The Best iPhone 12 Cases of 2023

Apple introduced MagSafe technology alongside the iPhone 12, allowing case makers to take advantage of a built-in magnetic ring on all of the newest models for easy attachment of cases and other MagSafe accessories.

MagSafe is a nice bonus if you want a case that you can easily pop on and off as needed. However, most traditional cases can still handle wireless charging and MagSafe accessories like card holders and chargers.

Check out our collection of the best iPhone 12 cases that will add a touch of style while protecting it from the bumps and brushes of everyday life.

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Our Picks
What to Look for in an iPhone 12 Case
About Our Expert

Otterbox

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What We Like

MagSafe attachment
Great drop protection
Slim design

What We Don't Like

Boring design

OtterBox has a long and solid reputation for making some of the most protective iPhone cases on the market without compromising on design, so its Symmetry+ Series case for the iPhone 12 makes it an easy top pick for protecting your iPhone without adding needless bulk.

Fully compatible with Apple’s MagSafe magnetic attachment system, the slim design of the Symmetry+ belies the fact that it provides drop protection up to three times stronger than the military standard, yet still pops on and off the iPhone in a flash. Raised edges protect the rear camera and the front screen without hiding the sleek iPhone 12 aesthetic.

In addition, Symmetry+ also includes a silver-based antimicrobial additive integrated into the case, adding an extra layer of protection to help prevent the growth of many common bacteria. Despite the magnets used to support the MagSafe system, you can still leave the case on to charge your iPhone from any Qi-compatible wireless charger, including Apple’s MagSafe charger.

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Apple

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What We Like

Soft touch silicone
Fun colors
MagSafe compatible

What We Don't Like

Pricey for what it offers
Limited protection

While Apple’s Silicone Cases aren’t the most exciting among case options, they do have a certain appeal if you’re looking for a simple and minimalist design with a bit of a fun spin. Plus, it’s hard to go wrong with a first-party case since it’s guaranteed to fit and work properly with your iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro. The silicone exterior provides a solid grip so your iPhone won’t slip out of your hand, plus a soft microfiber lining inside for extra scratch and scuff protection.

Apple’s Silicone Case for the iPhone 12 also naturally includes the iPhone maker’s newest MagSafe technology, meaning it attaches magnetically to your iPhone, making it a cinch to pop off when you don’t want to be burdened by a case and then pop back on again when you need it. Despite the magnets, you won’t need to remove the case to charge your iPhone, as it’s designed to be fully compatible with Apple’s MagSafe charger and any other Qi-certified charging system.

There are also eight fun colors to choose from, designed to complement, rather than match, the various color finishes of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro: basic white, black, and (PRODUCT)RED are joined by plum, deep navy, kumquat, Cyprus green, and pink citrus.

Casetify

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What We Like

Allows customization with a monogram or short text
Good drop protection
Multiple styles available

What We Don't Like

Lacks MagSafe attachment

While there are hundreds of different styles of iPhone cases, if you’re looking for something that you can tailor to fit your style, then Casetify has you covered with its Ultra Impact protective case.

With the ability to add your monogram, initials, or even a short message in various fonts and colors, plus seven case colors to choose from—four solid and three clear with colorful trim—Casetify lets you make the Ultra Impact case your very own.

Unlike many customizable cases, however, this one doesn’t skimp on protection—it is drop-tested to withstand falls of up to 9.8 feet, thanks to proprietary qìtech shock absorbing material. It even features an antimicrobial coating that promises to eliminate 99% of everyday bacteria.

While it doesn’t include Apple’s MagSafe attachment technology, it’s fully compatible with other MagSafe accessories, so you won’t need to remove the case to pop on a MagSafe wallet attachment or use it with a wireless charger.

Amazon

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What We Like

Elegant quality leather design
Good drop protection
Can attach a lanyard

What We Don't Like

Lacks MagSafe attachment
Leather could be marked up by using MagSafe accessories

Nomad's Rugged Leather case provides an outstanding balance of old-world class and solid protection for your iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro, giving you an edge of personal style while still being able to handle drops and fumbles.

Featuring classic and old-style American-made rustic Horween leather, this Nomad case goes on in style when new but develops a nice rugged patina over time to give it a comfortable, well-worn look. Fans of leather products will appreciate how their appearance will uniquely improve with age.

Despite the slim design, Nomad Rugged Leather also offers 10-foot drop protection, thanks to its interior polycarbonate body, internal shock absorption, and raised TPE bumper along the screen's perimeter. A protective microfiber lining on the inside also ensures that the iPhone doesn't scratch when putting it into the case.

Two attachment points on the bottom also allow you to add a wrist strap or lanyard for easy carrying. It's also compatible with wireless chargers and Apple's MagSafe accessories, although you may want to stay away from the latter to avoid leaving marks on the leather.

The Best iPhone 12 Cases of 2023

OtterBox

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What We Like

Excellent drop protection
Protects ports and buttons from dirt and debris
Belt clip doubles as a kickstand

What We Don't Like

Bulky
No MagSafe attachment

To maximize protection for your iPhone 12, you need a case designed from the ground up to safeguard your device against all perils, from drops and bumps to dirt and scrapes, and that’s where the venerable OtterBox comes in with its classic Defender case.

Even though the iPhone 12 models feature a Ceramic Shield glass that promises up to four times the drop protection of previous iPhones, remember that this only protects the front of your iPhone. The glass back is still just as prone to shattering as it’s always been—and potentially more expensive to repair—so it’s no reason to let down your guard when protecting your iPhone 12.

The OtterBox Defender features multiple layers of defense that can withstand four times as many drops as the standard military protection, with raised edges to ensure your rear cameras and front screen stay away from impact points. Still, it also goes well beyond drop protection, offering coverage for all of your ports and buttons to keep them free of dirt and debris, as well as a belt clip and holster that doubles as a kickstand so you can keep your iPhone readily accessible and also prop it up for watching videos or making FaceTime calls.

What to Look for in an iPhone 12 Case

Protection: Although Apple’s latest iPhones now offer the toughest glass ever, that only covers the screen and not the glass back, so if you’re going to put a case on your iPhone 12, you’ll want to make sure it offers at least some protection. For the best protective cases, look for ones rated for drop protection from a specific height.

MagSafe Support: One of the standout features on the iPhone 12 is Apple’s MagSafe attachment system, so cases that include the necessary magnets can be easily put on and removed and are also guaranteed to work with other MagSafe accessories, although that should also be possible with any non-metallic case, you won’t get as strong of a magnetic attachment with thicker cases that aren’t MagSafe compatible.

Wireless Charging Compatibility: The last thing you want to be dealing with is having to remove your case to take advantage of wireless charging, and cases that include metallic components can be particularly troublesome in this regard, so you should make sure that your case of choice won’t get in the way when you’re trying to juice up your iPhone.

About Our Expert

Jesse Hollington is a tech journalist with over ten years of experience writing about technology and has used, tested, and reviewed hundreds of iPhone cases dating back to the original iPhone, having previously served as Editor-in-Chief for iLounge. Jesse has also authored books on the iPod and iTunes and has published product reviews, editorials, and how-to articles on Forbes, Yahoo, The Independent, and iDropNews.