While the cases of yesteryear tended to be bulky monsters, often adding almost a second phone’s worth of bulk to what’s supposed be a portable device, modern cases capitalize on advances in the material sciences to protect the best iPhones and best Android phones without unnecessarily stretching and bulging your pockets. And investing a few bucks in a case can mean tremendous savings down the line, money you might otherwise have to sink into repairing a screen, fixing loose ports or a cracked case, or in the worst-case scenario, replacing the entire phone. That protection includes drop and scratch resistance in a single layer (no need to add an exoskeleton to a soft rubber inner case), while the colored side bumpers offer air cushion technology for everyday drops. There are ports cut out for access to your buttons and inputs, and the whole design is slim and non-intrusive. They’ve developed a shockproof, celled material to build into their cases called Impactium, and there’s a raised bezel on the front to protect the screen from drops. They’ve put additional research into the design to create the slimmest, lowest profile dual layer case they’ve ever made. You can get all of that in seven different colors, too, so there’s an impressive number of options for an equally impressive case. Compared to other budget-friendly models, the Silk case is remarkably slim, fitting comfortably into the tightest jean pockets. The side buttons have been improved from past versions for a higher tactile response, and overall, the case provides satisfactory protection without impeding the phone’s general functions. The Silk iPhone case includes a free screen protector and is available in six colors including crimson red, blue jade, purple orchid, and gunmetal gray. The case will protect against scratches, though don’t expect it to handle larger drops and bumps. But if looks are the most important thing to you, the Air Skin is a great option for some protection without compromising on style. The thoughtfully designed borders ensure easy access to all the phone’s ports and buttons, with perfectly placed and fitted cutaways so you won’t have to apply any more pressure than to the naked phone. The SAMONPOW is so snug it barely looks like you’ve added anything to your phone at all, but rugged enough to stand up to some severe abuse. The hard plastic exterior has 360-degree protection from scratches and drops. The front edges are raised with lips that protect the screen, and Alphatronix has even included a tempered glass screen protector to add to the safety. Finally, installation is simple with a two-piece design, including a standard slide-off section that frees you up to slide the phone into the case. It’s all protected by a factory warranty, too, for good measure. Overall, the case can add an extra 10 hours of talk time or 9 hours of web browsing. There’s a built-in Qi wireless charging coil so you don’t have to sacrifice wireless charging for the extra juice. The LifeProof FRE comes with a scratch-proof screen protector which is practically unnoticeable by sight and touch. Even though this case will cost you a pretty penny, it’s not as expensive as other competitors, and the bonus features make it worth the investment. Otterbox is so certain that the case will protect your iPhone X it offers certified drop protection. Aside from that, the case is easy to install, consisting of a main case with an additional snap-on bumper.
About our Trusted Experts
Jason Schneider is an experienced tech journalist with more than a decade of experience under his belt. His background in computer science, including a BS from Northeastern University, reflects a lifelong passion for technology, and we chose him for our iPhone X cases roundup specifically on the strength of his expertise with Apple products and accessories. Alan Bradley has been covering and writing about tech for over a decade now and has hands-on experience with two of the portable chargers on our list. As a tech editor, he’s had broad experience with Apple products, including every recent iteration of the iPhone and iPad, and has been covering the company since even before the smartphone revolution.
What to Look for in an iPhone X Case
Durability - The most obvious factor when choosing a phone case is how well it will fill its primary purpose: protecting your phone from hazards. The best phones will shield the screen as well as the rear of the phone, whether they’ve got fold-over panels or not, and will also shield the phone from spills, shocks, dust, and a wide range of potentially disastrous incidents. Form factor - Smartphones are best when they’re slim, sleek, and portable, so any case you add shouldn’t interfere with tucking your phone away in a pocket or purse. Luckily, cases no longer need to be massive and bulky to adequately protect your phone, but you do need to pay attention to the materials that go into a case’s construction to make sure it’s up to performing its primary function. Aesthetics - Phone manufacturers are now pouring millions of dollars into crafting what are essentially electronic pieces of modern art, so swathing all that careful design work in an ugly shell is a terrible shame. Luckily, the range of options most modern smartphone cases provide means there are options as (or more) visually striking than the vanilla template.
