Function, style & eco trends in phone cases

by Park Dong-Wook & Cecile de Veyra

Maximum protection is the key consideration in using phone cases, with hybrid types a popular choice on the market because they offer better shock absorption and scratch resistance. Such cases usually have PC outer and TPU inner layers but are slim and lightweight. Printed designs also make cases one of the most sought-after accessories because they allow users to express their personality and customize their handsets anytime. In recent years, there has been a trend for products that are made of biodegradable, sustainable or recycled materials as well.

Mobile phones are the most ubiquitous electronic devices worldwide, with at least 96 percent of consumers owning one, according to DataReportal. While sales are expected to decrease by 7.1 percent by the end of 2022 compared to the previous year, units shipped will still be large – 1.46 billion units, based on Gartner’s revised estimate. This, however, is not anticipated to dent demand for phone cases because users buy them even without replacing their handsets. Mordor Intelligence has forecast a 6.13 percent CAGR from 2022 to 2027 for this market, driven mainly by the Asia-Pacific region and its expanding user base.

Here are mobile phone cases from suppliers in South Korea.

Transparent black

Mercury Corp. offers the Z Bumper Case, which has a PC back and soft TPU corners for shock absorption, and raised edges for screen and camera lens protection. This transparent black product is compatible with wireless charging. It is ergonomically designed for comfortable, nonslip grip and includes a crossbody or shoulder strap to prevent accidental falls and keep hands free. Weight is 42g. MOQ is 100 pieces and lead time five days.

Bumper corners

This phone accessory from Mercury Corp., the Super Protect Case, has a transparent back, shock-absorbing bumper corners and easy-access cutouts for ports and buttons. It does not interfere with wireless charging. An order of at least 100 pieces is required and has a five-day lead time.

Card storage

The TinyTan TinyMart Card Slide Case-Snack Time from Philko International Inc. is made of TPU for nonslip grip and shock absorption and hard PC for scratch resistance. It features an original BTS hologram sticker and doubles as a card holder. This 54g case, licensed by HYBE, can be customized for the iPhone 13 series and the Galaxy S22 to S10. MOQ is 200 pieces per SKU or 3,000 pieces per shipment. Lead time is four weeks.

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Digitally printed

Philko International Inc.’s TinyTAN TinyMart Hybrid Clear Case – Cart features digitally printed BTS characters and has an original hologram sticker. It is licensed by HYBE. Available for the Galaxy S22 to S10 and the iPhone 13 series, this hybrid case has bumper corners for enhanced protection. It weighs 30g. MOQ is 100 pieces per SKU or 3,000 pieces per shipment. Lead time is four weeks.

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Tested to MIL STD 810G-516.6

The Ringke Fusion X for iPhone 13 Pro Max from Rearth Inc. is made of rigid PC and flexible TPU, features a black or black camouflage design, and is shaped for comfortable and nonslip grip and tested according to MIL STD 810G-516.6 drop test standards. It has raised edges to protect the screen and camera, and lanyard or wrist strap holes on both sides. This 33.8g case is compatible with wireless charging. MOQ is 300 pieces. Orders are shipped within 10 business days.

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Military-grade

Rearth Inc.’s Ringke Fusion X Stand for Galaxy S22 Ultra is drop-tested to MIL STD 810G-516.6 standards. It is made of rigid PC and flexible TPU, has raised edges for screen and camera protection and features a built-in stand and a lanyard or wrist strap hole on each side. It allows wireless charging. This nonslip case requires an order of at least 300 pieces. Lead time is 10 business days.

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Low MOQ

This transparent, nonslip hybrid case from Roar KC Tech Corp. Ltd, the Armor Air-Cushion Clear Case, has a hard acrylic shell, flexible TPU bumper corners, and raised edges and buttons. It is coated for fingerprint and scratch resistance. MOQ is 50 pieces and lead time three days.

Matte finish

Roar KC Tech Corp. Ltd’s Rico Hybrid Case has two PC and one TPU parts for enhanced drop protection. It has a matte nonslip finish and raised buttons instead of cutouts. Various colors are available. MOQ is 50 pieces per color. Lead time is seven days.