When it comes to smartphone cameras these days, with DSLR-quality lenses and growing camera bumps, you'll want to keep your front and rear glass as protected as possible. Even a hairline fracture can completely ruin your ability to capture clear images or enjoy Facetiming. The tricky thing is it's not usually something we worry about — until a lens finally scratches or cracks and it's too late. What would have been a small price to pay for added protection, is now a big investment to repair.
While tempered glass lens protectors are available, they are really your last line of defense. The best way to safeguard your phone cameras in almost all situations is with a protective case. It doesn't have to be a rugged or bulky case, but it does have to be a case with certain protective qualities in the design, features, and materials. Here are must-have features and qualities that you need in a case to protect those precious high megapixel cameras.
High Quality Materials
To keep your phone and camera lenses safe, you need a case that has the right materials. Some manufacturers use silicone to absorb impact, but silicone also turns yellow over time. That's why we use thermoplastic polyurethane, commonly abbreviated as TPU. Thermoplastic polyurethane is a rubber-like material that's very smooth, yet as flexible as it is durable. When a case made of TPU is dropped, it bounces like a tire, which is actually its way of absorbing the impact. This also prevents your phone and lenses from absorbing the shock and splintering.
Another important component is a plastic known as polycarbonate (or PC). The PC used in our cases makes them scratch-resistant, but more importantly it gives the TPU a rigid structure that won't bend or break. (This is partly the reason why we can run over our cases with cars and nothing happens.) Look for cases that use a perfect blend of these materials to divert as much shock as possible away from your lenses. Full-body cases made of these materials are the best way to guard your cameras from drops, scrapes, and other stress.
Raised Bezels
Is it a bevel or a bezel? And what is a bevel/bezel anyway? Well, it's actually a bezel (a bevel is like a sloped edge, while a bezel is basically a rim) and it's a much needed buffer between your lenses and damaging surfaces. Without this buffer, everytime you place your phone down on a rough or uneven surface like wood or concrete, whether faceup or facedown you risk scratching your cameras. Our cases feature deeply raised bezels, which is how we're able to run them over with a car without damaging the cameras or phone.
Design
Of course, like a car you can have all the best parts in the world, but it doesn't mean you'll win the race. The best phone cases to protect your cameras from scratches and damage not only have to have the right materials and raised bezels, but years of proven engineering and design. Our covers, for example, use a unique honeycomb pattern inside the case to help distribute shock. SUPCASE is also known for full-body covers with front and back casing, essentially creating a reinforced exoskeleton that takes the brunt of any force.
The best full-body case to protect your cameras is the Unicorn Beetle PRO, which won CNET's first annual drop test in 2018 with the highest total feet. If you're serious about your cameras, the UB Pro is your best bet to protecting your investment. Most models include a built-in screen protector which also protects your selfie cam, and the UB Pro has the deepest bezels of any of our cases. The UB Pro is also made of polycarbonate and densely packed TPU that adds very little bulk considering the premium level of protection, all for a price of $19.99 on Amazon.
How else can you protect your camera from scratches and damage? Aside from a reliable case, as we mentioned there are increasingly more lens protectors like the ones we offer for iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max. These are a great last line of defense, especially if you prefer thinner cases like the UB Style, to absorb any last shock before your lenses do. Belt holsters, which come free with every UB Pro, are also a great way to keep your phone off damaging surfaces, and out of pockets full of keys and other sharp objects.
After that, it's really up to chance so do everything you can to help your chances: if you have to put your phone on a surface, try putting it facedown with your rear lens up; never drive with your phone in your lap or loose in a car; keep sharp objects in a different pocket than your phone; and avoid slamming your phone, by all means! This is one of the most common causes as we tend to mindlessly move or toss one of our most frequently used tools around.
So take precaution, get the right protective case for you, and enjoy taking family photos and selfies without worry now that you know how to protect your camera from scratches and damage.
FAQs
It is recommended that you use a protective case that wraps around the edge of the camera lens to prevent scratches. Do not put your phone or tablet together with sharp objects, such as keys – especially inside your coat's/trousers' pocket or in the same pocket of your bag.
How to prevent phone camera from getting scratched? ›
It is recommended that you use a protective case that wraps around the edge of the camera lens to prevent scratches. Do not put your phone or tablet together with sharp objects, such as keys – especially inside your coat's/trousers' pocket or in the same pocket of your bag.
How do I protect my phone camera? ›
The best way to safeguard your phone cameras in almost all situations is with a protective case. It doesn't have to be a rugged or bulky case, but it does have to be a case with certain protective qualities in the design, features, and materials.
How can you protect your camera from damage? ›
5 Useful Tricks To Protect Your Camera Equipment From Harm
- Use Lens Filters and Hoods. Lenses are perhaps the most fragile part of a camera. ...
- Wear A Camera Strap At All Times. ...
- Store Your Gear In A Padded Bag. ...
- Keep Your Gear On Your Person. ...
- Avoid Heavy Rain or Wet Environments. ...
- Protect Your Gear With Camera Equipment Insurance.
A plastic film protector only protects the screen from scratches, so it's a much better idea to use a tempered glass screen protector for smartphones. Tempered glass screen protectors are impact resistant and the feel of the display is identical to a phone without one.
Do scratches on phone camera lens matter? ›
However, as our test result show, scratches do cause and/or amplify lens flare and similar effects, and can make them very intrusive, especially when shooting backlit scenes or with lateral lighting.
Should you put a screen protector on your phone camera? ›
Whether or whether your camera should be covered by your screen protector is a very personal choice. It entails balancing aspects such as material transparency, frequency of camera usage, screen protector design, privacy and security issues, and the overall user experience.
What can I cover my phone camera with? ›
Black electrical tape, duct tape, or stickers are perfect for covering the camera on a cell phone. If you don't want adhesive on your phone, you can use a case with a built-in camera cover slider. Disable camera usage in your phone's settings to prevent third-party access.
Is it good to have a camera protector on your phone? ›
Protects against lens-shattering drops
Thankfully, a camera lens protector offers a practical solution to lens-shattering drops. Many lens protectors are made from durable tempered glass that is super tough and resilient, providing extra protection to prevent the lens from cracking or shattering.
How do phone cameras not get scratched? ›
Use a Lens Protector
Lens protectors are your answer. Lens protectors are small, removable, and made of high-quality materials like tempered glass or polyurethane. They're designed to prevent cracks and scratches from forming on your lens.
(If your phone screen is busted, see our guide on how to fix a cracked phone screen.) A trusty Magic Eraser is one of the safest and most effective tools that you can use to buff away light scratches at home. Just slightly wet the sponge and rub it gently against the scratches until they are lessened in appearance.
Will a screen protector remove scratches? ›
Keep in mind that a screen protector will not hide deep scratches as well as it hides microscopic and more shallow scratches – they'll only help them appear less prominent.
How do I protect my phone camera from scratch? ›
A protective case with a raised bezel is very beneficial, as well as a lens protector. Either of these can help keep your phone camera safe from scratches, scuffs, and cracks. When purchasing a new case, ensure it's built with a raised bezel.
What can damage a phone camera? ›
Shooting in extreme temperatures, whether too cold or too hot, can damage the camera. One example is directly shooting the sun for extended periods, especially during solar eclipses.
Is it good to cover your camera? ›
Cybercriminals can access these cameras, and because of their positions — facing your living room, kitchen, or office — they can expose your privacy and sensitive conversations. That's why it's a good idea to cover up your webcam when they're not in use or take other steps to improve your internet security.
How do I keep getting scratches on my phone? ›
One of the easiest ways to damage a phone is by throwing it into a pocket with your house keys. Coins are also a scratch hazard. Some other metal objects that could scratch your phone include pens, pencils, keychains, and knives. Even if you don't have your phone in your pocket, be careful about where you put it.
How do I make my phone less visible scratches? ›
Apply toothpaste to the scratch.
Once you've got your dab of toothpaste, rub it around in a gentle, circular motion. Continue doing this until the scratch is barely noticeable.
How easily does the iPhone camera scratch? ›
Without a doubt, the iPhone camera is robust and needs to be protected because if it isn't properly covered, it could cause harm. The iPhone's metal body can get damaged if it is dropped, and its glass lens on the back could easily be scratched or fractured.
