The Best Basic Cell Phone Cases

When cell phones are as expensive as they are these days, it’s important to keep them protected. And while there are extremely pricey cases that have a ton of fancy features out there, most of us just need a simple case that does its job well. There are many cases out on the market, but fortunately for you, we have found several that stand out among the crowd. Check out our list of the best cell phone cases below and find one that is right for you.

What to Look For

When choosing our favorite basic cell phone cases, we looked for ones that are affordable, look good, feel great in your hand, and protect your phone well. For example, Simtect’s case shows off your phone’s natural look and has anti-yellowing properties to keep it ultra-clear. Spigen’s, on the other hand, is a sleek but rugged case that offers great protection for your Pixel 7. Keep reading to learn more about our favorite cases that make them great.

Mkeke iPhone 13 & 14 Case

The gold standard

This transparent case perfectly combines protection and affordability for a fantastic product.
Best Overall

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If you’re looking for a quality case for your iPhone 13 or 14 that doesn’t break the bank, consider this one from Mkeke. It offers fantastic protection for your phone, with hollow bumpers at each corner to help absorb sudden shock and prevent damage. Around the camera, it has raised bezels to keep the glass away from the ground. Best yet, all this protection comes at an affordable price, helping make it an easier choice to give it a try.

Pros:

  • This case is solid but not bulky, making it perfect for pant pockets or small purses.
  • We love how affordable this case is, especially considering how good its protection is.

Cons:

  • The screen bezels aren’t quite as tall as the camera bezels, so adding a screen protector is strongly recommended.

Simtect Ultra Clear iPhone 14 Pro Max Case

Transparency at its finest

This phone’s anti-yellowing coatings keep it clear as crystal and smudge-free.
Best Clear

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Seeing your phone’s case turn hazy and dingy the longer you own it can be a real disappointment. Simtect’s iPhone 14 Pro Max case prevents that from happening, with several coatings that keep it crystal clear. It has an electroplated coating that helps prevent fingerprints and smudges from creating a haze. An anti-oxidation coating keeps it from aging prematurely. And to prevent the case from yellowing, it has a nano-oleophobic layer that blocks UV rays and stains.

Pros:

  • The anti-yellowing on this case is some of the best we’ve seen, keeping it clear for a very long time.
  • The case fits snugly on the iPhone 14 Pro Max, keeping it securely in place even when dropped.

Cons:

  • Because of the thickness of this case, it may not be compatible with some wireless chargers.

Torras Shockproof iPhone 14 Pro Case

Damage control

This case has superior protection, so your premium device can stay safe and secure.
Best For iPhone 14 Pro

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Good drop protection should be at the top of anyone’s priorities, but if you’re looking for a little extra piece of mind, consider Torras’ shockproof case. It securely fits onto your iPhone 14 Pro, ensuring it won’t fall off on impact from a fall. Durable polycarbonate and flexible rubber provide military-grade protection and shock absorption from up to 10 feet. And with its slim profile, you won’t be bogged down trying to take it in and out of your pockets whenever you need your phone.

Pros:

  • The Nappa texture on the phone makes it easy to hold comfortably without having to worry about it slipping from your fingers.
  • The polycarbonate is scratch resistant and does an excellent job of preventing fingerprints and smudging on its surface.

Cons:

  • It lacks a stand to prop up your phone, which helps keep it slim.

Spigen Rugged Armor Pixel 7 Case

A perfect fit

This phone case is sleek, stylish, and super durable, and the layout keeps access to your phone's camera and buttons in mind.
Best For Pixel

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If you’re looking for a trimmed-down case that works perfectly with your Pixel 7, Spigen has you covered. This sleek case perfectly fits your phone right down to the cutouts for the camera, with raised edges to ensure its safety. It uses air cushion technology to help reduce the shock during accidental drops or falls. And the ribbed edges along the case’s side help ensure you have a solid grip, even if your hands are wet.

Pros:

  • We like the subtle look of this phone case. It isn’t overly flashy or obnoxious, making it perfect for people who don’t want extra attention.
  • The button overlays fit perfectly over the Pixel 7’s buttons, giving them a tactile feel without any wobbliness.

Cons:

  • While the case may look a little reflective in the pictures, it’s actually matte black.

Torras Diamond Clear Samsung Galaxy S22 Case

Let the natural shine

This case is perfectly transparent to highlight your phone's beauty, and it has a remarkably robust design.
Best For Samsung

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The Samsung Galaxy S22 is a beautifully designed phone, so it’s natural to want to show it off. Torra’s Diamond Clear case helps you do just that with its fully transparent design and anti-yellowing technology. It has the appropriate cutouts for the vertical camera placement on your phone, with 1.33mm raised lips to give it extra protection. It also has a 1.5mm bezel around the screen, helping to prevent it from hitting the ground regardless of if you have a screen protector.

Pros:

  • The transparency of the case helps show off your phone’s natural look and color.
  • It’s well-made and durable, looking brand new even after a couple of falls.

Cons:

  • While it does a good job at preventing most minor scratches, it can still scuff up with heavier damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes clear phone cases to turn yellow?

Clear phone cases can turn yellow with the buildup of oils and dirt over time. On top of that, the natural aging of the case’s plastic can cause it to change color, tarnishing the beautiful transparency it once had. Many cases these days, however, are treated with special coatings that help prevent this buildup, keeping them clearer for longer.

How do plastic cases absorb the shock from falls?

Most plastic cases these days have rubber bumpers that can help reduce the amount of impact your phone receives from a fall. Sometimes these bumpers are hollow, creating an air pocket that helps absorb the shock. Other times, the rubber or plastic itself will absorb impact, minimizing the potential damage to your phone.

About the Author

Kevin is a certified tech-head. He has been building his own computers since he was in the 8th grade and currently builds custom keyboards in his free time. You can trust Kevin to always be up to date on the latest changes in the PC space, and he's here to help you find quality products without the premium price tag.

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