How I test
Hands-on tech. Everyday priorities.
I’m Josh Bane, the creator behind Bane Tech. When I review a phone case or accessory, I care about the details you feel every time you pick it up. Is it useful? Is it practical? And after trying other options, is it something I keep coming back to?
What I look for in a phone case
Tactile buttons
The buttons should feel good to press. Button feel is one of the small details that can change the experience of using a phone all day.
Materials and texture
I prefer materials with character and a good texture: leather, wood, sandstone, and cloth are the kinds of finishes that appeal to me. A plasticky feel is less appealing. Those are my preferences, so I want you to see the materials and decide what suits you.
Access to the USB port
I look at whether the case leaves good access to the USB port for accessories. A case should work with the way I use the phone, rather than getting in the way of it.
Grip options and finger loops
I consider whether a finger loop or another grip feature adds something useful. Having a loop is not automatically better than going without one. The question is whether the feature makes everyday handling more practical.
MagSafe magnets
Good magnets matter to me. I consider magnetic attachment as part of the accessory experience, alongside the other practical details of the case. For a particular product, look to the review for what I actually observed.
Fingerprints and everyday finish
I do not want a case that is a fingerprint magnet. How the finish looks after handling matters alongside how it looks in a product photo.
The question that ties it together
What do I keep coming back to? A feature list is a starting point. I am interested in which products earn a place in my everyday setup and what makes them useful enough to keep using.
See the gear, then make your own choice
My reviews combine written observations, detailed photography, and cinematic video. The presentation helps you see the tech closely; the buying decision still comes down to how the product fits your own priorities.
My preferences will not be everyone’s preferences. Use the written review and companion video together to compare the look, design, and practical trade-offs.
Start with these reviews
Contact Josh with a question about a review.