The Best iPhone 12 Cases in 2022

Features to Look for in iPhone 12 Cases

Design – Ultimately, design choice comes down to a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a decorative case with patterns, designs, or bold colors. Other people want something with a cleaner, more professional look, perhaps in a monotone flat black or another subdued tone. Workers, athletes, and people who want to protect their phone want a rugged and impenetrable case. There are so many different designs to meet these various needs and preferences.

There are some design trade-offs with phone cases, and the tough cases tend to cost a bit more and add more bulk to the phone. When choosing a design, start by matching how you will use the phone with the cases that fit your use and then look at the various options among those cases.

Color – Cases come in all sorts of different colors, from the professional flat black to cases that feature vibrant patterns and rich hues.

As with other design elements, color depends a lot on personal preference. It also depends on the phone you buy. For the iPhone 12 in particular, phone color choice may be just as important as the color of the case. As you can see from this list, many case manufacturers offer transparent or translucent iPhone cases. Clear iPhone cases highlight the distinctive design and polished stainless steel of the iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro.

Material – Phone cases come in different materials, all of which have their unique characteristics. The most common material is plastic, with two different types of plastics often seen in case construction. Polycarbonate (PC) plastic is rigid and hard, perfect for protecting the back of the phone. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is softer and better for absorbing impact shock, so it is often used for bumpers to protect the phone’s edges. Another common material is silicone, which is softer and more flexible than plastic. It is also great for absorbing shocks and gives your phone a distinctive look and a high-grip feel.

Again, the best material for your phone depends on your preference. Be aware as you search for your ideal case that plastic may discolor over time, and silicone cases may not easily slip into a pocket.

Drop Protection – Most people want to keep their new iPhone protected, and for good reasons. So when choosing a case, you may want to select an option that provides an elevated level of drop protection. Accidental drops are inevitable and can crack your phone’s screen or body. A good case can keep your phone safe with thick materials or innovations like air cushioning and layered armor.

Screen Protection – Scratches are another threat to your phone’s screen. One solution is quite simple. A case with a raised front lip or bezel around the screen and camera lens keeps your phone’s glass from scratching across surfaces when you set it down. If you are concerned about keeping your glass pristine, full coverage cases include integrated screen protection. With these options, you can dial up protection to whatever ever level you like. An ultra-slim case with minimal bezel would be perfect in a handbag for an evening out, while a long day at the job site demands a full coverage, heavy armor case.

Wireless Interference – The new MagSafe charging for the iPhone 12 raises some questions regarding interference to wireless networks. The cases on this list have been chosen with wireless charging as a consideration, and no wireless interference should result from using these cases.

iPhone 12 Case FAQ

Q: What is the most protective iPhone 12 case?

A: The Otterbox is generally considered top of the line protection for your iPhone. Their Defender series offers legendary protection from severe drops, harsh conditions, and rough use. This protection comes with a lot of added heft and a matching price tag. Spigen is another company that is well known for protective cases. The iPhone Spigen cases rate highly for drop protection and are available in stylish and professional options. Our list of the best iPhone 12 cases includes several cases from Spigen that will protect most people’s phones and an Otterbox for anyone looking for next-level protection.

Q: Do wallet cases protect phones?

A: Wallet cases do protect phones. By integrating the phone directly into a larger wallet, the phone is protected by the wallet's sheer bulk. Smaller wallet cases with storage for cards and cash built-in offer another, slimmer option. However, even a slim wallet case will still add heft and make it difficult to carry in a pocket. In this buying guide, we focus on the best thin iPhone cases for the 12; they're the thinnest available and make carrying your phone easy and convenient to use.

Q: What are the strongest iPhone cases?

A: Current thinking suggests that Otterbox and Spigen make the strongest iPhone cases currently on the market. Over the smartphone history, these two companies have emerged as industry leaders in protective smartphone cases. Otterbox tends to emphasize sheer strength over design, while iPhone Spigen cases tend toward a more aesthetically pleasing design with excellent drop protection. This list of the best iPhone cases includes several cases from Spigen and a midrange Otterbox option. For specialty users who need maximum protection, we suggest you explore all options by Spigen and Otterbox.

Q: Is Spigen as good as Otterbox?

A? While Spigen and Otterbox enjoy a reputation for top-quality cases, Otterbox is generally considered the industry leader for durable, protective phone cases. Otterbox produces heavy-duty cases that, at the top-tier level, include screen protection and button coverage to protect your phone from the most severe drops and harsh, wet environments. These premium cases offer unrivaled protection for the most extreme conditions.

That being said, Spigen is considered as good as Otterbox for most uses. Spigen relies on military-grade materials, innovative air cushion technology, and a TPU plastic bumper to protect your smartphone. These cases are lighter and less bulky while still offering excellent protection from falls, scratches, and bumps. For most everyday use, Spigen is likely just as good as Otterbox, with a slimmer design and more stylish or professional options.