Gallery View: Slim protective PC cases for the iPhone

South Korea makers of PC cases for the iPhone highlight impact strength, light weight and low prices.

Suppliers of PC cases for the iPhone in South Korea build on the material’s advantages and continue to prioritize product differentiation to gain from the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus release. They focus on designs that protect the device but do not obscure its features. Cases are made as thin as possible but still sturdy enough to absorb shock.

Companies such as Rearth Inc. subject products to tests as added assurance. Mercury Corp. cites unity with the phone design to be consistent with the brand’s following, saying many iPhone users still prefer not to use accessories. As4us Co. Ltd emphasizes trendy designs that suit individual styles, saying phone cases are considered fashion statements as well.

Makers play up to their advantage the relatively simple manufacturing process PC entails, which enables them to reduce costs. They leverage this to offer an alternative to expensive leather cases, and capitalize on market interest stimulated by the latest iPhone models.

To sharpen competitive edge, some companies take a step further and relocate to countries such as China, Vietnam and Thailand. Mercury has production lines in China and South Korea. Rearth, however, has no plans to transfer factories despite the higher expenditure of operating in South Korea.

PC types account for 50 to 60 percent of Mercury’s output for plastic cases for the iPhone. The maker plans to increase export volume by at least 50 percent, targeting about 60 destinations that include the US, Canada, Australia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Equador, Peru, Mexico, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Romania.

Rearth ships 12 types of phone cases overseas, of which about 80 percent are PC kinds for the iPhone. For its Ringke series, the main destinations are the US, Singapore, Argentina, China and Poland.

As4us sends 20,000 PC cases monthly abroad, with Japan as the key market.

Between 40 and 50 companies turn out PC cases for the iPhone in South Korea.

Here are models handpicked by our Market Analyst for representing current trends in PC cases for the iPhone.

Soft-feel coating, nonslip grip

As4us Co. Ltd’s PC case for iPhone, model Black Case, has a smooth outer shell with soft-feel coating. It is designed for comfortable and nonslip grip, and is shock-absorbent. It is 14x7cm and measures 0.9cm in thickness. Price is $5.60.

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Smooth outer shell, shock-absorbent

This Twinkle Case model, a shock-absorbent PC case for the iPhone from As4us Co. Ltd, sells for $7. Its smooth outer shell has a soft-feel coating for comfortable but nonslip grip. Dimensions are 14x7x0.9cm.

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Slide cover for card storage

The Sky Slide Bumper model from Mercury Corp. is a case for the iPhone made of PC and TPU. Its matt slide back cover stores up to two ID or credit cards, or folded bills. The choices are gold, silver, rose gold, hot pink, red and black with black TPU, and white, pink and lime green with gray TPU. Price is $2.20. The company requires an order of at least 100 pieces for a 14-day delivery lead time.

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Thin but shock-absorbent

Rearth’s model Ringke Noble PC case for the iPhone is thin and does not add bulk but is shock-absorbent. It snaps on easily. The minimum order is 300 pieces. Delivery is within 10 days.

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