Note: This post has been updated since it was originally published to reflect that the Casetify case featured was from the Impact collection.
By now, many of you have had a week with your new iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max. You’ve probably noticed that the curved design — all glass and stainless steel — is a little slippery. And you’ve probably seen the first round of videos showing how even the “most durable glass ever in a smartphone” can shatter into fragments with just a single drop.
So a protective case is pretty much a must-have. You’ve had a week to admire the look and feel of Apple’s design chops, now it’s time to cover it up with a bit of protection. I’ve spent much of the past week trying out a variety of protective cases for my iPhone XS Max (most are also available for iPhone XS). Here are 10 in a range of styles, approaches and prices that offer basic protection.
Nomad Rugged Case and Moshi Altra
The Nomad Rugged Case has a polycarbonate body that’s wrapped in Horween leather, with a raised TPE bumper. The minimalist case is easy to get on and off, the leather will develop a unique patina, wireless charging is supported and it offers drop protection up to six feet. The Rugged Case is available in brown or black, and costs $44.95 for both the iPhone XS version and the iPhone XS Max version.
If you’re not a fan of leather, Nomad also just announced the new Carbon Case, made from Carbon MD-6 composite.
Moshi’s Altra Slim Hardshell Case With Strap is a unique and stylish option. The case features a patterned back that is extra grippy, thanks to raised silicon ridges. It’s compatible with wireless charging and Moshi’s SnapTo magnetic mounting system. It features Military-grade (MIL-STD-810G, SGS-certified) drop protection to four feet and a raised edge to protect your screen. It also has a removable wrist strap to make certain you don’t drop your expensive new phone while snapping photos. Available for the iPhone XS Max, the Moshi Altra goes for $44.95 and is available in four color options including Mint Green.
Otterbox Symmetry for iPhone XS/iPhone XS Max
Otterbox is one of the most popular manufacturers of iPhone cases, so they get a double entry. Plus, I couldn’t choose between the two colors of Symmetry cases they sent, so I went with both.
The Symmetry series cases are thin polycarbonate with a fine grained texture on the back. A raised, bevelled edge made of synthetic rubber protects the display while making it easier to hold into the iPhone and offering basic drop protection. The cases are available in a variety of colors, including the Fine Port and Aspen Gleam shown in the photos. Prices start at $39.95 for the iPhone XS and $49.95 for the iPhone XS Max.
Silk Kung Fu Grip and Bodyguardz Harmony
Silk’s Kung Fu Grip is an inexpensive case that offers basic protection, makes an iPhone a lot easier to hold onto (thus the name) and is easy to slip on and off. The ultralight and soft case has a “super grippy” pebbled texture and raised edges. There is also a thin, clear plastic sheet included in the box if you want to cover your screen (although that film probably won’t take much punishment). Not bad for $11.99 for both the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. Various colors are offered, with “Flavor of the Month” shown in the photo.
There’s more to the Bodyguardz Harmony than meets the eye. At first glance it may look like a very basic, soft slip-on case. However, its design incorporates impact-absorbing gel, Accelleron Elastomer, and tough Kevlar — what the company calls “Unequal technology.” Those exotic materials pay off with a claimed 10-foot drop protection rating.
Premium touches include metallic button covers, wire mesh speaker grills and five fade-tint finishes to choose from. The Bodyguardz Harmony is priced at $39.95 for the iPhone XS Max.
Case-Mate Wallpapers and Casetify Impact Case
Case-Mate does a good job of combining style and protection, with a wide variety of patterns and 10-foot drop protection in its Wallpaper series of cases. These are a single piece with a hard back and more flexible sides that offer a better grip. Button covers are metallic to add a bit of flair. The one thing I didn’t like about the versions I had for evaluation were an extra large camera cutout that made the case look a little unfinished. The Case-Mate Wallpaper is priced at $35 for both the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max.
Casetify is another company offering a huge range of iPhone cases featuring stylish images and designs. The Impact case ($45 for the iPhone XS and $50 for the iPhone XS Max) features a glossy back with a soft-grip side made with dual-layer qitech material, for military grade impact protection that’s tested to 6.6 feet. Where many other case makers put a logo across the back, Casetify puts its logo around the the camera cutout. The designs (many of them floral) weren’t really my cup of tea — they’re described as “Real Cute, Real Tough” — but my wife was all over them.
UAG Monarch and UAG Pathfinder
Finally a pair of cases from UAG (Urban Armor Gear). These are more obviously protective cases, with hard shells and a rugged appearance. Both are compatible with wireless charging and Apple Pay. Despite the hard shell construction, both cases are light, and relatively easy to put on and remove.
The Pathfinder series is made of lightweight composite materials, with raised edges and oversized bumpers on the corners. It’s rated to meet Military drop standards (MIL STD 810G 516.6). The Pathfinder retails for $34.95 for the iPhone XS, and $39.99 for the iPhone XS Max. The case is available in variety of colors including my review unit’s unique Slate paint job.
The UAG Monarch has been my go-to iPhone case for hiking for the past several years. Construction includes alloy metal hardware, top grain leather and a flexible honeycomb grip that makes it a lot easier to hold onto the phone. There are five layers of protection in total. UAG says it meets two times the Military Standard (MIL STD 810G 516.6) for drop testing, and backs that with a 10-year limited warranty. The UAG Monarch case for the iPhone XS retails for $59.95, and the iPhone XS Max version is priced exactly the same — although the larger version is available in fewer color combinations.
Stay tuned for more hands-on coverage of cases for the new 2018 iPhones, including iPhone RS options, premium leather cases and detailed reviews of some popular models.
Disclosure: The above manufacturers provided cases for evaluation but had no input into this post.
