The popularity of cellphones in Cambodia is nothing new, but there has recently been a huge proliferation of new and different accessories, particularly among young people.

While some people simply see decorative phone cases as a way to enhance the look of their mobile device, 19-year-old Tep Sreylis opines that there are many more advantages to these accessories than good looks alone.

Sreylis, a third-year student majoring in Khmer literature at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, wants to highlight the benefits to these cases, which can shield your phone from calamity.

So, what are these benefits?

Holding a cartoon-themed phone case of her own, Sreylis says the thick covering can protect a phone from breaking or becoming damaged when dropped or knocked against something.

“Other than preventing it from damage, the phone case can make my phone less slippery when I hold it because the case is made of plastic,” she says.

Accessory cases can also help bring a touch of individuality to your phone and prevent confusing headaches, Sreylis points out.

“Of course the colour of a phone case contributes to the prettiness and attractiveness of a phone but what is more important is that a phone case of our favourite colour can make our phone personal and stand out, which enables us to identify our phones easily and quickly when we somehow misplace it,” she says.

On top of such practical benefits a phone case can also make an inexpensive, daggy model look cool and boost your confidence when you flash your mobile out in front of other people, Sreylis says.

Sun Salin