Ethan Clarke
Plastic is a common material used in smartphone manufacturing. It is lightweight, durable, stylish, and easier to repair. Plastic phones are also cheaper to produce and can be moulded into different shapes and painted in various colours. However, plastic phones are often perceived as cheap and less premium than phones made with other materials such as glass, metal, or aluminium. Despite this, some smartphone models, like the Pixel 3a and 4a, the Galaxy Note 20 5G, and the Moto G 5G, are known for their plastic designs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in phones | On average, a smartphone contains 9.53 grams of plastic |
| Plastic as a build material | Plastic is used for the smartphone casing |
| Plastic vs. other materials | Plastic phones are cheaper, lightweight, durable, and stylish compared to glass or aluminum phones |
| Plastic and signal transmission | Plastic is practically invisible to radio waves, which means it doesn't interfere with 5G or wireless charging |
| Plastic and repairs | Plastic phones are easier to repair than glass phones |
| Plastic and the environment | Plastic phones do not naturally biodegrade and can stay in landfills for decades, polluting the environment |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic phones are durable, lightweight, stylish, and easier to repair
Plastic phones are making a comeback, and it's not hard to see why. They're durable, lightweight, stylish, and easier to repair than their glass-backed counterparts.
Let's start with durability. While plastic can break, it is more resistant to shattering than glass. If you drop a glass phone on a hard surface, the chances of it shattering are high. A plastic phone, on the other hand, can withstand more abuse before it breaks.
Plastic phones are also lightweight. Phones like the Pixel 3a and 4a are known for their weightlessness, and it's all thanks to their plastic design. They're a far cry from the weighty, gigantic glass-backed phones on the market today.
But what about style? Well, plastic phones have come a long way since the days of the old Nokia. Today, plastic phones can have satin or matte finishes that look fantastic and are resistant to fingerprints and smudges. They also come in various colours, giving designers freedom to realise their most imaginative concepts.
Lastly, plastic phones are easier to repair. Take the Pixel 3a and 4a, for example. These phones are easy to open and secured by light, manageable adhesive. The Pixel 4a also has an accordion design, making it easier to navigate the phone's internals. While repairing a plastic phone can still be a frustrating and time-consuming process, it's good to know that your phone can be refurbished and resold after you're done with it.
So, if you're looking for a durable, lightweight, stylish, and easy-to-repair phone, a plastic phone might just be the perfect choice for you.
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Plastic phones are cheaper to produce
However, plastic phones are not only cheaper to produce because of the cost of the raw material but also because of the manufacturing advantages it offers. Plastic is lightweight, and this is a significant factor in reducing weight when coupled with the heavy batteries that most smartphones require. Plastic is also durable and less prone to shattering upon impact than glass. This durability reduces the need for repairs and increases the lifespan of the phone, making it a more cost-effective choice for both the manufacturer and the consumer.
Furthermore, plastic is easy to work with during the manufacturing process. It can be moulded into various shapes and painted in different colours, giving designers freedom in their creations. Plastic is also signal-transmitting, which is essential for modern smartphones with wireless charging and 5G capabilities. Its signal-transmitting properties mean manufacturers don't need to worry about antenna bands or signal strength, making it easier to work with sensitive 5G technology.
While plastic phones may have been criticised in the past for their "cheap" appearance, this perception is changing. Plastic phones today, like the Pixel 3a and 4a, are praised for their lightweight and durable designs. They are also easier to repair than their glass-backed counterparts, as simple as opening the back with your fingernail in some cases. Therefore, plastic phones offer not only cost savings in production but also in maintenance and repairs for consumers.
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Plastic phones don't interfere with 5G or wireless charging
Plastic phones are not only lightweight and durable but also do not interfere with 5G or wireless charging. Plastic is practically invisible to radio waves, which means phone manufacturers don't need to worry about antenna bands or signal strength while designing plastic phones. This makes it a lot easier to deal with sensitive 5G technology.
While plastic phones may not deliver as premium a feel as phones made of glass or aluminium, they are more comfortable to hold in the hand. Plastic phones are also slightly easier to repair than glass-backed phones. The Pixel 3a, for example, is lightweight because of its plastic body.
In addition, plastic phones can be moulded into different shapes and painted in various colours, giving designers the freedom to realise their concepts. Plastic is also fully recyclable and reusable, making it a more sustainable choice of material than glass or aluminium.
However, it is worth noting that plastic phones are not unbreakable. While they can withstand more abuse than glass phones before they break, they are not as scratch-resistant as glass. Plastic phones also won't deliver as premium a feel as phones made of glass or aluminium.
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Plastic phones are less scratch-resistant than glass phones
The weight of a phone is an important factor for consumers, and plastic phones are much lighter than glass or metal phones. For example, the Pixel 3a is one of the lightest smartphones due to its plastic composition. Plastic phones are also more comfortable to hold in the hand.
While plastic phones have their benefits, they are not without their drawbacks. In addition to being less scratch-resistant than glass, plastic phones are often seen as feeling and looking cheap. Manufacturers have been seeking alternatives to materials to reduce production costs, and plastic is a great way to cut down on expenses. However, plastic phones can be designed to look premium, with satin or matte finishes.
Plastic phones are also less prevalent in the flagship range as manufacturers aim for a more premium finish. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S5 received negative reviews for its plastic back, leading to the resignation of the head of design. Plastic phones can also be more prone to failing the bend test.
In conclusion, while plastic phones may be less scratch-resistant than glass phones, they offer a range of benefits, including lightweight durability, ease of repair, and strong signal transmission. Plastic phones can also be designed to look and feel premium, challenging the stereotype of plastic items being cheap.
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Plastic phones are less likely to shatter than glass phones
Plastic phones are more durable than glass phones and are less likely to shatter upon falling. While plastic is not unbreakable, it can withstand more abuse than glass. A glass phone dropped on a hard surface is very likely to shatter, while a phone with a plastic finish will remain intact.
Plastic phones are also lightweight, stylish, and easier to repair. They can be moulded into different shapes and painted in various colours, giving designers the freedom to realise their concepts. Plastic is also invisible" to radio waves, meaning phone manufacturers don't need to worry about signal strength when working with plastic phones, which is especially important when dealing with sensitive 5G technology.
However, plastic phones have been criticised for feeling cheap and looking unpremium. Manufacturers have been moving away from plastic phones to achieve a more premium finish. Plastic is also not as scratch-resistant as glass, and plastic phones are liable to fail the bend test.
Despite these drawbacks, plastic phones have their advantages, especially in terms of durability and signal transmission. Plastic phones are less likely to shatter than glass phones, making them a more robust option for consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, phones can be made of plastic. Plastic is lightweight, durable, and stylish. It is also cheaper than other materials, and it doesn't interfere with 5G or wireless charging.
Plastic is a good material for phones because it is lightweight, durable, and does not interfere with signal transmission. It is also cheaper than other materials, such as glass or metal.
Plastic has a bad reputation because it is often associated with being cheap. However, plastic phones can be just as good as glass or aluminum devices. They are also easier to repair than glass-backed phones.
Some examples of phones that use plastic include the Pixel 3a, Pixel 4a, Galaxy Note 20 5G, Moto G 5G, Galaxy S5, Galaxy S20 FE, and OnePlus Nord.
