Metal phone cases are representative of high-end products, which is why most iPhone models use metal materials on its product.
Metal is often the most controversial material when it comes to smartphones. Prominent players in the smartphone industry have opted for glass as the primary build material for their products.
The reason behind the switch is that metal is not the best choice for signal reception and that it won’t allow wireless charging. But the paradoxical thing is that these OEMs understand the advantages of metal, and they’re simply ignoring them.
Have you ever heard of someone replacing the shattered back of a smartphone that uses metal at the back?
This is where we must think of the advantages of having a metal protective phone covers.
Each material has its set of pros and cons, and metal is no different. But one thing everyone would agree on is that metal phones looked great.
One major drawback that set it aside might be the inability to charge metal phones wirelessly. This was something these OEMs could’ve solved easily.
Instead, they went with glass.
Definitely not because of the brittle nature of glass. Not to mention the possible post-sales revenue these OEMs have ripped off their customers.
Metal Phone Case: Premium but also Has Some Shortcomings
Phone cases made of metal materials might not be the ideal choice if you have the habit of dropping your phone from heights. But they do offer sufficient protection against the occasional bumps and falls. Metal phone cases aren’t new to the industry. They’ve been here since the first iPhone and will likely be here for long. Metal is relatively easy to handle and can be cut or shaped to meet any application.
Phone cases made using metal have a better texture. These cases also look and feel relatively high-grade. They’re also corrosion-resistant to some extend. Metal has unmatched heat-dissipating properties. This makes it the best and, at the same time, the worst material to build phone cases. Your phone will stay cool during winter and could heat up quickly when bought close to something hot.
Finding a pure metallic phone case might be impossible as there are none in the market except some heavy duty rugged phone cases. Metal phone cases use a combination of metal and other materials like plastic (PC or TPU), rubber or acrylic. These cases often appear in any of the following shapes and forms.
- Skeleton-type cases that use only metal as the build material. The void between the metal shapes will be left as it is. This design gives the phone a unique look. Of course, there are over a bazillion designs, and we can’t go through all of them. But keep in mind that the sky is the limit, and with some 3D modeling skills, you could get yourself a personalized case.
- You could get glass or acrylic cases that use metal as a frame that goes over the edges. Metal might also be used in a grid pattern to protect the back of the phone.
- Plastic cases, on the other hand, use metal in numerous different ways. Some plastic phone cases use PC or TPU as the inner material and metal as a showpiece at the back. The metal patch also doubles as a protective part of the case. Metal can also be found as a frame that goes over the edges.
The last two cases are the best way to go. They cleverly integrate metal without compromising wireless charging or any relevant functions. These types of construction will also help the manufacturer cut down costs.
Pros & Cons of Metal Phone Cases
Advantages of metal phone cases
- Metal is easy to work with and can be bent or cut to the designer’s imagination. This results in striking design patterns and trends in the metal case industry. We can grind metal with ease, so finishes won’t be an issue for metal phone cases.
- Metal is reasonably strong and can protect the phone for years without any change in shape. Metal phone cases are rugged and durable. These cases are also good when it comes to wearing resistance. Metal cases are also easy to clean.
- Heat dissipation is a huge advantage of buying a metal phone case. Especially if you’re a gamer. The metal and glass combination also seems to work just fine.
Disadvantages of metal phone cases
- Metal affects the signal reception of the device. Metal is often used for electromagnetic shielding due to its conducive nature, and don´t just take my word for it, the Wikipedia says metal is typical material used for electromagnetic shielding. To put it simply, the more metal you have in your case, you will likely lose the signal more often. Wireless charging will be a thing of the past if you use skeleton cases.
- Repeated falls might deform the case resulting in excess pressure at some point on the phone’s body. This could damage the sensitive components, including the display. A screen replacement might not work, as you’d probably have to bring the phone’s frame back to its original shape and form.
- As we said, heat dissipation is both an advantage and disadvantage of using metal as the build material for phone cases. Your phone might cool down or heat up quickly, just like a teapot. It will take time for metal to return to its normal state after being subjected to heat.
Examples of Metal Phone Covers
This guide won’t be complete without some fitting examples. Here are a few examples of metal cases that are unique in their own way. Note that we’ll only be listing metal cases for the latest iPhone 12 & iPhone 13 series, it is for simplicity. Feel free to look for metal cases that suit your Android device.
R-Just Aluminium Frame Metallic Case
As the name implies, this one is an aluminium frame case that feels raw and rugged. Even though wireless charging might have to stay out the door, we believe this case deserves to be on this list. Not only does it look stunning, but this metal phone case protects your phone like a cage. The metal case is held together with 8 screws at the four corners. It could be the right choice for you if you’re not planning to get yourself a wireless charger.
Lockable iPhone 12 Pro Max Case with Camera Lens Protector
If simplicity and wireless charging matter to you, this one might be for you. The case offers all-around protection for the front, back, and camera of your iPhone. There are two safety locks at the bottom to keep both halves of the phone case in one piece. Metal is used as a frame that runs over the edges.
Lanhiem Rugged Metal Case
If you’re a fan of rugged phone cases and do love the company of metal, this one should do. The combination of dual-layer metal and rubber case protects your phone against scratches, dirt, and damage. Lanhiem is advertising their products as heavy duty shockproof cases with a lifetime warranty. But we won’t recommend that you fall for that. Still, this metal case seems promising as it marks all our requirements. A rugged phone case that uses metal and retains the wireless charging feature of the phone.
Vanguard Copper Case for iPhone and Samsung
If craftsmanship and premium materials are more important to you, then the Vanguard Copper Case from Alloi (official website) would be a great choice. The copper case from Alloi comes with all the perks of metal without compromising signal reception and wireless charging. Copper is very similar to leather in terms of aging. The case has a 4 layer with shock-absorbing TPU liners on the inside. This way, the copper case will handle heat and shocks more effectively.
Raptic Shield iPhone 13 case
Raptic (formerly Defense by X-Doria, official website) is an accessories brand from China. The brand aims to deliver quality accessories to protect smartphones and smartwatches from Apple and Samsung. The Shield iPhone 13 case from Raptic is just one example to prove our point. It is MIL-STD-810G rated and uses a combination of Anodized Aluminium and TPU, PC, and soft rubber. The clear PC back panel ensures the Apple logo on your smartphone would never go unnoticed. The case also offers protection for the front by raising the edge by 1.2mm. Wireless charging will work as usual with this case.
KERF Alloy Case for iPhone models
KERF has been experimenting with wood and metal for quite a while now. The iPhone 13 Pro Max Alloy Case from KERF might be a fitting choice for those who love wood. The handmade case from KERF is a collectible for your iPhone, and you do have the provision to choose the wood. Woods, including Walnut and Teak, is cut to perfection, and milled Aluminum Alloy is used for the frame. Also, you could go for either Aluminium Anodized in Silver or Matte Black.
That should wrap things up for now. We hope we’ve given you an idea of how to choose the best metal case that suits your phone. If your phone supports wireless charging, get yourself a metal case that doesn’t numb those features. Otherwise, you can go with a skeletal case that suits your taste.
