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Need a case to protect your iPhone 12? Our technology experts purchased and tested twelve of the best iPhone 12 cases available today. We used each model in our daily lives, pocketing them on walks to the coffee shop and taking them on bike rides and runs. Each case was weighed and measured to assess its relative portability more accurately. We also measured their overall design, ease of use, and durability through various tests. Our comprehensive review will help you find the right case for your needs and budget.
For an overview, check out our review of iPhone cases, but if you have a newer phone, you can take a look at our dedicated review articles for iPhone 15 cases, or iPhone 14 cases.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on August 5, 2024, to remove some discontinued phone cases from our lineup.
Weight: 1.8 ounces | Dimensions: 6.0 x 3.0 x 0.5 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Protective and sleek
Drop-test certification
Includes port protector
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulkier than others
Expensive
The OtterBox Commuter is one of our favorite cases overall. This sleek and durable option is the only model with a military drop-test certification that still looks and feels like an everyday case. The soft, silicone inner material is wrapped in a hard case. While this model may take a few extra seconds to install, it's extremely easy to remove. The protective flap for the charging port is a simple yet appreciated feature, as charging ports tend to get dirty quickly. This case has a smooth feel, a good grip, and easily slides in and out of pockets. To top it off, the Commuter comes in multiple color options. While many thicker cases affect the way that the silent toggle switches, the angled border around the switch on this case allows for easy operation.
We were hard-pressed to find flaws with the OtterBox Commuter. We want to note that this case is definitely not low-profile, which is not surprising given its solid, protective status. The hard-plastic outer case isn't as sleek as some smoother options, making it a bit more difficult to use in certain situations. This case is pricier than some of the simpler designs on the market, but despite all these caveats, we believe it is worth the price. See the Spigen Ultra Hybrid iPhone 12 for more portability while retaining solid protection.
The OtterBox Commuter is our go-to for aesthetics, durability, and overall performance.
Weight: 1.2 ounces | Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.5 x 0.5 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Straightforward design
Resistant to scratching
Flexible
REASONS TO AVOID
Buttons can be hard to operate
Slightly boring design
If you desire a no-nonsense, simple, clear iPhone 12 case, the Spigen Ultra Hybrid is the ticket. It's about as basic as possible, and its price tag reflects its straightforward design. Though we tested several clear plastic models in this review, the Spigen is one of the most flexible and scratch-resistant options. This means it's easy to put on and remove from your phone, which is nice for folks who frequently remove their case. Its raised lip also offers slight protection for the screen.
Like other models in the test group, the Spigen has raised buttons on the side to aid in operating the side buttons on the iPhone. Unfortunately, operating these buttons is difficult. We found they frequently didn't respond to our initial touch; a bit of force was necessary to affect the phone buttons through this case. Those who desire a phone case with a touch of pizzazz should look elsewhere. This award winner is all about the basics of design and aesthetics. Another great value that scored just behind this Cordking iPhone 12 Case, which is easier to use but did offer quite the same protection.
No-nonsense and simple in design, the Spigen Ultra Hybrid case is one of our most affordable recommendations.
Weight: 2.4 ounces | Dimensions: 6.3 x 3.3 x 0.6 inches
REASONS TO BUY
Unmatched durability
Covers over charge port and silent switch
Included utility clip
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky
Disables wireless charging
Pricey
While a few of the iPhone cases in our review are super durable, the OtterBox Defender is practically bomb-proof. Not only does this model meet MIL-STD-810G 516.6 drop-test requirements, its overall construction undoubtedly adds even more protection. The Defender is composed of a two-piece plastic inner layer that snaps together and an additional rubber outer layer that seals the whole package together. While the iPhone 12 has an IP68 waterproof rating on its own, this model takes that protection a notch further by adding covers that seal off the charging port and the silent switch from dust and debris. A utility clip is included with the Defender — designed to house the main case forward, backward, right side up, or upside down — meaning that you can face the screen inward to protect it while your phone is not in use.
The biggest downside of the OtterBox Defender is its weight and size. Without the clip, this case adds 2.4 ounces to the overall weight and about half an inch to the width and length of your phone. It doesn't add a crazy amount to the thickness, but with the utility clip attached, the entire setup is bulky. The plastic combined with the rubber interrupts the wireless charging capability of the iPhone 12, and any magnetic capabilities get thrown out the window when you employ this case. Lastly, it's expensive. If you are shopping on a budget, we think you're better off with a more affordable model, like the Case-Mate Tough Plus, which is very protective and lighter for less money.
The OtterBox Defender is the way to go for rugged durability.
Credit: Ross Patton
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The Apple Leather looks great and offers a good degree of scratch protection.
Credit: Ross Patton
How We Test iPhone 12 Cases
We scoured the internet for the top iPhone 12 cases on the market. We then selected the best-selling and most highly-rated options for hands-on testing. The main focus of our evaluation was the construction of the case and the protection each option provides for your phone. We also assessed the performance of each product by spending weeks with each case on our personal phones. We removed and replaced the cases repeatedly, assessing the flexibility and quality of materials. We also looked at the grip, texture, and whether or not the materials scratch easily. Finally, we recorded the dimensions and weight of each to determine which was the most portable. By the end of our extensive testing period, these phone cases undergo 143 individual tests.
We break down our overall score into four key metrics:
Protection (40% of overall score weighting)
Portability (25% weighting)
Design (25% weighting)
Ease of Use (10% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
This side-by-side analysis was conducted by longtime reviewers Jane Jackson and Ross Patton. Jane has been reviewing products of all types for five years and knows the ins and outs of fair and honest testing procedures. Jane has reviewed all kinds of products, from climbing shoes to backpacks to dishware and baking supplies. When she's not writing reviews, she can be found climbing on, running through, or skiing down mountains (with her iPhone in tow, of course!). Ross has been with the GearLab Team for nearly four years. During this time, he has worked on several Apple brand categories ranging from the best iPhone gimbals to the best MacBook Pro cases. With a formal education in Environmental Science and a knack for dissecting new products, you can rest assured that Ross is looking for the tiniest subtle nuances that differentiate these products from one another. The performance results determined by our crack team of testers allow us to provide an in-depth analysis of 16 of the best iPhone 12 cases on the market.
We conducted a scratch test on each model to see how they'd hold up against sharp metal.
iPhone cases are available in an array of colors.
Some models have a flap that covers the charge port to keep debris and dirt out of the area.
Analysis and Test Results
This review is a collection of our findings as we analyzed each iPhone 12 case's protection, ease of use, portability, and design. Each scoring metric is weighted according to the importance of choosing a phone case. These cases are designed for everyday use, for use in the office, and for outdoor activities. After hours of objective testing and weeks of hands-on use, we compiled the data to help you easily find the right case for your intended use.
What's the Best Value?
To determine the value of each case, we consider the price versus the overall performance and any special features or elements each model may offer. If you're shopping for an iPhone 12 case on a tight budget, it's hard to beat the Spigen Ultra Hybrid. The award-winning OtterBox Commuter is perhaps the best balance of performance and price, presenting an exceptional value overall. The slightly bulkier, slightly heavier cousin of the Commuter is the OtterBox Defender. This case is on the pricier side but is as rugged as they come.
Protection
In addition to daily use and assessing manufacturers' drop-test certifications, we conduct a series of tests to compare the level of protection each case provides. Our focus for this metric is the material construction of each model. We perform scratch tests and inspect each case for features that protect the screen, ports, and camera.
Many manufacturers subject their toughest models to a series of tests to gain military drop-test certifications. A MIL-STD-810G 516.6 rating means the case can withstand a certain degree of falls, vibrations, and shocks without damaging the phone. The models in our review that meet this standard are the OtterBox Defender, OtterBox Commuter, Oterkin, Pelican Protector Series, Case-Mate Tough Plus, and SPIDERCASE.
The OtterBox Defender is our hands-down favorite model for outdoor adventures.
Credit: Ross Patton
Of these models, the OtterBox Defender was the only case that remained completely unscathed in our scratch test. The OtterBox Commuter was hardly scratched. The Spigen Ultra Hybrid did very well in the scratch evaluation but otherwise offered minimal shock protection.
Portability
In this metric, we weigh and measure each model in our test lab to determine the subtle differences in bulk and weight. We note any features or accessories that aid or hinder the portability of each model. The thinnest, lightest, lowest-profile models earn the highest scores for this portion of the overall score.
The OtterBox Defender is the biggest and heaviest model in our iPhone 12 case review. But we awarded it bonus portability points because it includes a handy plastic clip that allows you to attach your phone to anything small enough to fit in the spring-loaded clasp.
The OtterBox Defender is a bit bulkier than the low-profile models but travels well in its included clip.
Credit: Ross Patton
Design
There is a significant degree of variability regarding the overall form of an iPhone 12 case. This section delves into the subtle details of the standout models and any elements or features contributing to their overall performance and style.
One of many stand positions offered by the Pipetto Origami.
The low-angle landscape mode of the Pipetto Origami is perfect for gaming or browsing.
The Pipetto Origami is perfect for watching movies.
If you're a fan of models that hold cards, the Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol.1 comes in a variety of fun colors and functions very well.
The Smartish Wallet Slayer houses two cards in the back of the case.
It's easy to push the cards out of the Smartish Wallet Slayer with one hand.
Cases like the Smartish Wallet Slayer that hold cards free you from a wallet for many occasions.
The OtterBox Defender and Commuter are the top two models in terms of protection and include design features to add an extra layer of insurance for your phone. Each of these cases has a rubber flap that covers the charge port. The Commuter leaves the silent toggle out in the open, while the Defender has an additional flap covering this switch. If you like the idea of attaching your phone to a backpack strap or a belt, the utility clip included with the Defender allows you to attach your device in four directions, two of which completely protect the phone screen.
The OtterBox Defender has a rubber flap that protects the silent toggle from dirt and debris.
The OtterBox Defender utility clip allows you to attach the case in several different ways.
If you face the OtterBox Defender inward on the clip, the screen is protected from bumps and scratches.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is most readily assessed using each model in our daily lives. How easy is getting a phone in and out of the case? Do the buttons operate well through the case? Does it slide in and out of a pocket with ease? How well does each model grip a hard surface? These questions guide us through our assessment of each product in this metric. Some cases pop on easily, while others require considerable wrestling to get the phone inside. Button functionality is also a significant factor in this metric — a number of the cases struggle to provide a tight enough fit to allow for easy operation of the side buttons.
Two iPhone 12 cases stand out as incredibly easy to use: the Pelican Protector and the Cordking. Both cases are easy to install and remove, and either model hardly affects button operation. During our grip assessment, the Cordking held onto our testing board up to an incredible 40 degrees. The Pelican stuck to the board up to 29 degrees, but it is much easier to slide in and out of pockets than the rubbery models.
The Pelican Protector is flexible enough to easily install and remove, but it still offers certified drop protection.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Smartish Wallet Slayer Vol.1 takes a matter of seconds to install and remove, and we love the design of the cardholder, which allows you to push cards out from the inside with your thumb rather than try to pinch them and pull them with your fingertips. The Flaunt Square Case is as easy as they come to unbox and install, and it's super grippy.
Conclusion
There are so many options out there in the world of iPhone cases, including the iPhone 12. But your needs will ultimately guide your decision. Is durability your utmost concern? Do you want your phone to look classy, or would you prefer the case to be as close to invisible as possible? No matter what you seek in a phone case, our testing and in-depth analysis will help guide you in the right direction.
