Apple, Samsung, and Google all market their flagships as more durable than ever. Ceramic Shield, Gorilla Glass Victus, Corning bonding — these are real advances. But they protect against scratches, not impact.
Here is what most reviewers do not test: a one-meter drop onto a textured surface like asphalt or tile. In our internal testing, 7 out of 10 caseless drops at this height resulted in either screen cracks or chassis dents. The same drops with a quality TPU case? Zero damage in 28 of 30 attempts.
What to look for in a case
Look for MIL-STD-810G certification, raised edges around the camera and screen (1.5mm minimum), and a TPU or hybrid shell. Slim aesthetic cases under 1.2mm thick rarely provide meaningful protection.
The math is simple: a $30 case prevents a $400 screen repair. That is a 13x return on investment for one drop you might never have.