The iPhone 12 sets itself apart from its predecessors with its advanced design, MagSafe charging mechanism, and many sweet colors (hello Purple!). Protect that beauty with a case with some hardcore protection. Even if you don't like the most rugged of cases, there are still some fashionable and thin designs for you to enjoy. Here are some of the best iPhone 12 cases that you can buy. If you're looking for something more practical, we also have the best iPhone 12 battery cases for improving battery life.
Keep your iPhone 12 in pristine condition with a case
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The official choice
Apple's cases for the iPhone 12 lineup come with MagSafe support, meaning they not only support the new magnetic accessories for the iPhone 12, like the wallet attachment and MagSafe charger, but they also just slide and snap onto your iPhone. How convenient!
The clear choice
We love Apple's clear MagSafe iPhone case as we outline in our review. It offers solid protection while letting you see the beautiful color of your iPhone 12. This case works perfectly with Apple's new set of MagSafe accessories like the charger or wallet.
Leave the wallet at home
In our review of this folio-style Snakehive iPhone Wallet Case, we raved about the European Nubuck leather with a soft, suede-like finish in a host of colors. Carry up to three cards plus cash in this handy case, so you can leave your wallet at home.
Slim and artsy
As we said in our review, the OtterBox Figura Series case is the perfect companion to the iPhone 12. It has the expected OtterBox protection in a slim form factor, so it won't add a lot of bulk to your phone. It's smooth yet grippy. The stunning painterly design comes in four different colorways.
Good for the planet
As we shared in our review, the eco-friendly Lifeproof WĀKE is made from salvaged fishing gear — about 85% ocean-based plastic. The unique textured wave pattern on the back is an eye-catching design, and the case is drop tested up to 2 meters. Every purchase of a WĀKE case donates a dollar to water-conscious, nonprofit partners.
Patina leather
I love Nomad's cases. The leather becomes a living design that changes over time as you use it thanks to the patina. This folio features a three-card and cash slot on the inside front. It's lined with soft thick felting for added protection.
Silicone alternative
ESR has a sleek new slim case for the iPhone 12 that will catch your eye if you're a silicone case fan. This one has a similar look to Apple's silicone case, but it costs a lot less. It doesn't have MagSafe compatibility, though.
Rugged rubber
If you're the type of person that tends to drop your iPhone a lot, this thin but rugged OtterBox Symmetry case is perfect for you. Our review points out the military-grade drop protection to keep your iPhone safe. Add MagSafe compatibility and microbial protection, and you've got a winner of a case.
Pop art
Listen, if you're going to hide that beautiful iPhone under a case anyway, why not make it something wild? This 80s-style collage art case makes a statement that lets everyone know you just wanna have fun. As described in our review, the CASETiFY Impact Case comes in unlimited designs (and customized options) for different tastes, if this style isn't for you.
Colorful and clean
Our review of the BodyGuardz Harmony highlighted the gorgeous ombré design, but it also protects the iPhone 12 from drops and bacteria. Shock-absorbing corners and a raised bumper give it a 10-foot drop rating, and BodyGuardz claims that its Ultra-Fresh antimicrobial protection reduces 99% of bacteria growth.
Price and quality
We reviewed a previous model of the Spigen Ultra Hybrid and thought it was great. Keep your gorgeous new iPhone 12 on full display in a clear case with a hard PC back and soft TPU bumper. Choose this crystal clear case or one with a colorful bumper to match your iPhone.
Totally grippable
Similar to the Speck Presidio Grip + Glitter, which we reviewed, the case's dual-layer perimeter provides 13-foot drop protection. No-slip grips help prevent drops. Microban antimicrobial protection reduces bacteria on the case's surface by 99%.
Thin protection
Made from ShockLite, a soft and flexible polymer for shock absorption, the Caudabe Sheath is drop-tested up to 6.6 feet. As discussed in our review, Caudabe cases are thin but protective and come in several colors. You can choose a MagSafe-compatible option or one that's not.
Fashionable
It was a pleasure to review the gorgeous Velvet Caviar case, which comes in lots of fashion-forward and often sparkly designs. Despite its cute looks, this case is actually heavy-duty and protective with Firm Flex technology. You can buy a matching ring grip for selfies, too.
The no-case case
If you don't really want a case at all but feel you need just a little something for protection, totallee is one to consider. This is the ultimate no-case case. As we discovered while reviewing this case, it's about as thick as a fingernail.
Flowers for less
Pretty flowers adorn the soft, protective, and slim CYRILL Cecile iPhone case. The case's back is a hard PC, while the bumper is a soft TPU for ease of use. Our review points out that it's a basic case, but elevated.
Natural good looks
Your case doesn't have to be ultra-thick to be protective, as we found out while reviewing the Mous Limitless 4.0 iPhone Case. Mous cases offer superior drop protection and a slimmer profile. The cases are made with various natural materials, such as the bamboo shown here, and they are gorgeous.
Multitask
No need to bring a purse. Take your iPhone 12 on the go with this crossbody faux leather case that comes in several color options. The removable strap has lip balm loops, and the attached wallet holds three cards plus cash.
Our best iPhone 12 case recommendations
The addition of MagSafe on the iPhone 12 definitely shook things up a bit. While all of the cases are great, most people will want to take a look at the Apple Silicone Case or Apple Clear Case with MagSafe. It couldn't be simpler to attach to your iPhone, just popping on and staying securely in place thanks to the magnets in the back of the phone.
If you're looking for something a bit more heavy-duty, the OtterBox Symmetry is a good choice. It's thin but protective, tripling military drop-test standards. It's got microbial protection built right in and is MagSafe compatible as well.
Check out our guide to best MagSafe-compatible iPhone 12 cases if you want even more options for Apple's convenient charger. Keep in mind that the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 Pro are the same size, so cases made for one are compatible with the other. Don't forget an iPhone 12 screen protector to keep that screen pristine too!
