PopSockets PopCase iPhone case review: Flexible, removable grip and stand

PopSockets PopGrips are a popular smartphone accessory, sticking onto the back of your device or case and acting as a secure grip as well as a kickstand for viewing videos. But being "stuck" in place limits its usefulness, especially if you want to use a wireless or MagSafe charger. Enter the PopSockets PopCase with Slide, which has a PopSocket on a slide that can be moved up or down or removed entirely. With both a regular and a MagSafe option, there is a PopSockets PopCase for everyone.

PopSockets PopCase iPhone case: Price and availability

You can find the PopSockets PopCase at major retailers such as Amazon and Target and on the PopSockets website. It comes in various colors and patterns for the iPhone X through the current lineup (except for the mini.) For the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series handsets, you can also choose a MagSafe option. The cases sell for $50 or $60, depending on the style you select.

PopSockets PopCase iPhone case: What's good

When I first heard about PopSockets PopGrips, I thought it was a pretty cool idea: stick it onto the back of your iPhone (or case), and you have a handy grip for taking selfies or just carrying your iPhone around more securely. It also works as a kickstand for watching videos on your phone. However, a stationary grip doesn't work for me. I change cases often, plus I do like to take advantage of wireless and MagSafe charging. PopSockets has come up with several ways around this issue, such as the PopSockets PopGrip with MagSafe and PopSockets PopWallet Plus MagSafe, which are both fantastic if you have a MagSafe-compatible phone and case. However, if you're rocking an older iPhone or a newer one and don't have a MagSafe case, the PopSockets PopCase is one to consider.

On its own, this case is protective without a lot of bulk. A large lip around the camera module offers extra camera lens protection when you place your phone down face up. The camera cutout seems larger than it needs to be, but I suspect that's to make sure that big lip stays out of your photos. The camera lip has "PopSockets" written around it, which is the only visible branding on the case. There's also a lip around the iPhone screen for face-down protection. The button covers over the Sleep/Wake and volume buttons are nice and clicky. The generously sized cutouts for the Lightning port, mute switch, and speakers keep all functionality intact.

Along the side of the case is a track for the PopGrip Slide to move up and down. If you place the slide at the top of the track, it's the perfect spot for gripping your phone securely for one-handed us. It's also just right for watching horizontal videos, hands-free. Slide it down to expose more of the back of the phone, allowing you to use a wireless or MagSafe charger. This lower position also allows you to watch videos vertically, although I didn't find that position holds your iPhone up as securely since you have to balance it just right. You can also slide that PopGrip right off of the case if you'd rather use it without the PopGrip.

As with most PopSockets accessories, you can remove the top of the PopGrip and replace it with a different design. This is a fun way to customize the look of the case inexpensively. The PopGrip also makes a pretty fun fidget; I find myself popping it open and closed when I need something to do with my hands.

PopSockets PopCase iPhone case: What's not good

It is a relatively expensive case considering that it's plastic, which won't be to everyone's taste. I prefer to use a MagSafe case since I have a MagSafe charger on my nightstand and desk. PopSockets does offer a MagSafe version of this case for both the iPhone 12 and 13 lineups, though it's limited. There are only five solid color MagSafe cases available, though you can still use any of the huge selection of PopGrips to jazz up a plain case. PopSockets PopCase is only available for standard, Pro, and Max iPhones, not for the iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 13 mini at all.

PopSockets PopCase iPhone case: Competition

I loved my OtterBox Otter + Pop Symmetry Series iPhone Case before I started using wireless charging in earnest. It's a fantastic, protective case, as long as you don't need to charge wirelessly or use a MagSafe charger (or another accessory.)

Another case I've enjoyed is the Loopy iPhone Case. The loop on the back makes it easy to carry around, even if you only have one finger free. It comes in a variety of trendy and appealing designs. But again, wireless and MagSafe charging don't work with it.

PopSockets PopCase iPhone case: Should you buy it?

• You want a better grip on your iPhone when using one-handed
• You want a built-in kickstand for watching videos
• You want the option to remove the PopGrip quickly and easily

• You have no use for a PopGrip
• It's out of your budget
• You don't like the look or color options available

If you want to use a PopGrip for holding your iPhone one-handed and as a kickstand, but you also want the option to adjust it and remove it quickly, this is the case for you. On the other hand, if you have no interest in the PopGrip idea or are okay with keeping in stuck in one place all the time, there's no need for this case.

The PopSockets PopGrip became very popular as iPhones started getting larger since it got difficult for those with smaller hands to use the iPhone one-handed without dropping it. It also makes a tremendous video-viewing stand. However, the advent of wireless charging (and later MagSafe) brought up a quandary since the use of a PopGrip makes it impossible to charge your iPhone wirelessly without removing the entire case. PopSocket came up with several solutions, including the PopSockets PopCase iPhone case. Grooves along the edges of the case allow the PopGrip Slide to move up and down or off entirely, depending on how you want to use it. While this is not the most sophisticated or luxurious case you can buy for the price, it serves a great function and comes in some fun colors and styles.

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