot of scratches, the screen not at all even if you have it in the same pocket as the keys.

The S24ULTRA is made of materials strong enough to withstand all that 25 will be the game

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• 2mo ago

For me, it doesn't matter.. Ive been saying it for awhile, I don't see why they keep putting out so many colors when 99% of users have them in a case..Black or white. I just had to check my color. 😂 You don't see it. Don't get me wrong, some of the colors are fantastic, but..... Cases.. I dont purchase off of color. I use Samsung,, we all know the style they all look the same, some bigger, (please stop Making them bigger, in don't need a note pad.) some smaller. Most people I talk with base off performance and we research before we buy. Yea I'm rambling, sorry. But yea, color doesn't matter. I don't care if I have a pink phone, I'd never know. 😂

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