When it comes to cutting-edge technology, we all know that Apple fights for that top-of-the-list spot, regularly pushing out upgraded versions of their flagship iPhone. However, because Apple’s existing models usually last a good handful of years, most people don’t rush to upgrade their iPhone every time the company puts out a new model. The iPhone 13 line came out in 2021, but the previous iPhone 12 models are still popular phones. After all, the iPhone 12 was the first in the line to come with Apple’s MagSafe feature, which offers faster wireless charging with a compatible charger. The phone also supports many accessories, including a MagSafe wallet among others. These handy wallets will magnetically adhere right to the back of your phone or MagSafe-enabled iPhone case.

Read more: Best MagSafe and Magnetic iPhone Accessories for 2022

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iPhone 12 cases for every type of user



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The iPhone 12 has what Apple describes as “an array of magnets” embedded around a charging coil that can pull up to 15 watts of power. That’s twice as powerful as wireless charging on previous iPhones, but on par with the power that many Android phones can draw from standard Qi wireless chargers. So, the best iPhone 12 case will support the 15-watt charging speeds while protecting your phone. 

To get the 15-watt charging speeds, you’ll need an Apple MagSafe charger or an Apple-approved MagSafe charger from a third-party accessory-maker, but your phone will still charge at up to 7.5 watts with standard wireless chargers that support that speed or higher. Most of the cases on this list are compatible with wireless charging and some are Apple-certified MagSafe cases with integrated magnets. Also, check out our list of best MagSafe and magnetic wireless chargers for the iPhone 12.

Read more: Best Eco-Friendly iPhone 12 and 12 Pro Cases

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I have expensive tastes, and I personally like Speck’s $60 Presidio2 Armor Cloud (white model on the right in the photo). But the Presidio2 Pro (gray case in the photo) is also excellent. If you want an apple clear case, Speck has several models for iPhone 12 case to choose from, including the Presidio Perfect-Clear with Grips. 

All the new models have very good drop protection (13 to 16 feet, depending on the model) as well as Speck’s Microban antimicrobial protection. The cases start at $40 in various color options, but Speck is currently offering 25% off sitewide.

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If you’re looking for a cheap clear case for your iPhone 12, Spigen’s Ultra Hybrid is a good value at around $12 to $15, depending on the trim color and which version of iPhone 12 you have (yes, there are a few color options).

No drop rating is listed for the case, but Spigen’s transparent cases feel like they offer reasonable protection. If you want a tough case with stronger protection, the Spigen Tough Armor case is an option for $17, but I personally prefer Spigen’s Ultra and Neo Hybrid cases. Note that a lot of these cheaper clear cases have a habit of turning yellow and degrading over time (and becoming less translucent), but they’re cheap enough that you probably won’t mind shelling out for a replacement case for your Apple iPhone if that happens.

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I’ve recently become a fan of Clckr’s cases, which feature a built-in stand and grip strap that folds out and clicks into place on the back of your phone. Clckr sells just the stand-strap accessory to stick on the back of your phone or on a case, but the case with the integrated stand accessory is better and comes in a few different styles, including clear (I like the Saffiano blue but it’s currently only available in black).

The cases aren’t rugged but they’re protective enough, with raised edges to protect the screen. The one I’ve used with my iPhone 11 Pro for the last four months has held up well. 

With the stand clicked in place, you can use your device hands-free in either portrait or landscape mode. Note that you can wirelessly charge your phone with this case on, though you have to be more careful about placing it in the right spot on a wireless charging pad for it to work. The new models have antimicrobial protection.

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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. A raised bumper helps act as a screen protector. 

Multiple color options are available, including clear, and I’m digging the clear version of the Symmetry Plus Pop case, pictured in the middle, which integrates a PopSockets PopGrip and is wireless charging-compatible, which is important. Prices range from $50 to $60 (£29, AU$59). OtterBox offers a discount for first-time buyers on its site.

OtterBox’s Commuter case offers slightly more protection and is also pretty slim and has grips on the back.

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MagSafe accessories will still stick to your phone if you have a standard thin case, but not nearly as well as if you use one of Apple’s MagSafe cases, which have their own set of embedded magnets that line up with the magnets in your phone.

Apple’s Clear Case with MagSafe is nice because it allows you to show off your phone’s colored finish and the embedded markings tell you exactly where to attach the MagSafe charger for optimal charging speeds (you apparently need Apple’s 20-watt USB-C charging to get the maximum 15-watt wireless charging speeds). The only issue with the clear case is that it leaves the bottom of your phone exposed.

If that bothers you, the Silicone case (pictured, left) with MagSafe is the better option. It works the same way as the Clear case does, with an embedded magnet ring, you just can’t see it. The Silicone case is available in eight color options.

MagSafe stuff isn’t cheap, but it is fun to play with magnetic objects and they do offer some conveniences. The bottom line is that if you do want to try MagSafe accessories and to protect your phone with a case, you’re best off with one directly from the Apple Store, or another MagSafe-certified case.

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KerfCase has been making handmade wooden cases for a while, and its new Plywood case is not only more durable but less expensive than some, starting at $50, with 6-foot drop protection and a limited lifetime repair warranty. I like it better than other wood cases I’ve tried. It’s also worth noting that Apple’s MagSafe charger will stick to the back of it, and KerfCase sells matching charging docks for the Apple MagSafe charger (yes, it’s an accessory for an accessory).

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Rokform’s been making tough iPhone cases for years and aside from their durability, their key feature is the ability to use them with various mounts — including bike and motorcycle mounts — that are sold separately. I personally prefer the Crystal series but the Rugged case is slightly more, well, rugged. 

Rokform’s cases have removable magnets and they’re compatible with wireless charging if you remove the included center magnet. “With the lower magnet still intact, you can still wireless-charge while utilizing magnetic mounting and all of our mounts,” Rokform says.

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The OtterBox Figura is essentially a more eye-catching version of Apple’s own silicone MagSafe case, which allows you to attach accessories to its back, including a new wireless charger and a leather wallet. Those accessories will still stick to your phone if you have a standard thin case, but not nearly as well as if you use one of Apple’s MagSafe cases, which have their own set of embedded magnets that line up with the magnets in your phone. 

The Figura is OtterBox’s thinnest case, but it’s still reasonably protective, although its edges aren’t raised quite as high around the screen as other OtterBox cases. It comes in four colors (Dandelion wine is pictured here). The bright color of the case does make your phone easier to spot for those in the habit of losing their device in plain sight. Alas, darker cases tend to blend into darker objects.

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I’ve always liked Moshi cases and the company’s made versions of its iGlaze, Altra and Vitros cases (pictured from left to right) for the iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Mini and 12 Pro Max. The Altra is the most distinct-looking and has a geometric rubber finish that makes your phone nice and grippy. It also includes a lanyard. Not pictured is the Overture (coming soon), a two-in-one folio wallet case. You fit your iPhone into a slim shell case that then magnetically adheres to the cover, which has slots for storing credit cards and cash. Moshi’s cases range in price from $25 to $50.

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I’m personally not a crossbody case guy (meaning a case with a long strap so you can wear your phone like a purse), but some people love them. You can find some fancy ones out there that cost a lot of money, but if you’re looking for something simpler, the Smartish Crossbody case is around $30 and comes in multiple colors. The iPhone case design incorporates some faux leather and the case offers decent protection along with three slots for storing up to five credit cards and cash in the wallet compartment. You can choose to go with a shorter hand strap or the longer adjustable crossbody strap.

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Apple upgraded the cameras in its iPhone 12 models, with the iPhone 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max offering step-up camera options (the iPhone Max is the best in the imaging department). But a select few accessory makers like Moment allow you to enhance your shooting with add-on lenses and filters. Sold separately from the case, the lenses aren’t cheap, but they are high-quality. 

Moment’s iPhone cases include an insertable mount that can be removed when you’re not playing around with any optional lenses, which are easy to attach. Its Thin Case is a simple but attractive rubberized case made of compostable bioplastic that’s rated for 6-foot drop protection. Cases with wood and canvas on their backs are also available. 

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Razer, which makes laptops and gaming accessories (among other products), also makes iPhone “gaming” cases. They have something called Thermaphene-Based Heat Dissipation that “redirects trapped heat through a thermally conductive lining adjacent to vented airflow channels to significantly improve cooling compared with traditional cases.” It’s a bit of a gimmick, but it seems to help a little when you’re playing graphics-intensive games for long periods. 

Razer had a slim Arctech case for the iPhone 11, but right now it only has the Arctech Pro for the iPhone 12 and 13 models. It was redesigned from the previous year’s Arctech Pro — it seems even more protective — and adds an antibacterial coating.

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Environmentally friendly smartphone cases are rapidly proliferating as more companies are making an effort to manufacture products out of recycled materials or materials that are biodegradable. The Torro Eco Cover for the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro falls into the latter category, and like many eco cases, it’s pretty simply designed. But unlike a lot of eco cases, which are often sold at premium prices, it happens to be inexpensive right now — only $13 after you clip an instant 50% off coupon on Amazon.

While it’s made out of renewable plant-based raw material such as corn and cassava — no plastic is used — it feels similar to a firm plastic case and has a slight bit of grip to it. It also seems pretty protective and has raised edges to help protect your screen in the event you drop your phone face down. Torro says the Eco Cover is only biodegradable in a composting environment; you simply place it in your home compost bin and it’ll break down. I can’t tell you how well it will hold up over time, but at $13, you’re not risking much dough.

It’s also available for the iPhone 12 Mini, but I didn’t see a listing for a version for the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

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Swedish startup 15:21 makes natural cork cases and wallets that give your phone a unique look and feel. These are very slim cases that aren’t incredibly protective, although the edges are raised slightly on the corners to help protect your screen from cracking should you drop it (other cases do offer more corner protection). Also, the bottom of the case covers half of the bottom of your phone rather than leaving it totally exposed, which is good. You can read the story behind the 15:21 company name here.

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