Culture smartphone
Show me your cell phone case and I will tell you who you are
Natels are no longer simple protections, but real identity markers. From the armored shell to the shoulder bag, each style reveals a very distinct personality.
Smartphones are a cultural phenomenon.
IMAGO
Originally the technological object presented as a work of art in Apple Stores Remated, the smartphone has gradually become an object of everyday life – personalized and imbued with an analog dimension.
The stickers confirm this, just like the cases. The latter have exceeded their simple protective function to become real means of personal expression. In this analysis, we explore the variety of shells available on the market while having fun interpreting what they could reveal on their owners.
The wallet
This type of case is particularly appreciated by seniors.
DR
Made of imitation leather with magnetic closure, this shell can contain your cards, pharmacy received, small tickets and of course coins. Coins that no one really needs todaybut that it is better to have on yourself in case the code QR From the park would break down!
To see with whom? THE boomersproud to have adopted a modern accessory which confirms their ability to evolve in an increasingly digital universe.
The pocket poster
This mobile phone is decorated with messages.
DR
Hard plastic shell or silicone, matt and pleasant to the touch, available in black, cream or gray. No flip-rip (Editor’s note: shell that covers both the back and the front of the phone), no frills. Simply a rear shell that perfectly matches the shape of the device. On the shell appears a slogan, generally white on black: “feminist”, “no human is illegal”, “books not bombs”, “we are more”.
To see with whom? People with a political conscience, for whom the mobile phone – this product from Silicon Valley – arouses distrust. That it carries at least a significant message.
The shoulder bag
The digital handbag.
DR
The smartphone hangs across the chest or on the side like a small pocket. The strap is particularly practical. The person who wears it seems to follow philosophy “always visible, always reachable, never bulky”. A digital detox? No question!
To see with whom? Urban parents, event professionals or festival -goers.
The TV studio
When the mobile phone turns into a professional camera.
DR
In a few simple gestures, the Smartphone turns into real video camera. Lovers of this kind of case are real pros. The shell turns into a tripod when necessary, and it can easily be attached to it microphones and lamps. The device is thus always ready for the next video mission, whether in a crisis area or in a beauty salon.
To see with whom? Influencers and people who have practically no modesty and who are embarrassed by almost nothing. All this to satisfy their audience!
No.
Not packaged, fragile and elegant: a mobile phone without a case.
DR
A shell is not always essential. Your mobile phone can remain naked, as designed by its designers. All its details are then visible, but also vulnerable. Be careful never to drop it or place it on a surface that could scratch it.
To see with whom? Dighty and wealthy design purists, who can afford a new smartphone without too much difficulty.
To ruins
It is not beautiful, but it is not supposed to be.
DR
The edges are fraying, pieces of rubber stand out in the back and the corners are either very damaged or already broken: here is what the worn mobile phones are like. The rubber cases unfortunately tend to deteriorate faster than you want. These are a bit of the world’s holes of the world of smartphones.
To see with whom? People who have a smartphone, but who would prefer not to have it or at least who want to give this impression.
The showcase
Analog meets digital.
DR
A transparent case where memories of the partner or children are nestled: concert tickets, a dried daisy. Each case is unique, transforming each mobile phone into a small personal archive. The ephemeral aspect of digital is thus counterbalanced by concrete elements.
To see with whom? Young parents or creative minds that resist digitization internally, but which are constantly in line. They know how dependent they are of their smartphone and try to take a little from it from its coldness by analog additions.
The Tape-to-L’Ail Accessory
Luxury mobile phones: Bling-bling alert!
DR
Real leather and perhaps even its personal initials engraved in gold. Pure extravagance. If the mobile phone is now a current consumer product, it is up to the case to play its role and display its social status in everyone’s eyes.
To see with whom? People for whom even the most expensive iPhone is still too cheap.
The racing car
Pragmatic and minimalist at the same time.
DR
Carbon, aramid fibers and other cutting-edge materials transform the simple mobile phone into a sophisticated high-tech device. There are openings to house at least five camera lenses. Each gram and each millimeter are considered excessive. An impressive device which, although built with robust materials, causes surprising sensitivity to its owners when someone touches it by accident or, even worse, scratches its carbon surface.
To see with whom? People who refuse any compromise concerning their smartphone, as in other aspects of their lives.
Always at hand
Here is a mobile phone with Popsocket.
DR
Having an accessory attached to the back of your phone is rarely pretty, but it’s practical. A handle, a ring, a device designed to prevent this expensive mini-computer from slipping with your hand. Popsockets – these large circular tips – are the most widespread example. Their followers can no longer do without it. All the others prefer to look away, embarrassed.
To see with whom? Formerly prized mainly by young people, these shells now appeal to people of all generations, even those who wear fangs without an ounce of embarrassment. After all, they are so comfortable.
The tank of assault
The armored cell phone.
DR
Imposing, multilayer and generally in matt black or camouflage. This shell seems capable of protecting the mobile phone not only from falls, but also from a nuclear attack. Marketed under names like “Defender”, “Armor” or “Shield”, it transforms the device into something that looks more like a site tool.
To see with whom? People who prefer to be cautious rather than insufficient. These are often men passionate about computer science, mechanical engineering and DIY. They frequently spend their evenings watching scrap resistance tests. For them, a mobile phone is not a simple trendy accessory, but a real working tool!
Translated from German by Olivia Beuhat.
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