Apple has released five phones in a calendar year for the very first time, four of which were unveiled at the company’s October event. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro are practically identical in dimensions, meaning cases should be interchangeable between them.
Both devices come sporting stunning OLED display, Apple’s state of the art A14 Bionic chip and advanced camera systems. The main upgrades on the Pro model are an additional telephoto rear lens and a new LiDAR scanner. Read more about the iPhone 12 range in our iPhone 12 review.
The iPhone 12 and 12 Pro feature a glass front and back, making them potentially vulnerable to bumps and drops. With that in mind, here are our top case picks to ensure they remain protected. With the same 6.1in screen and near-identical design, the vast majority of cases will fit both models. We’ll also be sure to mention when there’s support for MagSafe, Apple’s new wireless charging tech.
Quick disclaimer: We haven’t been able to test all these cases in person, but can easily recommend them based on the brand’s strong reputation.
Official Apple Clear
Let’s start with Apple’s official case lineup, which focuses more on quality than quantity this year. Made from a blend of polycarbonate and other flexible materials, this hardshell case features a scratch-resistant coating and has undergone hours of rigorous testing.
The design of the large MagSafe ring will likely divide opinion, but it remains the most effective way to take advantage of Apple’s new charging tech without covering up the back of the phone.
You can buy it now for £49/ US$49, or check out alternatives on the Apple website.
ESR Cloud Soft
ESR is a regular fixture in our case round-ups, and this slimline case for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro is as impressive as ever.
Available in four distinct colours, the soft matt finish adds plenty of grip to phones that can otherwise be quite slippery. A cushioned inner lining helps absorb the impact of any bumps and drops, while subtle raised edges help protect the screen and rear camera module.
ESR doesn’t mention MagSafe compatibility, but considering how little bulk it adds to the phones we’d be surprised if there wasn’t support.
It’s among the more affordable cases you can buy, currently available from Amazon for just £9.99/ US$15.99.
QDOS Hybrid
If you’re not willing to spend almost £50/US$50 on Apple’s official clear case, QDOS has a great alternative.
The Hybrid is made from polycarbonate and TPU blend, providing effective shock absorption on drops of up to 4ft and resistance to scratching. It adds very little bulk to the device, retaining full support for MagSafe.
There’s also the option to add a splash of colour by choosing navy or grey edging instead of the regular clear version.
Buy it now for £19.99, which translates to around US$26.18.
Nudient Thin
The third version of the Nudient’s thin iPhone case comes with one key aim – to be “the most precise case ever made”.
Various tiny magnets within the case automatically adjust positioning in order to provide the best fit possible. It adds almost no bulk to the phone, while the textured back adds plenty of extra grip.
There are seven colours to choose from, all sporting the minimalist design that Nudient has become known for. It’s also fully compatible with all wireless chargers, including MagSafe.
You can buy it now for £25.90/ US$34.90.
Ted Baker Mirror
Be honest. How often do you use your phone’s camera just to check your appearance?
However regularly that might be, it won’t be necessary if you pick up Ted Baker’s iPhone 12/12 Pro case. On the inside of this folio, you’ll find a mirror next to the phone, perfect for reapplying makeup or skincare products on the go.
With an electroplated housing shell, you can rest assured that the phone will remain safe and secure. Its design also means the screen stays well protected.
We also can’t forget the signature Ted Baker elderflower print, which looks stunning on the all-black exterior.
On the Proporta website, it says the case is ‘wireless charging ready’, which would suggest it supports MagSafe.
You can buy it now from Proporta for £37.95/ US$51.
Greenwich England Blake
If you’re looking to really splash out on a premium case, Greenwich England is the way to go.
The Blake Folio brings soft-touch Alcantara to the phone case market, giving a luxurious look and feel to the folio design. It’s not a case of form over function, though, with the electroplated finish protecting the iPhone 12 or 12 Pro from the knocks and bumps you’d associate with everyday usage.
There’s also a magnetic ‘snap-back’ feature, which allows the case to quickly transform into a car mount. There’s also a useful pocket which can be used to hold cards and notes.
We particularly like the green pictured, but it’s also available in black or blue if you’d prefer.
You can buy it now for £129/ US$172.
Joby FreeHold Universal Kit
Though technically more of an attachment than a case itself, the Joby FreeHold Universal kit is a great companion for those wanting to use their shiny new iPhone to take photos and record videos – and besides, you can always stick it to one of the other cases in our roundup!
The accessory sticks to the rear of the iPhone and offers not only a slidable finger loop to keep the phone securely in your hand when in use, but there’s also attachable flexible wrapping legs that’ll let you attach your iPhone to practically anything, and for those with an existing video setup, it also includes a ¼-20in adapter for tripods and other mounts.
It’s a relatively cheap accessory that could help make your TikToks or YouTube videos look that little bit more professional – just note that you’ll need to buy an actual case separately.
Still looking to buy one of the phones? See our guide on where to buy the iPhone 12 for all the options.
Author: Anyron Copeman, Senior Staff Writer
As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.