13 Protective Cases That'll Safeguard Your New iPhone 12 or 12 Pro & Still Make It Look Cool

Apple announced four different iPhone models during its Oct. 13 web-only event, but only two of them can be purchased this month: the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. Preorders have already started for the two smartphones, and you could have one in your hands as early as Oct. 23, if you're lucky. To help keep your shiny new iPhone protected from scratches and cracks, try one of these cases.

The market is flooded with thousands of different phone cases from hundreds of brands, but there aren't a ton just yet for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro. However, there are enough for you to choose from comfortably. Depending on what you want from your case — durability, cleanliness, protection, or fashionability — you should find at least one in the list below that'll satisfy what you're looking for.

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Option 1: Apple's Silicone Cases with MagSafe

Apple's cases are usually pretty solid choices. While I usually prefer its leather varieties, Apple's Silicone Case with MagSafe is finally a great option thanks to the built-in magnets that keep the case firmly on the iPhone 12 or 12 Pro. And it works perfectly with MagSafe chargers, as any Apple MagSafe accessory would. From Apple: "The silky, soft-touch finish of the silicone exterior feels great in your hand. And on the inside, there's a soft microfiber lining for even more protection."

13 Protective Cases That'll Safeguard Your New iPhone 12 or 12 Pro & Still Make It Look Cool — *Image by Apple/Amazon*

Option 2: Apple's Clear Case with MagSafe

If you want to show off your iPhone's own color, Apple's Clear Case with MagSafe is for you. From Apple: "Crafted with a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and flexible materials, the case fits right over the buttons for easy use. On the surface, a scratch-resistant coating has been applied to both the interior and exterior. And all materials and coatings are optimized to prevent yellowing over time."

Buy Apple Clear Case with MagSafe for $49

Pair Apple's cases, or even some of the ones below, with its Leather Wallet with MagSafe ($59), which comes in four different colors: Black, Baltic Blue, Saddle Brown, and California Poppy. It's not a case but attaches to the back of your iPhone 12 or 12 Pro with or without a case, thanks to MagSafe. With the wallet, you can IDs, credit cards, insurance cards, and other items you may need quick access to.

Option 3: Caseology Nano Pop Silicone Case

Caseology creates some of the most popular yet affordable and fashionable smartphone cases — and it has done the same for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro. The flexible Nano Pop model comes in four colors, each with a complimenting accent color on the camera bump: Apple Red (beige), Blueberry Navy (dark yellow), Prune Charcoal (aqua), and Peach Pink (light yellow).

Of course, you also get the protection you want, thanks to "patented air space technology" that helps prevent cracks and breaks if (and when) you drop it. The thin case can also easily be paired with a screen protector, and it's compatible with wireless charging. They look pretty cool too.

Option 4: Temdan Clear Case

The Temdan Clear Case isn't your run-of-the-mill transparent smartphone case. Often, clear cases go hand in hand with very little protection, but this crystal-clear case features military-grade protection thanks to a hard composite back and air-guarded corners that can absorb shock with the best of them.

The case is also as slim as they come, adding a minuscule 0.15 inches of depth to your iPhone while still protecting your camera with lifted edges around the lenses. And if you're all about cleanliness when it comes to your cases, the specially treated back helps prevent fingerprints, oil, and other stains from ruining the clean look.

Buy Temdan Clear Case for $8.99)

Option 5: Temdan Shockproof Bumper X-Series Case

If you like the clear case look but want something more protective, Temdan's Shockproof Bumper X-Series Case is a good bet. It gives you the clear back to show off the color of your iPhone but also protects it with more rugged features that many other cases may not come with.

For starters, the case comes with a built-in screen protector that prevents scratches and cracks but still allows you to use the screen without any issues. It also has a military standard, shock-absorbent thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) — a bridge between rubbers and plastic — for the bumpers to protect your iPhone against falls and other types of damage. It has raised edges around the case to protect your camera lenses and the screen itself from scratches when you place your iPhone face down. Lastly, it works great with wireless chargers.

Buy Temdan Shockproof Bumper X-Series Case for $16.99

Option 6: ESR Cloud Series Silicone Case

When you're looking for a case, sometimes you want simplicity. An inexpensive case with moderate protection and minimal bulkiness is the way to go, and that's what the ESR Cloud Series Silicone Case for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro offers.

The thin light case has a soft texture and a matte finish that's easy to grip and take out of your pocket or purse, but it still features a raised bezel to help protect the camera and screen. Despite it being so thin, the case offers good protection without being bulky, and the soft edges also make it easy to put the case on and take it off. Plus, there's a "velvety-soft" lining inside to keep your iPhone's back from getting scratched, and it works perfectly with wireless chargers.

This specific model comes in three colors: Black, Orange, and Navy Blue.

Option 7: ESR Premium Real Leather Case

If you want something simple but also luxurious, and you're willing to spend a tiny bit more, the ESR Premium Real Leather Case can give your brand new smartphone a more high-end look. The black leather is prone to natural variations, so each case is unique, and it'll feel good in your hand, just as you would expect from a leather case. It's also thin and lightweight, and it has raised bezels to protect your screen and camera from scratches.

On the inside, the leather case is lined with microfiber so that your phone doesn't scratch even when it's in the case. Like the other cases on this roundup, it works with wireless chargers.

Buy ESR Premium Real Leather Case for $25.99

Option 8: ANLCQC Translucent Shockproof Protective Case

If you're looking for something sleek and minimal, this case isn't for you. The military-grade, drop-tested ANLCQC Translucent Shockproof Protective Case is perfect for outdoorsy people who are prone to dropping their smartphone.

Four built-in rubber airbags can absorb more impact than other cases, and the raised bezel (1.3mm) protects the screen and camera from getting scratched or cracking on surfaces. The translucent matte hard polycarbonate (PC) back features a honeycomb design and a rubber non-slip frame that makes it easier to grip and harder to drop. Even with all of that protection, the case maintains a relatively slim look and even works with wireless charging.

Buy ANLCQC Translucent Shockproof Protective Case for $16.99

Option 9: Encased Phantom Wallet Case

A case isn't always just a case, and that's the case with the Encased Phantom Wallet case. Aside from protecting your iPhone with a durable, dual-layered design, shock-resistant frame, and rigid PC shell, it also features a card slot on the back, where you can fit up to four debit cards, credit cards, IDs, etc.

The case has a raised screen lip for better protection, and it also covers the buttons on the side while still making them easy to push. Even with the wallet, the case maintains a sleek and slim look, while the surface has a matte finish so that it's easy to grip.

Option 10: Spigen Tough Armor Case

Usually, protecting your iPhone comes at the cost of a bulky or even ugly case. The Spigen Tough Armor Case for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro comes with the features you would expect of a protection-first case but with the look of a sleek and slim one.

This case comes with foam technology that adds an extra layer of shock resistance, and it pairs that with TPU and polycarbonate for protection from drops, along with raised lips that help prevent the screen and camera from getting scratched. It also comes with a kickstand on the back so that you can prop up your iPhone when you want to watch something on Netflix and other video streaming apps. And even with all that, it still manages to look great and work with wireless chargers.

Option 11: Cordking Silicone Case

The new iPhone 12 comes in five different colors, and the iPhone 12 Pro in four, but there are a lot more colors in the world than that. If you want more options, try one of Cordking's Silicone Cases, which come in Yellow, Dark Yellow, Black, Dark Black, Clove Purple, Light Purple, Dark Blue, Navy Blue, Midnight Green, and Pine Green.

Aside from all the cool colors, you also get raised lips for screen and camera protection, silicone material that's easy to clean, wireless charging and MagSafe support, and lifetime free replacements for your cases.

Option 12: Nillkin CamShield Pro Series Case with Camera Cover

Your screen getting scratched is nearly inevitable, and usually, it isn't a cause for much concern because you can continue using it without a problem. But when your camera lenses get scratched, your photos and videos might start looking less than ideal. The Nillkin CamShield Pro Series Case looks to protect your camera lenses, unlike other smartphone cases, by providing a sliding camera cover.

All you do is slide the cover over the camera when you're not using the camera, and 0.22 millimeters of lifted bezel protect your system. Like many cases on this list, the CamShield Pro supports wireless charging, so you don't need to take your iPhone out when you want to charge it.

Option 13: ESR Metal Kickstand Case

Your case might not need a kickstand, but it's probably way better off with one. The ESR Metal Kickstand case features a unique kickstand that's adjustable up to 60 degrees, allowing you to not only prop your iPhone up horizontally — but also vertically. If the phone is on its side, that's great for watching videos, but if you're on FaceTime or want to send texts or browse Safari without holding your iPhone, it's great to have the ability to have it upright. The kickstand retains over 80% of its strength, even after over 3,000 uses (according to the company), so you know you can get good use out of the case.

Just updated your iPhone? You'll find new Apple Intelligence capabilities, sudoku puzzles, Camera Control enhancements, volume control limits, layered Voice Memo recordings, and other useful features. Find out what's new and changed on your iPhone with the iOS 18.2 update.