2020 has been a year of firsts for the iPhone range. For the first time, the launch event took place in October instead of the customary September, while it’s also the first time Apple has released four phones from a single generation.
To avoid being overwhelmed with new iPhones, the company has perhaps wisely staggered the release dates. The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro are on sale now, and so will be our focus for this article. You’ll have to wait until 13 November to get your hands on the 12 Mini and 12 Pro Max, for which we’ll have a separate round-up in the run-up to release day.
There’s even more attention on the iPhone cases this year with the introduction of MagSafe. You might remember this as the magnetic charging port on older MacBooks, but it’s been reimagined here to allow for more effective wireless charging. We’ll be sure to mention if each of the cases mentioned here supports it.
The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro have identical screen sizes and dimensions, so the vast majority of cases will fit both models.
As a quick disclaimer, we haven’t been able to test all the cases in this round-up but can easily recommend them based on the brand’s strong reputation.
To learn more about the phones themselves, check out our full guide to the iPhone 12 range.
1. Official Apple Silicone
What better place to start than one straight from Apple itself. The silicone case has been a staple iPhone case for many years, and with good reason – it offers excellent protection and grip while adding almost no bulk to the device.
We particularly like the Deep Navy colour pictured, but the (PRODUCT)RED is always a good option as it directly funds programmes to treat HIV/AIDS. It’s also being used as part of the COVID-19 response in 2020.
As you might expect, this case has full support for MagSafe, and is available for £49/US$49.
Check out the full range of official cases on the Apple website.
2. Otterbox Figura
If you’re after a more eye-catching design, the Otterbox Figura Series should fit the bill.
Made from soft TPU material, this case adds very little bulk to the iPhone 12 or 12 Pro, while at the same time adding plenty of grip and keeping your screen/cameras safe.
There are four stunning designs to choose from, including the Teal variant pictured. All are MagSafe compatible.
Otterbox has a strong reputation for cases in its own right, but the Figura series is exclusive to Apple for the iPhone 12/12 Pro. Buy it now for £39.95/US$49.95.
3. Spigen Tough Armor
It’s difficult to leave Spigen cases out of our round-ups these days, particularly as they offer such fantastic protection.
That’s especially true of the Tough Armor, which offers military-grade protection and Air Cushion Technology to absorb the impact of any bumps or drops. This hardshell case is made from a blend of TPU and polycarbonate and includes Spigen’s customary built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing.
There’s no mention of MagSafe on the Spigen website, so it may not be compatible with Apple’s new wireless charging technology. That’s perhaps reflected in the price though, with Amazon selling the case for £14.99/US$16.99
4. Mous Limitless 3.0
Despite its slim nature, the third generation of Mous’ Limitless Case offers truly excellent protection for your phone.
Made from a range of durable materials, the Limitless 3.0 utilises the company’s ‘AiroShock’ technology to absorb even the most extreme impacts. Mous subjects its cases to extreme drop tests, which this case was able to pass with flying colours.
It still looks good though, with the Aramid Fibre model pictured adding grip with a textured back. All variants also have built-in compartments for spare SIM cards and a SIM card ejector tool.
With regards to MagSafe compatibility, Mous says it is “confident that their cases will not prevent iPhone 12 users from utilising Apple’s new MagSafe Wireless Chargers”, although did acknowledge that the process might not be as seamless.
5. Casetify Monogram
If you’re interested in a leather case for your iPhone 12 or 12 Pro, this is the one to go for. Made from biodegradable vegan leather, it adds a premium look and feel without breaking the bank. It’s also extremely environmentally friendly, being manufactured from 90% recycled materials.
There’s a range of colours to choose from, including the attractive ‘Latte’ pictured. If that’s not enough, you can also personalise the case by adding text in a colour and style of you’re choosing.
6. Totallee Thin
Totallee redefines just how little bulk a phone case can add, adding just 0.02in to the frame of the iPhone 12 and a mere 0.1kg to its weight.
While it won’t quite provide military-grade protection, it will keep your iPhone 12 safe from the bumps, drops and scratches of everyday usage. There are also subtle front and back ‘lips’ to protect the screen and camera.
Considering its profile, the case felt surprisingly tough and durable – it feels like it could even convince people who aren’t usually a fan of cases.
You can buy it now for US$35, which equates to around £27.83 at the time of writing.
7. Speck Presidio2 ArmorCloud
The name of this Speck case gives it a lot to live up to, but the Presidio2 ArmorCloud more than delivers.
Don’t be fooled by the thin, minimalist design, as this case uses ‘ArmorCloud’ technology to provide 16-foot drop protection. While I can’t verify these claims, the hard shell design definitely felt extremely durable. It’s also coated in a film that makes it more resistant to scratches than your average case.
Speck doesn’t specifically mention MagSafe on its website, but the wireless charging support would suggest Apple’s new accessories will also be compatible.
You can buy it now in the UK and US at $59.95, which translates to around £47.66 at the time of writing.
Not picked up the phone yet? Check out where to buy the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro.
We are hearing that some Apple cases have been produced – accidentally we imagine – without holes for the speakers – here’s more information: Apple’s selling cases without holes for the speaker
Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence. Learn more.
