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The Best iPhone 12 Cases

Case-Mate/Smartish/Case-Mate
🕚 Updated May 2022

Most of us drop our phones from time to time, even when we're trying to be careful. The most logical way to protect your phone from cracks, scratches, and even moisture is by using a reliable phone case like these.

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  Best Silicone Case Best Wallet Case Most Durable Best Design Options Best Charging Case
 
  elago
Liquid Silicone iPhone 12 Case
Smartish
iPhone 12 Wallet Case
OtterBox
Defender Series
Case-Mate
Twinkle Ombre
GIN FOXI
iPhone 12 Battery Case
 
Our SummaryA simple but colorful iPhone 12 case made of flexible silicone that also supports wireless charging.This phone case doubles as a wallet to secure your cards and ID.This case offers rugged protection against drops, bumps, and even dirt.A fun and glittery phone case that provides both style and protection.Double the battery life of your iPhone with this fantastic case that will recharge your phone up to 500 times.
ProsSlim, supports wireless charging, multiple colors, scratch-resistant, also fits iPhone 12 Pros.Two-in-one, sandblasted texture, prevents accidental slips, convenient for traveling.Accident protection, scratchproof, belt clip and holster.Trendy, many design options, soft inside, big camera holes.Quick charge, maximum protection, slim, comes with screen protector and a free lightning cable.
ConsEdges come off easily, slightly slippery, attracts dust.Thicker, no wireless charging, possible too-tight fit.No built-in screen protector, MagSafe charging is difficult, expensive.Not as sturdy, not all have textured gripping, bulkier.Not wireless charging compatible, heavier case.
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The Best iPhone 12 Cases

Three pictures side by side of phone cases being held.
Case-Mate/Smartish/Case-Mate

There are many different colors, designs, and features available in phone cases. Think of your phone case as an additional accessory to show off your personality—are you more practical and classic or fashionable and bold? To help you decide on one for your iPhone 12, we’ve compiled some of our favorites.

Buying Guide for iPhone 12 Cases

A hand holds an iPhone that's in a blue wallet case.
Smartish

Why buy an iPhone 12 case?

It’s best to buy a case as soon as you upgrade to an iPhone 12 because you don’t want to wait until your phone cracks or breaks to invest in protection. Phone dropping is somewhat inevitable in our busy lives, so if you use a reliable case, you’ll avoid paying repair or replacement costs down the line.

What should you look for in an iPhone 12 case?

  • Durability: Priority number one in a new case is reliable protection. Regardless of the material, your new iPhone 12 case should be scratch-resistant, offer drop protection, and have multiple layers. It should protect every corner of your phone as well as the camera lenses and screen because they’re all vulnerable to damage.
  • Designs & Features: Once you’ve found a case that offers quality protection, you can look into color options, different design patterns, and sublime features like a wallet and case combo or a case with a kickstand. Some cases have built-in portable chargers, which are great for when you’re on the go. Finding a case that provides both shockproof protection and fabulous flair isn’t too difficult.
  • Compatibility: Consider if the case is compatible with different add-on features or accessories you may purchase separately, like a phone ring, magnetic holder, stick-on wallet, or a wireless charger. Some phones can’t be charged through the case, so if you plan to charge your phone wirelessly, you either need a compatible phone case or know you will have to take off the case to charge your phone.

How much will a new iPhone 12 case cost?

Prices vary depending on the quality and construction of the case. The budget-friendly choices are still designed to protect your screen and the corners of your phone, but they usually don’t come with a lot of fancy features and are typically priced around $10 to $20. More unique cases, like charging cases, can be a bit pricey because they not only protect your phone but also offer an extra-convenient component. The same can be said for the extra-durable cases that provide solid, multilayered protection and a kickstand, for example. Those models will cost around $30 to $60.

Our Picks for the Top iPhone 12 Cases

Best Silicone Case

elago Liquid Silicone iPhone 12 Case

A simple but colorful iPhone 12 case made of flexible silicone that also supports wireless charging.

Pros: This slim-fitting iPhone 12 case supports wireless charging and has shockproof corners for added drop protection. The solid coloring is perfect for those who don’t want a busy patterned case but still want some color or understated decoration from their phone case. With 13 different solid colors to choose from, you should be able to find one hue that suits your personal tastes and style. It’s also durable and scratch-resistant to hold up to daily wear and tear thanks to the slightly raised lips. As a bonus, this case can fit an iPhone 12 Pro without issue, not just a regular iPhone 12.

Cons: Since it’s made of silicone, it’s really easy to install and remove the case. But because it’s so flexible, it might come off the edges at times if you’re not careful. It can also feel a bit slippery for some users. Silicone is also susceptible to attracting dust, so if it’s in your pocket for too long, it might come out covered in pocket lint.

Bottom Line: This is a no-frills case with fewer features, but it’s colorful, slim, protective, and relatively inexpensive. The silicone material might not be for everyone, as some might enjoy the flexibility and smoothness, while others might recoil at the amount of dust and lint that it attracts.

 

Best Wallet Case

Smartish iPhone 12 Wallet Case

This phone case doubles as a wallet to secure your cards and ID.

Pros: The wallet feature is a major benefit since you won’t have to carry both around separately anymore. If you don’t have pockets and/or don’t enjoy carrying purses, this wallet phone case will be a huge asset. The almost sandblasted texture on the sides prevents accidental slips, and the air pockets protect each corner well. This case is certainly practical, especially while traveling.

Cons: Because it’s a wallet case, it has a thicker design, which might be unappealing to some people. It also takes some wiggling to get your cards out of the pocket. Sometimes, when you just need one card, the other two or three cards might slip out as well, so this can get annoying. It’s also not compatible with wireless or MagSafe chargers.

Bottom Line: Overall, this is a very convenient and functional case. The thick size and extra space are there for a reason: to hold your cards and cash. The textured sides are convenient for a better grip, and although it isn’t compatible with wireless chargers, it’s still a nice case with plenty of other great features!

 

Most Durable

OtterBox Defender Series

This case offers rugged protection against drops, bumps, and even dirt.

Pros: For quality defense against drops, scratches, and accidents, this case is a safe bet because of its solid inner shell and soft outer cover. The included belt clip holster also doubles as a kickstand, so you can easily watch your favorite TV shows or movies. The case comes in different color options and is extremely practical for those of us with butterfingers.

Cons: This case doesn’t come with a built-in screen protector, so you might want to buy one separatelyMagSafe charging is difficult when this case is on your iPhone because of its multilayered construction and size. It’s also pricey compared to other iPhone 12 cases.

Bottom Line: This case offers the best protection for your iPhone 12, so if protection is the most important factor to you, then you should seriously consider this robust case.

 

Best Design Options

Case-Mate Twinkle Ombre

A fun and glittery phone case that provides both style and protection.

Pros: This cute and trendy phone case comes with a lot of design options, giving you plenty to pick from, but they’re all seriously fun! The case has a soft inside that is protective and won’t scratch your phone. It even has a bigger camera window instead of tiny holes to fit the new styles of iPhones.

Cons: While this case has a fun design, it isn’t as sturdy as some other brands. Some of the cases are textured for superior grip, and some aren’t. It might be too bulky for those who like a thinner or sleeker phone case.

Bottom Line: This is one of the most decorative iPhone 12 cases there is, and if you’re interested in something fun, sparkly, and that’s a fashion accessory on its own, this is the case for you!

 

Best Charging Case

GIN FOXI iPhone 12 Battery Case

Double the battery life of your iPhone with this fantastic case that will recharge your phone up to 500 times.

Pros: It has a ridiculously quicker charge than other battery cases, so it’s an ideal case for those who travel or are out for a long time without outlets or chargers. It offers maximum protection for the edges of your phone and its cameras. It’s slim despite its built-in battery, and it comes with a screen protector and a lightning cable.

Cons: Since it’s such a solid case, it’s hard to attach and remove from your phone. The weight of the case is on the heavy side, so it’s not the most comfortable thing to carry around. This case doesn’t allow wireless charging.

Bottom Line: If you need your battery to last a long time because you’re constantly out and about, then consider this case. Its larger size and weight are small discrepancies since you’re paying for a charging case that will not only give your phone plenty of power but also protect it from fatal accidents.

 

Also Great

Rifle Paper Co Case For iPhone 12

A fabulous iPhone case with technology to prevent aging and discoloration.

Pros: This iPhone case comes in Rifle Paper Co’s iconic floral patterns. It allows the natural beauty of your device to shine through and be enhanced by the pattern. This case includes accidental 10-foot drop protection, a slim design with flexible sides that are easy to take on and off the phone, and anti-scratch technology. The case won’t yellow over time, either. It’s compatible with wireless charging.

Cons: This iPhone case is a bit pricier than your average, no-frills or lightly patterned cases. There’s no additional layer of protection around the camera, so accidental drops can damage the camera.

Bottom Line: This iPhone case provides your phone with gorgeous decoration and satisfactory protection.

Final Thoughts

Since there are so many different phone cases to consider, there’s a lot of thought that should go into choosing the case that best suits your unique needs. If you travel a lot, then a charging case is important. If you’re looking for something low-key and simple, then a transparent case will do the trick. Whatever your needs might be, each of these cases can protect your iPhone 12 from harm.

Omid Khanzadeh Omid Khanzadeh
Omid is a freelance writer for LifeSavvy. He studied psychology and creative writing at Virginia Commonwealth University, and his work has been featured in publications such as Allied Forces Press and various STEM textbooks. He enjoys playing soccer and watching old kung-fu movies. Read Full Bio »
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