The Best iPhone XS Cases
Making your brand-new iPhone XS last for the long haul requires a sure grip, an eagle eye, and a high level of personal responsibility. If you happen to lack these traits, your next immediate purchase should be a phone case. iPhone XS cases boast an almost endless variety of styles and structures to fit your lifestyle, from loose sleeves to impenetrable plastic casts. While strolls down the sidewalk filled with frequent scrolling will require little more than a loose gel cover, trips to the mountains or ocean demand higher levels of shock, moisture, and screen protection to keep all components in good working order. If you're getting anxious about taking your scratch-free iPhone XS around town, our top cases will save your screen without interfering with phone calls, photography, or power ports.
What to Look For
We kept an eye on three key factors during our search for the best iPhone XS cases: protection, durability, and style. No matter which type you choose, those qualities are paramount. Our favorite case, a streamlined style from Ouxul, covers all the bases for most users while keeping a low profile. But if you want something that can stash away your essentials, Spigen’s case with built-in storage is your best bet. Read on to check out our in-depth reviews and learn more about the best iPhone XS cases on the market.
Ouxul iPhone XS Protective Case
Trim and tough
If you’re searching for a slick iPhone case that’s easy on the eyes and stable enough for the occasional drop, look no further than Ouxul. These cases are a minimalist’s dream, featuring no extra frills or clips that get in the way of your pocket. While some may question the level of protection, Ouxul does focus its attention on the more sensitive areas of your device. Both the screen and camera lens feature raised lips, meaning drops on flat surfaces won’t cause excessive scratches. Overall, for users in an office setting that worry about surface scratches more than falls on rocky trails, this iPhone case provides more than a suitable level of security and style.
Pros:
- The wide variety of different case colors offers a cool way to match your background theme and stand out from the crowd.
- We appreciate that this case doesn’t have any visible logos that disrupt its clean aesthetic.
- This case does a really good job of giving your phone texture, preventing it from accidentally slipping from your hands.
Cons:
- Because of the silicone material used in this case, it has a tendency to attract pocket lint and hair.
Otofly Silicone Case
Soft, shockproof, and saturated
Otofly’s silicone iPhone case offers an ergonomic texture that dramatically reduces the chance of slips starting the second it’s put on. While some may protest that softshell cases stick to fabric too easily, we feel that this is a hidden advantage. Unlike hard plastic that glides into pockets, liquid silicone stays firmly in place while sitting down or jostled deep inside coats. Furthermore, unsightly fingerprints and scuffs never leave a mark. If you want a colorful palette for a new generation that won’t deform with age, Otofly’s case delivers a slim fit that’s convenient in loose-fitting clothing and on computer desks alike.
Pros:
- The beveled edges of this case do a good job at helping prevent your phone from falling directly on its screen and cracking it.
- We like the soft feel that this case has, helping us feel more comfortable using it and keeping it securely in our grasp.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, this case doesn’t offer any port protection along the bottom of the case.
JETech iPhone XS Case
A better barrier
Purchasing phone padding doesn’t have to be a pricey compromise, thanks to JETech’s iPhone XS case. While the battle between hard and soft plastics for optimal protection is far from decisive, JETech’s hybrid design means you don’t have to choose. The exterior bumper features a malleable rubberized plastic with a backing built from rigid polycarbonate, giving you the best of both worlds. When you need a base layer to defend against higher drops, JETech will keep your device functioning like brand new.
Pros:
- This iPhone XS case does a great job at reducing the impact of falls on your phone, and its durable surface doesn’t scratch easily in the process.
- We love how affordable this case is, especially considering how well it does its job of keeping your phone unblemished and safe.
Cons:
- The clear backing of this case doesn’t mask dirt buildup well, so it’s a good idea to clean it off from time to time.
LifeProof Frē Series Case
Water without worry
For smartphone users that are hard on their devices or constantly in adverse weather, the LifeProof Frē is the last phone case you’ll ever need. To start, LifeProof utilizes a hard plastic frame surrounded by a more pliable exterior for military-grade shock protection. All buttons and ports feature full coverage, while special attention paid to the camera prevents uneven surfaces from breaking lenses. Best of all, LifeProof is fully waterproof and covers the screen entirely. If you want your phone to survive dips into puddles, the Frē Series will handle your toughest challenges without weighing you down.
Pros:
- The waterproof aspect of this case is absolutely fantastic, completely keeping water from damaging your phone as you swim, hike, or play around on the shore.
- The large front-facing bezels can easily accommodate screen protectors for an additional layer of defense.
- We love that this case doesn’t block facial recognition, helping ensure that you have all the ways to unlock your phone at your disposal.
Cons:
- This case is a bit expensive but well worth it for its durability and reliability.
Spigen Slim Armor CS Case
All in one and one for all
Users looking for a happy middle ground between convenience and resilience will be blown away by Spigen’s Slim Armor CS phone case. Spigen is built with both hard and soft plastics that are heavy yet slim in stature. Both the top and bottom corners produce enough friction to stay in pockets, while the harder core can accept pop sockets or phone rings for extra ease of use. The best feature of this device, however, is the onboard storage. When all you need for a night on the town is an ID, some cash, and a bank card, Spigen will help you keep track of all your valuables without bulging out of your clothes.
Pros:
- The fact that you can store an ID and credit card in the back of this phone case is a huge plus, especially for those who are trying to eliminate bulk from their pockets.
- The fit of this case is nice and snug around your iPhone, helping to ensure it won’t come off if it’s accidentally dropped on a hard surface.
Cons:
- The case partially blocks the camera flash, which may be an annoyance when taking photos at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cellphone cases waterproof?
Phone cases have long been increasing their capabilities to operate with moisture present. Still, as of today, no device is fully waterproof when you consider the limits of depth and time. However, that doesn’t mean that your cellphone will die the second sweat touches the screen.
Electronic devices and their cases are graded on a standardized water and dirt resistance scale known as the Ingress Protection rating. The closest rating towards full waterproofing currently sits at IP68. This means that the device is fully dustproof and fully waterproof up to approximately three meters.
What are the most important protective features in a phone case?
As smartphones become more intricate, their cases must offer premium protection from the elements. The first feature you should consider is shockproof padding. Built-in screen covers and multi-layered cases are the best hedges against long drops and cracked screens, although they are usually quite bulky and get stuck on fabric pockets more easily. While many shockproof cases may not cover every square inch, they are the second-best option to full waterproofing. Waterproof cases, although rare, fully seal neglected areas such as power ports and cameras. Aside from protection, some of the more attractive case features include magnetic mounting, wireless charging, and built-in credit card storage.
What material should I choose?
Not all phone cases are built the same, and one of the features to consider is what kind of surface you prefer on your phone. Silicone gel protectors are more rubber-like, and can offer a soft, tacky feel to your phone which helps prevent it from slipping out of your hand. Polycarbonate protectors, on the other hand, are more smooth and solid but often offer better shock protection than a gel phone case. Not everyone will like the tackiness of a silicone case, and others may find that polycarbonate protectors are too smooth to feel like it provides them with adequate grip. A waterproof phone case might be good for avid adventurers who need the extra security as they explore the world. The more hazardous conditions you find yourself in, the more you’ll want a phone case that will reliably keep water, mud, and other liquids away from your valuable phone.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.