Why Don’t More People Use Smartphone Bumpers?

There’s a third, better option between a case and “naked”

The smartphone bumper is the seemingly forgotten third option between a case and “naked” (image: author)

With the launch of the iPhone 16s, I thought I’d address the most important question surely searing holes through the minds of every smartphone owner, iPhone and Android alike: Why do people use smartphone cases instead of bumpers?

OK, maybe not. But it’s something I’ve been wondering ever since I got my first iPhone nearly fifteen years ago. Occasionally, some tech YouTuber, blogger, or writer will take a poll of their viewers to find out what percentage of them use their phones with a case (the vast majority) versus “naked” without a case, but they never include the third option of using a bumper. Why not?

The main reason people use smartphone cases is to protect their device. The second is that they can use a case as a way to add personality to their phone.

The main reason a small number of people choose to use their smartphones “naked” is because they want to enjoy the look, design, materials, and color of their phone the way its designers intended. It is a great irony that people claim to care so much about their phone’s industrial design and color, but probably only experience those things for an hour or two before covering their phone with a case. The second reason is that they don’t want the added weight and bulk of a case…