I searched for bumper cases for my HTC U11. Not a single result in the shopping section of Google was a bumper case
Not one of these is a “bumper case.” Not one. I did find ONE search result in a Google image search that was an actual bumper case, but it was all aluminum, and far too bulky (and expensive) for my tastes. For those who aren’t regular readers, I have an HTC U11, which I love. The design of this phone is one of its best features. Brilliant red color, smooth glass, and a metal-like glass backing that changes colors as you look at it. Truly, it’s a remarkable phone. It’s also slim and sleek, and my Spigen Liquid Crystal case, though protective, is bulky. It also hides the beauty of the back of my phone.
I wanted a bumper case for my HTC U11, one that is similar to the near perfect case I have for my iPhone X, the Utomic Metal Bumper case. That case is, by far, my favorite case ever. Surely there had to be one out there for the HTC U11, right? Unfortunately, I found this search to be futile.
What is a Bumper Case?
Now THIS is a bumper case (a really nice one, at that!)
See the case I have on my iPhone X? This is a bumper case. It has an exposed back and front, and only protects the sides of my smartphone from direct impact (aka: a drop). The edges have a slight lift though, which allows you to lay your phone flat on a table without the front or back making contact. This does help prevent scratches, but, in a purse or pocket, your phone is more vulnerable to scratches. However, you can actually feel and appreciate your device in your hand. What’s more, you can often buy film or glass protectors for the front and back, if you really want protection, but still want the minimal look and feel of a bumper case.
What’s Wrong With Fake Bumpers?
Spigen makes great cases, but this is not a bumper case either
Fake bumpers, like the majority of cases that show up in searches for bumpers, have a clear plastic backing. This backing obviously isn’t perfectly clear, as the photos would suggest, and often adds considerable thickness to the back of your device. It completely defeats the purpose of a bumper case, which isn’t just to visually expose the back of your phone, but also make it no thicker than it already is. It also obstructs the beauty of your device, especially for a phone like the HTC U11.
Why Aren’t Case Manufacturers Making Real Bumper Cases?
Nope, not a bumper case!
My guess is the higher cost of production, as well as creating a new product line. Why design two different products, the faux and real bumper cases, when you can instead just make one, that might appeal to everyone who’s looking for a bumper case? On top of that, bumper cases have to be well constructed, as they don’t have a backing to increase longevity or sturdiness. This may add to manufacturing costs. However, I believe case manufacturers have largely made the wrong decision here. They’re losing potential customers, and they’re losing the opportunity to offer additional protective films or glass with the sale of a bumper. Upsell customers, case manufacturers, don’t limit their product choices.
What’s the Solution?
Finally, an actual bumper case! But not for the HTC U11
Case manufacturers should make a distinction for their faux bumper cases. Call them what they are, faux bumpers with a clear back. They should also release more real bumper cases. Many people want to protect their phone, and still have it look beautiful and feel thin. These faux bumper cases aren’t up to the task.
I know I’m not the only one who wants a real bumper case, because the first search people do after realizing “iPhone X Bumper Case” doesn’t actually return a real bumper case is search for “iPhone X Bumper Case No Back.” Seems to me like case makers aren’t supporting a large segment of the market who want to protect their smartphones without weighing them down. Do you hear that, Spigen, Incipio, Apple, HTC, Anker, and others? We want real bumper cases!