TPU: the flexible plastic
TPU stands for thermoplastic polyurethane. It is a flexible plastic, firmer and smoother than silicone, and it is what most clear cases and many soft-edged protective cases are made of. It can be glass-clear, frosted, coloured or printed. This page gathers everything in the shop whose own name or description says TPU.
What is here today
- Soft TPU cases, among them a printed floral case for iPhone with a textured finish, a shockproof iPhone case with a braided crossbody lanyard, and a slim case for Galaxy S and Note 20 phones with a slot for a card. See everyday cases and lanyard and crossbody cases.
- An armour case that pairs a hard polycarbonate shell with a TPU lining. See tough and shockproof cases.
- TPU hydrogel screen film for Samsung Galaxy phones, in a pack with cleaning kits and a scraper. See hydrogel film.
- For the watch: a TPU bumper with a screen protector built in for Apple Watch, and a replacement strap for Fitbit Versa. See watch cases and bumpers.
What TPU is good and less good at
TPU bends, so a case made from it stretches over the phone and springs back. It absorbs shock well, which is why many tough cases use a TPU edge or inner layer, and it can be shaped with air pockets in the corners to soften a drop. It slides into a pocket more easily than silicone and does not pick up lint in the same way.
Clear TPU yellows over time, because sunlight and heat change the plastic itself, and that does not wash out. A frosted or tinted case hides it better, and a case with a stiff polycarbonate back keeps the back clearer for longer. Very thin TPU cases can feel a little floppy round the buttons. The guide to phone case materials compares TPU with silicone and polycarbonate.
Questions people ask about TPU accessories
Is TPU the same as silicone?
No. Both are soft, but silicone is rubbery and grips more, while TPU is a smoother plastic that can be made clear. Product titles sometimes mix the two words up, so read the description.
What is hydrogel film?
A flexible film that follows a curved screen's edges where flat glass cannot. Light scratches on it can fade, though deep ones do not, and glass resists scratches better. On a Galaxy phone, Samsung advises deleting saved fingerprints and registering them again after fitting a new film.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.
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