The Truth Behind “Military Grade” Phone Cases

When you search for “phone case” on Amazon, you might be overwhelmed by the staggering figure of over 100,000 results. While you can filter your search by color or design, many manufacturers are eager to set their products apart by marketing them as “military grade.”

This term implies that your phone could withstand extreme conditions—like being dropped during a battle or even surviving chemical exposure. You’ll see “military grade” slapped onto a wide range of products, from cars to flashlights to bats. But what does it truly signify?

The simple answer: It’s up to the manufacturers.

Like many ambiguous labels in the consumer market, “military grade” can be claimed by anyone for virtually any reason. There’s no independent verification—much less any oversight from the U.S. government—ensuring that a product meets specific durability standards. It’s primarily a marketing tactic designed to make consumers believe that the item is robust enough for military use.

It’s worth noting that the Department of Defense has established a military standard known as MIL-STD-810, which outlines testing procedures for equipment meant for government applications. While manufacturers can choose to adopt these protocols for their products, it’s not required. Moreover, companies conduct their own assessments, meaning that there’s no formal pass or fail from a government inspection. Essentially, “military grade” could simply indicate that a product meets one or more criteria for material quality, shock resistance, temperature tolerance, vibrations, or other factors. Conversely, it may mean that no testing has been performed at all.

Pinpointing when “military grade” became a common marketing term is tricky. In 1990, advertisements for a Sumo home audio component boasted “military-grade specifications.” More recently, Ford has promoted the “military-grade aluminum alloy” used in its F-150 truck, claiming it’s the same material found in some military vehicles.

In a 2022 article for Task & Purpose, writer Jeff Schogol expressed skepticism about products that strictly adhere to military standards, suggesting that such adherence may not always result in superior quality. Contracts for basic items are frequently awarded to the lowest bidders, often leading to inferior products. This can lead to disappointing experiences, like sleeping bags that fail to keep you warm or ineffective earplugs.

“For those who have used gear that falls apart after minimal wear, something labeled as ‘military grade’ might just be ‘a piece of junk,’” Schogol notes.

That perspective might be somewhat harsh. Certain companies do use MIL-STD-810 as a benchmark for creating genuinely more durable products. For instance, laptop manufacturer Asus subjects select models to rigorous environmental testing, though they clarify that this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re suitable for military applications.

When evaluating phone cases, there’s another crucial aspect to consider: while cases that undergo military-style testing may reduce the likelihood of exterior damage, not every manufacturer tests for the protection of internal components.