Going caseless: How level of mobile phone durability is increasing again

Remember the good old days when dropping your phone wasn't a heart-stopping moment but more of a shrug?

We're talking about the era of the Nokia brick, the undisputed champion of phone durability.

Those weren't just phones; they were pocket-sized tanks, capable of surviving accidental drops from a second-storey window or even a brief encounter with a puddle.

Oftentimes, it was the phones that protected the case, not the other way around.

Fast forward to 2007, the release of the first iPhone and the dawn of smartphones. Sleek glass and expansive touchscreens suddenly became the norm.

These gorgeous devices, while offering a universe of possibilities in our palms, were also … fragile.

The collective sigh of a dropped iPhone echoing across coffee shops became the soundtrack of the early 2010s.

Phone cases became an immediate, non-negotiable purchase – a necessary tool to prevent our precious gadgets from turning into very expensive paperweights.

But the tech world doesn't stand still. Over almost two decades, a quiet revolution has been brewing in the materials science labs and design studios.

Smartphone manufacturers have spent billions, if not trillions of dollars, to address our collective anxieties about shattered screens and dented bodies.

The evolution of smartphone strength

Think about the smartphone in your pocket right now. Chances are, it's significantly more durable than the one you owned five or ten years ago.

This isn't just wishful thinking; it's a testament to the incredible advancements in materials and construction.

Smartphone manufacturers constantly hunt for newer, more practical materials that would make the phones more durable.

The most visible improvement is undoubtedly the display. Remember the days of easily scratched screens that required the meticulous application of plastic protectors? That led to the beginning of the reign of Corning's Gorilla Glass.

But Gorilla Glass didn't fix all the stretching issues right away. At least for the first few generations. Scratches were still a massive headache, and thus, people had to opt to buy plastic protectors, which were later replaced by thicker glass protectors.

But generation after generation, this chemically strengthened gorilla glass has become increasingly resistant to scratches, bumps, and those dreaded drops.

The latest iterations, like Gorilla Glass Victus and Victus 2, boast the ability to survive drops onto hard surfaces from impressive heights.

Even though Corning dominated the market of making smartphone displays stronger, it was not only them who did it.

Other manufacturers have also thrown their hats into the ring with equally robust glass solutions.

Even Apple, who had stuck to Corning's Gorilla Glass since 2007, asked them to start making a new glass called Ceramic Shield, where they carefully embed nano-ceramic crystals within the glass matrix through a high-temperature crystalization process.

This turns the glass used in the display stronger than ever.

Other major flagships like Samsung and Google Pixel, however, still use Gorilla Glass, which also kept growing further.

But it's not just the screen that's getting tougher. The frames of our smartphones have also undergone a significant transformation.

Glass, polycarbonate, aluminum, steel, titanium…you name it. Smartphones used them all!

Gone are the weak plastic surrounds of the past. Smartphones have replaced plastic bodies with robust aluminum alloys, stainless steel and even titanium more recently.

These metal frames provide a structural backbone, offering increased rigidity and helping to dissipate the impact of accidental drops, protecting the delicate internal components from harm.

Holding a modern smartphone often feels reassuringly solid, a far cry from the plastic devices of the past.

Added to this, smartphones nowadays come with water and dust resistance. IP ratings have become increasingly common, signifying a phone's ability to withstand accidental splashes, rain, and even complete submersion in water for a certain period.

And they are no longer reserved for expensive flagships either, thanks to some manufacturers who have implemented these protections in the budget segment, like Oppo and Realme.

Don't think this is just about saving your phone from a toilet dunk or jumping in a pool while mistakenly having your phone in your pocket. Having such a level of protection also means it's less susceptible to damage from dust and grime, which contributes to your phone's overall longevity.  

But it all comes with a price

Now, let's bring this closer to home. In Bangladesh, where the hustle and bustle of daily life can be particularly demanding on our gadgets, durability is a key consideration for smartphone buyers across all price segments.

At the entry-level smartphone segment, which starts at around Tk20,000 and ends at Tk40,000, manufacturers are increasingly prioritising build quality.

While you might not find the latest Gorilla Glass or full metal titanium bodies, phones from brands like Xiaomi (Redmi), Realme, and Oppo often feature sturdy polycarbonate bodies that can withstand everyday bumps and knocks. Polycarbonates are plastics. But not the regular ones.

By using polycarbonate, smartphone manufacturers at this price point can not only make their phones much more durable but also make them thinner.

That being said, while a case might still be a wise investment for maximum protection, these phones are built to last longer than their budget counterparts from years ago.

The mid-range market, which I would say is Tk40.000 to flagships, offers a noticeable jump in durability.

Here, you'll find phones sporting aluminum frames and more advanced versions of Gorilla Glass. Brands like Samsung (Galaxy A series), Xiaomi (Poco), Vivo, and Oppo in this range offer a compelling balance of features and resilience.

Many users in this segment might find themselves opting for a slimmer case or even going completely caseless, confident in their phone's ability to handle daily life.

The flagship titans, which are above Tk100,000, are where the cutting edge of durability truly shines.

Flagship devices from the likes of Samsung (Galaxy S and Fold series), and Google (Pixel series) often boast the latest Gorilla Glass Victus or Victus 2 on both the front and back, premium metal frames (now with the addition of titanium), and robust IP68 water and dust resistance.

Apple's latest flagship iPhones, as mentioned earlier, have their own Ceramic Shield and titanium frame.

While these phones are undeniably beautiful and often feature glass backs, the enhanced durability means they are far more likely to survive accidental drops and scratches without severe damage.

For many flagship users in Bangladesh, the desire to showcase the premium design and enjoy the unhindered feel of the phone in hand outweighs the perceived need for a bulky case.

But can you really go caseless?

The most important question now is, are cases becoming obsolete due to the better-built quality? I would say not entirely.

You see, accidents can still happen, and a particularly nasty drop onto a rough surface can still crack even the toughest glass.

However, the advancements in smartphone durability are undeniable. For many users, especially those with mid-range and flagship devices, the peace of mind offered by the robust materials and construction means they can confidently use their phones without the added bulk and sometimes less-than-stylish look of a case.

Thanks to the strong build quality of your smartphones, you will feel more comfortable using your phone without that bulky case at home or at the office. That's what I do, at least.

The iPhone 12 Pro Max that I use on a regular basis has a stainless steel frame and 228g weight. Roaming around Mohammadpur, a blow of the phone itself would make more sense than giving it away to a random snatcher. It's that strong!

Now, back to the beginning, we are not quite back to the Nokia days where you could use your phone to hammer a nail (don't try this at home), but we're certainly moving in that direction.

Smartphones are no longer the delicate glass sandwiches they once were. They're tougher, more resilient, and better equipped to handle the bumps and bruises of modern life.

Perhaps, just perhaps, the era of the ugly and bulky phone case is slowly starting to fade, giving way to a future where our smartphones are strong enough to stand on their own two (or rather, sleek, glass-covered) feet.

And that, for many, is a welcome return to a time when our phones were built to last, not just to be replaced.