What to Look For in an iPhone Case

An iPhone Case protects your smartphone from drops and bumps, keeping it in good condition for resale. And, it’s a great way to show off your style.

From iridescent swirls to a transparent clear option, you’ll find something that suits your aesthetic. We’ve also included cases that support eco-friendly initiatives like donating to environmental charities or using compostable packaging.

Material

The material a case is made of affects its overall look and feel. Most cases use plastic and silicon for their construction, but some offer other materials like leather and recycled materials. Some cases are also designed for specific lifestyles, like those made to fend off drops or to withstand accidental spills.

If you want an iPhone case that looks and feels expensive, consider this one from Mujjo. This full-grain leather case wraps around your phone, giving your most-used device a luxurious upgrade that will only get better with time. The vegetable tanned leather material develops its own unique patina as it’s worn, and the leather’s color is deepened by an aniline oil treatment. This case is also MagSafe compatible, allowing you to further declutter your handbag or pocket by connecting accessories like a wallet or a power pack to the charging port.

Some iPhone cases are designed to look sleek and simple, offering a minimal iPhone Case aesthetic that won’t add any bulk to your phone. This slim option from Pela offers the clean lines of an Apple case without the hefty price tag. Its squared-off corners and bold colors give it a modern look, while its raised wraparound ridge protects your screen from scratches and smudges when placed face down. It even supports wireless charging and includes a card slot for added utility. Plus, this case is eco-friendly and can be composted when it’s time for a new one.

Design

A phone case can say a lot about your personality. It can show your style, how professional you are or even the kind of music you listen to. It can also protect your phone from scratches and cracks. There are plenty of styles to choose from, from clear silicone to thick genuine leather. If you want to make a statement with your phone, choose a case that has a unique design or a fun color. Some cases come with a special feature such as a built-in kickstand.

If you’re looking for a premium case, consider the Mous Limitless 4.0 for iPhone 13. This case has a sleek minimal design with MagSafe support, allowing you to connect your iPhone to MagSafe accessories including wallets and wireless chargers. The Case-Mate Soap Bubble is another stylish option that crosses the line between generic solid-colored cases and something more unique. The iridescent swirl pattern stands out from other neutral colors and adds some extra visual interest to your phone.

If you’re concerned about the environment, there are several green case options available. You can get a case made from bioengineered plant based materials like the Pela or a compostable model from CASETiFY. Both offer a good level of protection while helping to create a more sustainable future. Other environmental-friendly choices include carbon fiber and bamboo cases.

Protection

A phone case offers protection against a variety of things including bumps, slips and falls. It also offers varying degrees of water resistance and durability. Some cases like the iPhone Case UAG Monarch offer a rugged design that looks almost military-grade and includes rubber feet to prevent it from slipping and airbags in each corner to blunt the force of a fall.

Depending on your needs, you can choose a slim, lightweight case that offers minimal protection, or a thicker leather or silicone case that adds bulk and can protect against drops. Some are made with Microban antimicrobial treatment to help ward off bacteria growth. If you want the protection of a hard case but don’t love the look, there are hybrid models that combine hard plastic with soft cushioning. These provide a good balance between the wobbly absorption of a fully soft case and the limited redistribution of a full-hard model.

If you use your iPhone at work or go camping a lot, you may want a rugged case that can stand up to a fall of up to 21 feet. Pelican’s Shield Kevlar cases are built with reinforced corners and a protective bumper that can absorb impacts and withstand vibrations. They also have a sealed cover to keep dust and debris out. Most are Magsafe compatible so they snap directly onto your iPhone and allow you to connect MagSafe accessories as well.

Personalization

Choosing which case to put on your phone is an aesthetic decision that speaks to your personal style. From pink sparkles to tactical camouflage, from clear silicone to thick genuine leather, the options are seemingly endless. You can also opt for a case that offers a pop of color, a favorite brand pattern or even a 3D bejeweled concept.

If you really want to make your iPhone stand out, Apple has a nice feature coming that will show a cool animation on the lock screen when the device is inserted into its leather sleeve. And the clock displayed is color-matched to the sleeve’s background.

It’s a great way to tell your iPhone apart from the rest. And it just might help you wean yourself off the anti-aesthetic habit of wrapping it in a black cape. Just like putting on a nice pair of sunglasses or a great watch, you should be able to feel proud to show off your iPhone.