A hybrid clear phone case is a combination of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and PC (polycarbonate) that provides a good clear case option. The PC back stays clear and hard, and the TPU around the edges absorbs the shock when you drop your phone.
A full soft TPU gel case is a cheaper option but often discolours and breaks down. The TPU is also prone to stretching and loosening, meaning it won't hold the phone securely during a fall.
The PC back keeps its clarity longer than a TPU back, so a hybrid is the better all-round choice for most people.
That said, a hybrid isn’t right for everyone. This guide compares hybrid, hard PC and soft gel TPU cases side by side so you can choose the right one for your iPhone.
Key Takeaways
- PC is hard and stiff, while TPU is soft and flexible in nature.
- Cheap soft gel TPU cases often yellow quickly because sunlight breaks down the plastic. You can't wash that colour out.
- Soft gel cases can stretch and loosen over time, so they may not grip the phone as well in a fall.
- A hard, clear-back soft-bumper phone case uses PC where you need clarity and TPU where you want shock absorption.
- No clear plastic stays clear forever, but a UV-protected PC back holds its clarity far longer than soft TPU.
What Are the PC and TPU Materials Utilised in Phone Covers?
PC is a type of hard and stiff plastic. TPU is a softer and more flexible plastic, and each material is good at different things. A full soft gel case often yellows because the TPU breaks down and discolours.
How Do PC and TPU Compare?
PC maintains clarity and shape for a longer duration compared to TPU. TPU breaks down and becomes less effective at shock absorption. PC is also less prone to yellowing than TPU. Not all clear cases stay clear and hard for a long time, but PC ones are better at retaining clarity than TPU.
Polycarbonate (PC)
Polycarbonate is a thermoplastic, which means it softens with heat and hardens again as it cools. It has a high impact strength (meaning it can absorb a lot of energy or force before breaking) and is very transparent. All of these properties make it great to use in safety glasses and visors.
Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
TPU is a flexible thermoplastic that can be made in a range of hardnesses, from soft and rubbery to fairly firm. It stretches and recovers without cracking. TPU is abrasion-resistant and can also withstand prolonged exposure to low temperatures. It stays flexible in the cold.
Why Full Soft Gel Cases Let You Down
Soft gel cases are popular phone cases for their price and easy application. But they do have two main issues.
Issue 1: They Turn Yellow
Both PC and TPU will turn yellow over time due to exposure to the sun. It's photodegradation, or a breakdown of plastic, caused by the Sun's rays. Specific chemical components within TPU and PC degrade over time and form new chemical bonds. A byproduct of this reaction is the absorption of the colour blue. Without the blue light, the colour of the plastic appears yellow. This will happen more quickly if the plastic is exposed to heat or oils from the skin or if the plastic is not formulated correctly.
More info and science on why clear phone cases turn yellow can be found here.
Issue 2: They Lack Rigidity
The whole point of a soft gel case is to be flexible. So, pull your phone in and out of your pocket a few hundred times, and the case can stretch. The edges loosen, especially around the corners.
Such cases can prove to be a bad choice if your phone experiences a sudden fall. A loose case can shift or peel back at the corners when it hits the ground, leaving the edge of your phone exposed. A soft case can't provide any support to your phone since it bends with it.
TPU vs Polycarbonate Clear Case: Side by Side
Here's how the main three styles compare in a TPU vs polycarbonate clear case showdown.
| Feature | Soft gel TPU | Hard PC only | Hybrid (PC back + TPU bumper) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity over time | Often yellows within months | Stays clear much longer, especially with UV protection | Clear back stays clear longer |
| Drop protection | Absorbs some shock but can loosen | Strong, but passes more shock to the phone | Soft edges absorb shock; a hard back adds support. |
| Scratch resistance | Scuffs easily | Better, especially with hard coating | Back resists scratches well with a coating |
| Fit over time | Can stretch and loosen | Stays the same shape | Stays snug |
| Grip | Grippy, can feel sticky | Smooth, can be slippery | Grippy edges, smooth back |
| Price | Cheapest | Mid-range | Mid-range |
Why Is Choosing a Hybrid Clear Phone Case the Better Option?
A hybrid, hard, clear-back, soft bumper case uses the right material in the right place. The PC is on the back, and the TPU is along the edges.
The Back Stays Clear Longer
The back of a case is the biggest clear area and the part most people look at. Using PC material there helps it keep its clarity.
A 2020 study in the Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention showed that plain PC will yellow when exposed to strong UV light over a long period of time. That is why the best-case makers will use a UV-protected PC. While it is better than soft gel TPU, it is still better to keep your phone off a hot dashboard.
The Edges Absorb the Shock
When a phone falls, it usually falls on one of the corners. That's where the TPU bumper comes into play. TPU will squash on impact and help absorb some of the shock before it transfers to the phone.
A 2019 study from the Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium tested TPU under impact. It stated that TPU's low stiffness allowed for more local elastic deformation and therefore absorbed more of the impact energy.
Hybrid cases will usually also incorporate small air pockets into the corners of the case to increase shock absorption. You can read more about these in our translucent cases shockproof article.
The Case Keeps Its Shape
Since the back of the case is made of PC and the bumper is made of TPU, the case retains its shape. This means the case and bumper will remain fitted to the corners of the phone.
Better Screen and Camera Protection
An elevated edge surrounding the camera and screen provides additional protection. It makes contact with surfaces before the glass does. This can help prevent scratches and cracks.
Are There Any Downsides to Hybrid Cases?
A few, and it's fair to touch on them.
- Hybrid cases cost a bit more than basic gel cases
- TPU edges can still discolour over time, and you'll see it first on the bumper.
- A plain PC phone case can also still scratch. A back with a hard coating will help prevent this.
The trade-offs are minor when getting a case that has better protection and a better design.
Which Clear Case Is Right for You?
- Choose a hybrid clear case if you want a case that stays clear, keeps its shape and protects corners well in everyday drops.
- Choose a hard PC case if you want maximum rigidity and scratch resistance.
- Choose a soft gel TPU case only as a short-term or backup option, because it will yellow or loosen sooner.
- Want the thinnest iPhone case? A layered hybrid usually isn’t the slimmest option. Browse our super ultra thin cases for a minimal fit.
- Prefer a non-clear look? Explore our premium leather cases or carbon fibre cases.
How to Pick a Good Hybrid Case
When choosing a hybrid, hard clear back soft bumper case, look for the following:
- Polycarbonate back – UV-resistant or anti-yellow
- Raised TPU lip – to cover the camera and screen
- Softer TPU bumper with a thicker corner/air pocket design
- Nice snug fit
Conclusion
In the end, the TPU vs. polycarbonate clear case debate comes down to preference, because the best phone cases use both materials. The back of the case should be made of hard, clear polycarbonate (PC) material, and the sides should be made of TPU material. This design protects the back of the phone case from scratches and also provides impact protection by softening falls. Before you buy, make sure the PC back of the case is also UV-protected, and the corners of the case look reinforced.
If you are looking for high-quality phone cases in Australia, do take a look at the Sleek Cases slim line of cases and check their material composition. For a closer look at the two materials by themselves, check out our other post on polycarbonate cases vs. TPU cases.
Sources and Further Reading
- Rosu, D., Rosu, L. and Cascaval, C. N. (2009). IR-change and yellowing of polyurethane as a result of UV irradiation. Polymer Degradation and Stability.
- Covestro: Material selection and its chemical properties (TPU)
- Redjala, S. et al. (2020). UV Aging Effects on Polycarbonate Properties. Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention.
- Wu, Y. et al. (2019). Impact Energy Absorption Ability of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Cellular Structures. Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium.
