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Got a new iPhone? Need a case? Confused by all the iPhone stuff out there? We can help!
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What should you get to cover up your shiny new iPhone?
So you have a new iPhone and you’re a little afraid that you’re going to drop or scratch the iPhone? Well, you might need to get a case and the first you’ll notice is that there are hundreds of them. Which iPhone case should you get? Well, we’ve broken down all the iPhone cases that we’ve reviewed into 4 categories which should help you choose the right case for you.
We’ve reviewed hundreds of iPhone cases since the iPhone 5, broke/damaged over a dozen iPhones in the process and produced a multitude of videos based on our experiences with each product. Every case that you see on this site, has been personally vetted by us at MobileReviewsEh and the scoring is done using the same system to ensure that they’re all consistent.
So in the next few minutes, we’re going to cover 4 types of cases which are the slim, bumpers, shockproof and waterproof cases. At the end of all of this, you’ll definitely have an answer to the question “Which iPhone case should I get?”.
At Mobile Reviews Eh, we’re dedicated to ensure that you don’t waste your money on a shoddy product. Our motto is “Real usage, real reviews” which means we go out of our way to use the product before saying what’s good and what’s bad about it.
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Bumper iPhone cases – Minimalistic protection with minimal protection
The first type of case is the bumper. Like the type suggests, its a bumper for the edge of your iPhone. These cases are considered to be minimalistic and generally don’t take away from the design of the iPhone. Bumpers can get pretty expensive as all metal bumpers can costs over $100 dollars. Example of bumper cases include the Rhinoshield crash guard, K11 bumper and the Seidio Tetra.
Pros: They’re small and won’t add a lot of bulk to your iPhone. They’re very quite suit friendly as they aren’t too noticeable and if its a metal bumper, will prevent your iPhone from bending.
Cons: The back is completely exposed so if you were to drop your iPhone back first, well, bad things will happen. The tightness of the bumpers is also an issue as certain iPhone accessories won’t work such as 3rd party lightning cables and edge to edge screen protectors. Now you might think protection is going to be an issue for the bumper but some of the toughest products that we’ve reviewed are bumpers.
Signal loss is always a potential problem for all metal bumpers but we have yet to encounter any bumper that has a significant impact on your iPhone’s signal strength.
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Slim iPhone cases – A decent compromise between protection and functionality
The second type of case is the slim case. Cases that we consider slim are ones that are thin and generally cover the back of the iPhone. From our perspective, these iPhone cases are really meant for people who don’t want their iPhone to really get in the way of everyday life but still have enough protection that when accidents do happen, your iPhone is going to be ok. Examples of slim cases include the Griffin Journey, Urban Armor Gear, Incipio DualPro and the Otterbox Symmetry.
Pros: It keeps your iPhone slim and access to your iPhone is generally decent. There are a lot more design choices which allows you to customize the look of your iPhone.
Cons: They aren’t as “tough” meaning that a really bad drop may damage your iPhone and most of those products, don’t come with any sort of screen protection other than the edges of the case.
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Shockproof/tough iPhone cases – Cases that can take a beating
The third type of case is the shockproof/tough iPhone case. These are cases that cover most of your iPhone and are meant to be used in harsher environments or by people with kids. They are bigger cases and generally will take away from the look of the iPhone. Shockproof cases include the Ballistic Hardcore, Griffin Survivor All-Terrain, Otterbox Defender and Griffin Summit.
Pros: Some of them are very tough. We threw a Defender 40 ft into the air and the iPhone still, generally worked. The Ballistic Hardcore was dropped from a height of 10 ft. Generally these cases come with belt holsters so if you need a way to attach your iPhone to a belt, then consider a shockproof case.
Cons: Now the protection comes with a cost. Getting to your iPhone inside the case is tougher in these cases as buttons will a little tougher to use, sound quality will be reduced, gaps in the screen protector mean the screen sensitivity is reduced. These cases will generally bulk up your iPhone.
One of the most popular design features of shockproof cases are to have cutouts in the screen protector for the home button which allows dust and debris to be caught between your iPhone and case resulting in your device getting scratched.
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Waterproof iPhone cases – Go ahead, get wet with your iPhone
Now the last type of case is the waterproof case. These are pretty unique cases and out of the 4 types, will cost the most. The biggest draw for these cases is the ability to take your iPhone where it shouldn’t be (in water!). Most waterproof cases will protect your iPhone up to 6.6ft of water and some will provide up to 33 ft of water protection. As a side note, most of these cases are shockproof up to 6.6 ft as weel. Cases such as the LifeProof Fre, Nuud and Hitcase Pro are some of the products we’d consider waterproof iPhone cases.
Pros: Well, you can take your iPhone basically anywhere you want and not have to worry about dust, debris or water. Perfect for the adventurer or vacationer.
Cons: Access to your iPhone is even worse than tough cases because most waterproof iPhone case will make it sound like you’re in a box during calls. Access to your iPhone is about as good as shockproof cases and most waterproof cases have screen protectors that take away from the clarity of the iPhone. Generally, the more water protection a case provides, the bigger it will get (a HitCase Pro with 33 ft of water protection is almost twice as thick as a LifeProof Fre).
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So those are the 4 main types of cases. Hopefully there’s enough information to help you answer the question “Which iPhone case should I get?”. So now that you have an idea of what case you want, check the links in the post to find out which are the top cases in each category. If you have any questions, send us a quick email or leave a comment below. If you found this to be helpful, consider getting your case through the site as we’re not paid by any of these case manufacturers.
Have questions about our “Which iPhone case should I get?” post? Please ask them on our Google+ page or on our Facebook page or through our About Us page..
Tracey Hartje
October 13, 2015 at 1:06 pm
I’m looking for a Slim iPhone 6s plus case that has a landyard attachment on the case I currently have iPhone 5s with a Lunakit Takik Extreme case (love the case) and looking to upgrade my phone soon, so will need a new case.
Any thoughts, comments suggestion for me? (Currently leaning towards the Thule Atmos X4, but no landyard attachment on the case.)
Thank,
Tracey
Aryan Madhu
October 15, 2015 at 9:58 pm
Hey Arron, I am looking at a variety of cases for the iPhone 6s and I wanted to see you do a review of the I-blason halo series iPhone 6 case because I want to see a full review, Also what glass screen protector do u recommend for the 6?
Aaron Ho
October 16, 2015 at 3:40 pm
I’ll check it out. For the 6, either the Sir Lancelot Holy Grail for non-edge to edge or the Cinder and iLoome ScreenMate Max.
Jeff Su
October 17, 2015 at 7:53 am
Have you been able to test out the Atmos X5 that’s supposedly waterproof and dustproof as well?
Aaron Ho
October 18, 2015 at 9:23 pm
I will once I get the review cases.
MRog
October 20, 2015 at 9:05 pm
I am buying a 6s plus and am VERY accident prone. I regularly drop my phone. Which case is best for someone very hard on a phone?
Aaron Ho
October 21, 2015 at 5:27 pm
Any case listed here: http://www.mobilereviews-eh.ca/iphone-6-tough-case-comparison/
Can be beat up. The Tech 21 Patriot and Griffin Survivor Summit are both cases you can drop from 10+ feet
http://www.mobilereviews-eh.ca/compare/2/107,46/griffin-survivor-summit-vs-tech-21-patriot/
mAx
October 22, 2015 at 9:47 pm
what iPhone 6 case do you use?
Aaron Ho
October 22, 2015 at 10:15 pm
Whatever I am reviewing at the time. If I had to default to a case, it would be the Thule Atmos X4.
Wayne Lee
October 24, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Hi Aaron! If I use Thule Atmos X3 (6S Plus) can fit with Cinder or others brands edge to edge tempered glass? Thanks in advanced.
Aaron Ho
October 26, 2015 at 1:15 pm
It does…I’ve tried the Cinder on the 6s on both the X3 and X4.
Jim Gilbert
October 25, 2015 at 8:06 pm
For daily use I use a Mapul field case and a Zagg glass screen protector. I also have a Tech 21 Classic Check I switch out with. For me this is enough. My 6 is 10 months old and looks brand new. I have AppleCare also, but haven’t used it yet on this devise. I am going to harsh rainforest conditions in Feb. What’s your pick for extene use cases? Thanks.
Aaron Ho
October 26, 2015 at 1:21 pm
Extreme use cases would probably go to the HitCase Pro or the Optrix XD6.
Hitdase: http://www.mobilereviews-eh.ca/hitcase-pro-review-iphone-6/
I’ve got the Xd6 in hand but haven’t gotten to reviewing it.
Maria
October 25, 2015 at 10:23 pm
Im having trouble choosing a case , i have a toodler and drops & spill come along any suggestions for good cases that do goos on water and drop for the iphone 6s ???
Aaron Ho
October 26, 2015 at 1:23 pm
Check out the waterproof case reviews: http://www.mobilereviews-eh.ca/waterproof-iphone-6-case-review-comparisons/
A LifeProof Fre would be safe bet…great warranty. If you’re looking for something a little bulkier, I have a Dog & Bone Wetsuit with a flexible glass screen protector coming my way.
Eric
October 29, 2015 at 11:27 pm
Hey so I’m about to get my iPhone 5s replaced for the 4th time and my parents said they will never replace it again so what case should I get, I don’t think about what will happen to my phone And it falls out of my shorts when I ride my bike or skateboard a lot.
Aaron Ho
October 30, 2015 at 12:02 am
Get a Ballistic Hardcore.
Alex Ruiz
November 2, 2015 at 10:27 pm
I just got the iPhone 6 and am looking for a balanced quality case. A balance of functionality, Dust/Water and appearance. Do you have any suggestions?
Aaron Ho
November 6, 2015 at 1:39 pm
You’re almost asking for the moon. If you’re getting a case that protects against dust and water,you’re going to lose a bit of iPhone functionality. For a waterproof case, the most balanced in my opinion is the Nuud, for a tough case I’d go with a Thule X4.
Stephen L
November 13, 2015 at 10:58 pm
Hey Aaron – any idea where I can find the Thule Atmos X3 for iPhone 5s? Only option I can find on line is Amazon.ca. Any other vendors (retail or on-line) you’d recommend for this case? Great review, BTW. You sold me on the Atmos. Thx. S>
Aaron Ho
November 14, 2015 at 7:53 pm
I only know of Amazon in Canada.
Isaac S
January 5, 2016 at 1:00 am
Hey Aaron, I am trying to fond the best Rechargeable iPhone 5S case. I am looking something with a good battery and provides good protection. What do you suggest?
Jay
January 28, 2016 at 4:07 am
Can you review the patch works itg level cases they look nice and are advertising on the webpage. Thanks.
Mor
February 10, 2016 at 3:44 pm
Hi Aaron, what cover do you recommend from the second category (slim) if I’m looking for good drop protection and a big lip for screen protection? Thanks!
Michelle
February 23, 2016 at 3:21 am
Do you prefer the Thule X4 or the Spigen Ultra Hybrid Tech with the Cinder screen protector?
Thanks!
Aaron Ho
February 23, 2016 at 4:05 pm
X4 but it does come with a decent screen protectr (way tougher than the Cinder).