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It’s important to get a protective case for your smartphone, even if it’s just a minimalist case that protects the back and sides from scratches, scrapes and bumps. It can also provide shock absorption in the event of an accidental fall or impact. But what about a connected watch? You might not even know smartwatch cases exist, but they do. Designed to protect the perimeter of the watch and screen, there is a case (pun intended) to make for smart watch cases.
I had one for an old Apple Watch, even though I bought it after – and because – the screen had a small dent. It was still worth buying because it helped prevent further scuffs and scratches on the sides, which can happen more often than you think. Having a new Apple Watch that happens to have a similar defect on the screen in almost exactly the same place as the old one, probably due to hitting the side of a heavy door, I’m considering purchasing another smartwatch case to prevent further damage.
Weigh the pros and cons
Deciding whether a smartwatch case is worth the extra bulk depends on your priorities. If you’re clumsy, work a lot with your hands, or play contact sports, a suitcase is probably worth the extra bulk. Glass screens on smartwatches can range from sapphire glass, which offers better protection against scratches but greater vulnerability to cracking, to standard glass which is less likely to crack but more easily scratched. And they can all break.
A protective case with raised edges can help prevent this. You may only need to wear it in certain scenarios and remove it for normal use. If you wear the smartwatch as much for style as for tracking your fitness and well-being, you may prefer to forgo a case in the interest of fashion. That said, the thin Spigen case I had on my Apple Watch didn’t really add much bulk.
I actually forgot it was there after a while, the same way you might forget about a super-thin protective case for your phone. Cases and screen protectors are Apple Watch accessories that users swear by, so it’s clear that some people like the concept and are willing to sacrifice the sleek look of a smartwatch for the added protection of a case.
Maximize investment
If you’re considering a smartwatch case, look for ones that come with the case and a strap. Some even include a screen protector, which might come in handy if you’re like me and have damaged your smartwatch screens before. Look for something thin and with cutouts for buttons, digital crown, and/or scroll wheel.
This should also work with the group you already own if you don’t go the bundle route. Chances are, if you need rugged protection, you already own a rugged smartwatch, like the big and bold Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra or the Amazfit Cheetah Pro 2. If you don’t need rugged protection all the time, however, there’s no harm in using a case to protect your investment and keep the smartwatch in tip-top shape.
It’s not as essential as a smartphone case since the smartwatch is usually on your wrist, unlike a smartphone which is more likely to get damaged if thrown in a bag, on a table, etc. But if you’re curious, try a case that’s affordable in terms of size. It’s helpful to have one, and as with features to look for in a phone case, you don’t need a bulky smartwatch case to protect yourself: you can do that with a slim, sleek case instead.
