It is that point of 12 months once more — iPhone improve season.
For these of you who rose on the break of day and positioned your order in what I prefer to name the competition of “Rush-iPhone-Ah” (often known as the good Apple harvest), you may need obsessed over which colour to get.
Additionally: I went hands-on with iPhone 16 Pro – my 3 favorite features of Apple’s pocket supercomputer
Effectively, I did not. Why? As a result of I am throwing mine in a case, that is why. I ordered my iPhone 16 Pro Max in pure titanium — the best colour to snag — and I did not wish to wait an additional month for supply.
Do you want a case? Completely
Not utilizing a case virtually ensures you will harm your gadget the primary time you drop it. Perhaps you have been one of many fortunate ones who’s by no means cracked a display. If that’s the case, congratulations — you have defied the percentages. However the iPhone 16 lineup introduces new dangers, and also you won’t be so fortunate this time.
Additionally: I maxed out my iPhone 16 Pro Max preorder. How much it cost me
The iPhone 16 collection has the narrowest bezels we have ever seen, giving customers extra display actual property and a smooth, immersive design. Nevertheless, the slimmer bezels additionally imply the sides are extra uncovered, making your cellphone extra weak to break from drops. In comparison with the iPhone 15’s 1.55mm bezels, the iPhone 16 has 1.2mm bezels, growing the danger of display impacts.
These upgrading from the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 will discover an much more dramatic change. The iPhone 12 collection had 3.47mm bezels, and the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 had barely thinner bezels, however they had been nonetheless wider than these of the iPhone 16.
Additionally: iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Should you upgrade?
When you’re coming from considered one of these older fashions, you will be adjusting to a considerably extra uncovered show, making the necessity for a protecting case and glass display protector much more essential.
My high picks for iPhone 16 circumstances
OtterBox
The OtterBox Defender Series Pro ($64.95) is among the most protecting choices obtainable.
Additionally: The best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases of 2024
Its traditional clamshell design, mixed with rubber reinforcement, ensures heavy-duty safety. It is also MagSafe suitable, making it superb for these needing most safety with fashionable comfort.
For a barely lighter different, the Defender Series Pro XT for MagSafe ($69.95) provides glorious safety and has clear variations with coloured bumpers. When you’re searching for one thing even lighter, the Symmetry and Commuter circumstances are high-quality choices, although higher suited to extra cautious customers.
Nomad
The Nomad Rugged case ($60) is constructed for optimum safety, with a shock-absorbing bumper designed to deal with drops.
Additionally: Apple just gave me a compelling reason to buy the smaller iPhone 16 Pro over the Max this year
Add a magnetic leather-based again attachment with out sacrificing sturdiness in order for you a premium really feel.
The Modern Leather case ($70) has a tough plastic shell that additionally integrates leather-based however is not as strong because the Rugged.
Additionally: iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Should you upgrade to Apple’s latest model?
For a lighter choice, the Nomad Sport ($50) provides sturdy safety with out bulk however lacks bumper reinforcement.
UAG
The UAG Monarch Pro case ($79.95) provides military-grade safety with bolstered corners, however there’s important pricing variation with many SKUs and color configurations.
So, be selective when selecting the best model on your wants.
Spigen
Spigen’s Tough Armor line is a dependable alternative for defense at an inexpensive worth. Their Core Armor ($29) and Rugged Armor MagFit ($39) are standout choices, with the Rugged Armor MagFit additionally being MagSafe suitable.
These circumstances provide glorious worth with out including extreme bulk.
ESR
ESR’s economical Cyber Tough Case ($29) is their most sturdy providing, with bolstered corners and shock absorption.
Its Stash Stand is an built-in, fold-out kickstand that doubles as a digital camera safety ring.
Additionally: I demoed Apple’s standard iPhone 16 and didn’t envy the Pro models at all
The case additionally helps MagSafe by way of HaloLock, making it versatile for charging and mounting.
Why a glass protector can be a should
Even with a case, your iPhone 16’s display is extra weak than ever. With bezels so near the sting, a case alone will not defend in opposition to scratches, cracks, or the dreaded spider-web shatter after a fall.
A tempered glass display protector is your subsequent important line of protection. This is my high three selections:
OtterBox Premium Professional, Premium, and OtterBox Glass
OtterBox provides three tiers of safety for the iPhone 16: Premium Pro, Premium, and the entry-level OtterBox Glass. The Premium Professional gives enhanced scratch resistance and impression absorption, whereas Premium provides strong safety at a barely cheaper price level. OtterBox Glass is a extra inexpensive entry-level choice, offering primary safety.
ESR Tempered Glass Display screen Protector
ESR’s Tempered Glass Screen Protector is among the most inexpensive choices obtainable, and it is available in a 3-pack. With 9H hardness and edge-to-edge safety, this protector gives glorious protection in opposition to scratches and drops. The simple set up system ensures a bubble-free match, making it an awesome budget-friendly alternative with out compromising high quality.
Spigen Glas.tR EZ Match
The Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit is accessible in a 2-pack and options a straightforward set up system that reduces the effort of bubbles or misalignment. It provides 9H hardness for scratch and impression safety, protecting the display clear and responsive. Moreover, Spigen provides a privacy-enhanced model for customers who need added privateness, priced just some {dollars} increased than the usual mannequin.
Last ideas
The iPhone 16 collection’s slimmer bezels and bigger screens enhance the significance of defending your gadget. Whether or not you go for the rugged sturdiness of an OtterBox Defender, the smooth design of a Nomad Rugged, or the inexpensive safety of an ESR case and display protector, investing in robust circumstances and tempered glass is a should to maintain your gadget protected from unintentional drops and scratches.
A small funding now can prevent from expensive repairs later.