The Best iPhone 12 Cases and Accessories (2024)

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Julian Chokkattu

Gear

The 2020 Apple smartphone is still a great pick. Spruce it up with MagSafe-tested protection, chargers, and other extras.

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If you've decided to stick with your trusty iPhone 12 instead of upgrading to the iPhone 14 (or maybe you snagged one for a good price)—great! It's still a nice smartphone that'll last you several years. But slapping a brand-new case on your handset can make it feel fresh. It's also smart to use a case to protect your fragile investment. I've tested more than 50 cases and accessories—ones that are MagSafe compatible and ones that aren't. These are our favorites.

Be sure to check out our other buying guides, like the Best MagSafe Accessories, Best iPhone, Best iPad Accessories, the Best iPhone 14 Deals, and the Best iPhone 14 Cases.

Updated October 2022: We've moved our MagSafe accessory recommendations to a separate guide, and updated prices and links.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

  • The Best iPhone 12 Cases and Accessories (7)

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Julian Chokkattu is the reviews editor at WIRED, covering personal technology and reviewing consumer products. Previously he was the mobile and wearables editor at Digital Trends, steering coverage and reviews of smartphones and smartwatches, and an intern at TechCrunch. He graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor's degree in English... Read more

Reviews Editor

TopicsShoppingbuying guidesiPhoneapplecasesAccessories and Peripherals

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The Best iPhone 12 Cases and Accessories (2024)

FAQs

What is the best iPhone 12 case on the market? ›

Best slim OtterBox case

OtterBox's super protective Defender series case is available for all the iPhone 12 models with Magsafe compatibility, but most people want something less bulky. The Symmetry series is slim with beveled edges, making it a good mix of sleek and protective.

What is the most protective case for an iPhone? ›

If you want a tough case with stronger protection, the Spigen Tough Armor case, which includes a kickstand, is an option, but I personally prefer Spigen's Ultra Hybrid cases (the Ultra Hybrid S also has an integrated kickstand).

Why is Casetify so expensive? ›

Here are the reasons why Casetify cases are relatively expensive: Quality of Materials: Casetify often uses high-quality materials for their cases, such as impact-resistant polycarbonate and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) [1].

Does iPhone 12 need case protector? ›

We would recommend that you invest in a case or cover for your iPhone 12.

Are Otterbox cases worth the price? ›

The Bottom Line

Otterbox cases are not exactly the cheapest on the market — a quick look on Amazon will tell you that much. However, if you really want to make your phone last, the Otterbox is worth the money. Otterbox cases are some of the best, safest phone cases on the market.

Which OtterBox case is stronger? ›

The Defender Series® offers the most safeguards of any OtterBox case. And it's available for a range of smartphones and tablets. It's the only series with 3 layers of protection: a polycarbonate inner layer, a silicone outer layer and a sturdy, swiveling belt clip holster.

Is silicone or hard case better for iPhone? ›

Compared to harder materials like plastic or metal, silicone has a much softer surface that is less likely to slip out of your hand. In addition, silicone phone cases are often textured, giving you even more grip. This can be especially helpful if you use your phone in slippery or sweat conditions.

Is OtterBox or Casetify better? ›

Conclusion. CASETiFY is the best option if you're looking for colorful, artistic, or unique designs, but both brands offer a variety of solid and neutral colors. If you're prone to dropping your phone, the CASETiFY Bounce Case model is your best bet.

Who makes the best phone case? ›

Spigen, Poetic, and Supcase are reliable phone case brands that offer a variety of protective cases for popular devices. Ringke, OtterBox, ESR, and CASETiFY are also reputable brands that provide affordable, stylish, and durable phone cases for various smartphones.

Should I put a glass screen protector on my iPhone 12? ›

Using a glass screen protector isn't a guarantee that you'll never break your iPhone's screen. But a protector can prevent screen scratches, which affect the structural integrity of the glass and make cracks more likely.

What's the difference between a MagSafe case and a regular case? ›

The only thing that differentiates a regular phone case from a MagSafe case is that it has magnets, often identified by a ring on the back of cases, that securely snap your MagSafe-compatible iPhone (iPhone12 or later) to MagSafe accessories, such as chargers, battery packs, wallets, stands, tripods, and more.

Is the iPhone 12 glass or plastic? ›

All four models of the iPhone 12 (iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Max) have the same ceramic shield on the screen and the same type of glass on the back. The only difference in materials is the frame. The two Pros have a stainless steel frame, while the Mini and the 12 are aluminum.

Is OtterBox or CASETiFY better? ›

Conclusion. CASETiFY is the best option if you're looking for colorful, artistic, or unique designs, but both brands offer a variety of solid and neutral colors. If you're prone to dropping your phone, the CASETiFY Bounce Case model is your best bet.

Are CASETiFY cases actually protective? ›

Not only are Casetify''s hundreds of phone cases cute, they're practical. They're made with two layers of shock-absorbing plastic to withstand impact. The raised bezels around the screen and camera lenses help protect the glass if dropped on a flat surface.

Which iPhone 12 model is better? ›

The iPhone 12 and its 6.1-inch display is a better bet for most shoppers. If you're serious about shooting photos and videos on your phone, the iPhone 12 Pro is a great choice. But if you want all that with the biggest iPhone screen ever, along with the longest battery life, we recommend the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Is there a difference between iPhone 12 and 12 pro case? ›

Can a iPhone 12 Pro Max case be used for a normal iPhone 12? No. The main reason why not, is the overall size difference between these models.

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