iPhone Case — Is It Really Worth It?

Reading time: 6 minutes
Updated: May 2025

It’s one of the oldest debates among iPhone users: to use a case or not to use one? On one side are those who argue that the iPhone is too beautiful to be hidden inside a case. On the other are those who’ve cracked a screen without a case and never made that mistake again. In this article, we take an honest look at both sides—and help you decide what makes the most sense for you.

The argument against cases: the iPhone is already durable

Apple invests heavily in the durability of its iPhones. The latest models feature Ceramic Shield glass on the front—described by Apple itself as the toughest glass ever used in a smartphone—and frames made of aerospace-grade aluminum or titanium. The iPhone Pro models also have an IP68 rating, which means they are water- and dust-resistant.

Given all this, it makes sense to ask: do we really need a cover?

The short answer is: it depends on how you use your phone. But the data doesn't lie.

The reality: most iPhones are sold without a case

The iPhone screen is durable—but not indestructible. A fall from your pocket onto a cobblestone sidewalk, on an uneven surface, at an unfavorable angle, can shatter even the toughest glass in the world. And it happens every day.

Here are some figures worth knowing:

• The cost of replacing the screen on an iPhone 16 Pro Max in Portugal is around €400 to €500 at an official Apple repair center
• A high-quality cover costs between €20 and €30
• Market research shows that more than 70% of smartphone users use a case —precisely because they’ve already done the math

The question isn't whether the iPhone can survive a drop—it's whether it can survive your specific drop, on that specific surface, at that specific angle. And the probability of that isn't zero.

What a cover actually protects

A good case doesn't just protect against drops. The benefits go far beyond that:

Scratch protection Keys, coins, and other objects in your pocket or bag can scratch the back and sides of your iPhone. A case completely eliminates this problem.

Drop protection The reinforced corners of a good case absorb the impact of a drop before it reaches the iPhone’s glass or aluminum. Even thin cases make a significant difference.

Better grip The aluminum and glass on the iPhone are slippery—especially with wet hands or when you're wearing sunscreen. A textured case or one made of a matte material significantly improves grip and reduces the likelihood of drops.

Protection against dirt and wear The back of the iPhone, when in direct contact with surfaces, accumulates invisible micro-scratches that, over time, make the finish look dull and worn. A case keeps your iPhone looking like new.

Resale value: An iPhone with no marks or scratches is worth much more on the second-hand market. A €25 case can add €50 to €100 to the device’s resale value.

The strongest argument against cases: the design

This is the argument that stands up best. The iPhone is a meticulously designed object—and a case hides that craftsmanship. The titanium of the iPhone 15 Pro, the satin-finished aluminum of the iPhone 16, the curves—it all disappears under a case.

That's a valid point. And there are users for whom it makes sense not to use a cover—namely those who:

• He is extremely careful with his cell phone and never drops it
• Always keep your iPhone separate from other objects
• Prefer the device's original tactile experience
• I frequently upgrade my iPhone and accept the risk of damage

For these users, a tempered glass screen protector on the front and a back protector (skin) may be the ideal solution—scratch protection without adding bulk.

The middle ground: cases that don't hide the iPhone

The "case vs. no case" debate is based on an outdated assumption—that cases are necessarily bulky, ugly, or hide the iPhone's design.

Today, there are covers that:

Ultra-thin cases (0.3 to 0.8 mm): virtually invisible, they add very little bulk and preserve the iPhone’s original feel while protecting it from scratches and minor drops.

Clear polycarbonate cases: show off the iPhone’s original design while protecting it from drops and scratches. The classic choice for those who want the best of both worlds—though they are prone to yellowing over time.

Custom-designed cases: instead of hiding your iPhone, they add personality. A case with a design you love doesn’t hide your phone—it turns it into a fashion accessory. That’s the approach InstaCase takes: cases with over 100 exclusive designs that are part of your look, not something that hides it.

What is the cost of not using a cover? A cost-benefit analysis

Let's be blunt:

A €25 case that lasts a year is like having insurance worth hundreds of euros. Even if you never drop your iPhone, scratches and wear and tear have a real impact on its resale value.

Our honest conclusion

Using a case on an iPhone makes sense for most people. The protection it offers—against drops, scratches, wear and tear, and loss of resale value—far outweighs the cost and the slight increase in bulk.

The question isn't really "case or no case"—it's about choosing the right case for your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. If the iPhone's design is important to you, there are ultra-thin, transparent cases that let it shine. If you want to express your personality, there are cases with unique designs that turn your phone into a fashion accessory.

The only situation in which it makes sense not to use a case is if you take extreme care of your device and are willing to accept the risk of high repair costs.

Which cover is right for you?

At InstaCase, you'll find over 100 exclusive designs for Premium Glossy iPhone cases—made from high-quality glossy polycarbonate, featuring reinforced corner protection, and delivered within 24 hours to mainland Portugal.

Whatever your style—minimalist, colorful, patterned, or personalized with your own photo—there’s an InstaCase for you.

👉 Check out all the iPhone cases at InstaCase

Article written by the InstaCase Portugal team. Experts in cases and accessories for iPhone, Samsung, AirPods, and Kobo since 2020.