iPhone SE and 5S cases galore
Apple's iPhone SE may be new on the inside, but aside from some minor design and cosmetic differences, it shares the same chassis as Apple iPhone 5S/5. And that means all those "old" iPhone 5/5S cases will fit the new iPhone SE, an Apple rep and several case manufacturers have confirmed.
Not only does this mean iPhone SE owners will have a huge selection of cases to choose from at launch, but many of those cases are discounted (and some may be discontinued).
There are close to 100 cases in the round up but I've front-loaded the slideshow with some brands and cases that I think deserve a little more attention -- call them the best of the best. I've starred (*) those picks to help people narrow down their choices (look for the asterisk). However, there are still too many cases to choose from -- and several companies have a few different stand out cases in their line ups.
Note: Since the release of the iPhone 5 in 2012 and the iPhone 5S in 2013, this list has been updated several times as new cases have been released and will have to updated again as we cull discontinued products. And now that the iPhone SE has arrived expect plenty of new cases to hit the market in 2016.
Speck CandyShell Grip*
Speck, one of the leading iPhone case makers, is offering up several cases for the iPhone SE/5S. Yes, there's the basic CandyShell (in multiple colors) along with tweaks to earlier cases, including the CandyShell + Faceplate, which adds a protective screen shield to the front of your phone.
Price: Around $25
See more info and pricing for the Speck CandyShell Grip.
Mophie Juice Pack Plus
Mophie has been the go-to battery case for lots of power users who can't get through a full day without it. The company makes a few different Juice Packs and the Juice Pack Plus has the highest capacity battery (2100mAh), more than doubling the battery life of your iPhone (it's rated at "120 percent"). It's sleek for a battery case (it also comes in red and white) and has come down in price dramatically from its original $120 list price. And the lower capacity Juice Pack Helium can be had for as low as $20 (that price may go up with the release of the iPhone SE).
Just be warned that if you may have some trouble accessing the headphone port, particularly if your headphones have a larger jack -- or an L-shaped one. Mophie does provide a headphone dongle that sticks out the bottom of the case and fits any headphone jack. It is easy to lose, however.
Price: Around $40 on Amazon (or around $20 for Juice Pack Helium).
See more info and pricing for the Mophie Juice Pack Plus.
Lifeproof Fre
Lifeproof's popular waterproof come in a Fre version (pictured here) and Nuud version, which leaves the screen exposed but still keeps water and dust out of your phone. The Nuud has a translucent back while the Fre has a window in back to show off the Apple logo.
The Fre is available in many colors but the Nuud is only available in black and white.
Price: Around $40
See more info and pricing for the Lifeproof Fre
Ballistic Urbanite*
Ballistic is known for its tough cases, but it also offers its slimmest case, Urbanite ($19.99), which comes in different color options.
Price: As low as $10
Moshi SenseCover
The one issue with flip-cover or "folio" style smartphone cases is that while the front cover offers good screen protection, it can be a little cumbersome when you're answering a call or have the phone held up to your ear.
Moshi's answer is the SenseCover, a new faux leather flip-style case that has a built-in window, along with touch sensors which allow you to answer phone calls, check the time, or turn off alarms without opening the front of the case.
It's also worth mentioning that SenseCover also has a magnetic clasp that keeps the cover folded back neatly and out of the way when you do have the cover open.
Price: $45
See more info and pricing for Moshi SenseCover case.
Magpul MAG542*
Magpul Industries, the maker of controversial firearms and firearm accessories, also puts its brand on iPhone cases. The MAG542 is an affordable, attractively designed case with a nicely textured finish and "PMAG-style ribs for added grip."
Price: Starts at $5 on Amazon.
See more info and pricing for the Magpul MAG542 case.
Moshi iGlaze Kameleon*
Moshi's iGlaze Kameleon features a built-in kickstand. Available in black or white. A really slick-looking slim case, it also works with the iPhone 5S.
Price: Around $15
See more info and pricing for the Moshi iGlaze Kameleon case.
MiniSuit Frost Matte TPU case*
A lot of people don't want to spend more than a few bucks on a case, and there are plenty of basic "no-name" cases available on Amazon in the $5-$10 range, including those from MiniSuit.
When it comes to iPhone cases, you don't get much cheaper than this. Depending on what color you get (yes, it's available in multiple), you can pick one up for around $5 shipped (or less if you're an Amazon Prime member). Needless to say, this one's about as basic as it gets, but for a lot of folks that will be fine.
Note: MiniSuit also makes a few other variations of this TPU case but they are all very similar.
Price: $3
See pricing for the MiniSuit Matte TPU case from Amazon.com.
Pad & Quill Little Pocket Book*
I've always liked Pad & Quill notebook style cases for the iPad and previous versions of the iPhone. The new Little Pocket Book for the iPhone has the usual bamboo interior frame along with slots on the inside of the cover for storing credit cards and cash. A Luxury version is also available.
Price: $60
See more info and pricing for the Pad & Quill Little Pocket Book case.
Pure.gear Dualtek*
I really like Pure.gear's Dualtek case, which is durable yet not too bulky. Its only small flaw is that the Pure.gear could have designed the cutaway area at the bottom of the case a little better. It's got a little too much play in it and could be stiffer. Available in multiple colors.
Price: Around $15
See more info and pricing for the Pure.gear Dualtek case.
Urban Armor Maverick*
Urban Armor makes this case in a number of different colors (they all have different names) and for a number of different phones. The translucent version pictured -- the Maverick -- is my personal favorite among the color options.
Price: $25
See more info and pricing for the Urban Armor Maverick case.
Tech21 Impact Mesh*
U.K.-based Tech21 makes a line of Impact cases, including the Mesh. Some Impact cases are thinner and less expensive than others, but they're all pretty nice and come in multiple colors.
Price: $25
See pricing for Tech21 Impact Mesh.
Ballistic Every1
The Ballistic Every1 case is one of my favorite tough cases. It's highly protective yet not incredibly bulky. It also has a built-in kickstand. Available in a few different color options but the black model is selling for less than $10 on Amazon (it started out at $50).
Price: AS low as $10
See more info and pricing for the Ballistic Every1 case.
Belkin Flex
The Belkin Flex is a pretty simple case, but it has a nice design. What's also nice is that it comes in a two-pack, and it's affordable at $20. Should be compatible with the 5S, but that hasn't been confirmed yet.
Price: $20
See more info and pricing for the Belkin Flex case.
Rocketcases Retro
Rocketcases makes a number of basic, retro-style cases, including ones that look like cassette tapes and Nintendo Gameboys. They're all affordable at $14.95 and some colors -- white, for instance -- cost as little as $5.
Price: As low as $5 on Amazon.
See more info and pricing for Rocketcases Retro cases.
Case-Mate Naked Tough
Case-Mate makes a standard Tough case in various colors but if you want to show off your inner iPhone, there's the translucent Naked Tough.
Price: $8
See more info and pricing for the Case-Mate Naked Tough case.
CM4 Q Card Case for iPhone 5/5S
CM4 brings its Q Card case to the iPhone SE/5S. This one can actually hold both cards and money, as well as IDs, but be careful not to jam too much stuff in the wallet portion or you can end up stretching out the faux leather. Like a lot of these cases, I'd like to see this one cost about $10 less. Available in a few different colors.
Price: $32
See pricing for the CM4 Q Card Case for iPhone 5 from Amazon.com.
Case Scenario Pantone Universe
I like Case Scenario's Pantone Universe collection of cases. There's a simple hardcase that comes in multiple colors as well as the Bookcase, which has a flip cover that protects your screen, and the case converts into a stand for video watching. (I liked the look of the Bookcase -- it comes in multiple colors -- and how lightweight it is, but it does leave the corners of your phone a little bit exposed).
The hardcase shown here -- also available in multiple colors -- should be compatible with the 5S, but that has yet to be confirmed.
Price: $29.99
See more info and pricing for the Case Scenario Pantone Universe cases.
Cygnett Urban Shield Metal
Australian case maker Cygnett has a number of cool iPhone 5/5S case designs, including the Urban Shield, a slick, relatively slim case that can be found for as low as $4 on Amazon (it's "add-on" item).
Price: As low as $4.
See more info and pricing for the Cygnett Urban Shield case.
Cygnett Vector
Cygnett's Vector case comes in multiple colors and is offered as an add-on item on Amazon for $4.
Price: As low as $4.
See more info and pricing for the Cygnett Vector case.
G-Form Xtreme iPhone 5
G-Form, the company known for dropping iPhones and iPads from the stratosphere to show off how tough its Xtreme cases are, has an Xtreme case for the iPhone SE/5S.
According to G-Form, the secret sauce behind its cases is its three-layer "technique," which combines its "patented Reactive Protection Technology with a rigid outer polycarbonate shell and an inner shock-absorbing TPE insert."
For a tough case, it's relatively lightweight, not too bulky, and has a unique look.
Of course, it's a little bit of overkill to drop a phone from 100,000 feet -- especially since the case probably wouldn't protect the phone if it dropped 2 feet into a toilet -- but hey, it makes for a popular YouTube video.
Price: $27
See more info and pricing for the G-Form Xtreme iPhone case.
iSkin Aura
iSkin keeps refining its Aura line and its version for the iPhone Se/5S with its signature brushed-aluminum back has never looked better.
Price: Around $10 on Amazon
See more info and pricing for the iSkin Aura case.
Griffin Identity
Griffin has an old version of its Identity case, as well as a new one with a "self-healing" back. The new version costs $20, but you can pick up one of the old versions on Amazon for as little as $5.
Price: As low as $5.
See more info and pricing for the Griffin Identity cases.
Incase Metallic Slider
Incase has several iPhone cases, including its popular Metallic Slider series case. This one's available in a few different colors and the pink version is currently $5 on Amazon.
Price: $9
See more info and pricing for the Incase Metallic Slider case.
iSkin Solo
This is the case that put iSkin on the map. Made out of soft yet durable translucent plastic, the Solo comes in four colors, including purple, black, pink, and teal.
Price: Around $6 on Amazon.
See more info and pricing for the iSkin Solo case.
Incipio offGrid Pro
Incipio calls its offGrid Pro a "removable battery case." All cases are removable, of course, but removable here is a reference to the battery inside the case which is indeed removable. In fact, you get two thin removable batteries, so if you need even more juice, you can carry that extra battery around and swap it in when you need to. One battery will charge the iPhone 100 percent (doubling the iPhone's battery life), so this battery case is rated to triple the battery life of your phone when you count that second removable battery.
You can charge your phone and battery in the case with a micro USB cable or use the separate battery charger, which can charge both removable batteries at once. Like other battery cases, you may have some trouble accessing the headphone port on your phone, particularly if your headphone jack is superslim. Incipio, like Mophie, provides a short headphone dongle that works with any headphone jack.
Price: $27 on Amazon.
See more info and pricing for Incipio offGrid Pro.
Loop Mummy i5
Loop's bandage-inspired Mummy i5 case doesn't quite cover the back of your iPhone, but it does leave room for you to slip a credit card and a $20 bill or two into it. Just don't jam too many cards in there or you'll stretch the case out. Available in multiple colors.
Price: $14.95
See more info and pricing for the Loop Mummy i5 case.
Marware Doubletake
For a fairly simple case, the Marware Doubletake has some flair to it. It blends a glossy finish with some textured design elements, which will help keep your case in your pocket. Available in multiple colors.
Price: Around $10 on Amazon.
See more info and pricing for the Marware Doubletake case.
Marware Stash case
This is Marware's take on the Wallet case. It can hold two credit cards or IDs and has a built-in plastic clip to hold the cards in place. What's also kind of cool is that you can use your credit card to prop up your iPhone horizontally or vertically, converting the case into a stand.
Price: Around $10 on Amazon.
See more info and pricing for the Marware Stash case.
M-Edge Trina Turk Echo collection
M-Edge's Trina Turk line is geared toward women and comes in multiple design options. The case has a nice glossy finish with rubberized trim. It's a little swankier than it appears at first glance.
Price: About $15
See more info and pricing for the M-Edge Trina Turk Echo collection.
Moshi Concerti
Moshi has a number of nice cases for the iPhone 5, including the Concerti, a good looking flip-style case that comes in black and red.
Price: $40
See more info and pricing for the Moshi Concerti case.
Moshi Overture
Moshi's Overture case, which comes in a few different colors and looks rather swanky.
Price: $45
See more info and pricing for the Moshi Overture case.
Newer Technology NuGuard KX
Newer Technology's NuGuard KX is a slim case that offers good protection, thanks to "state-of-the-art" X-Orbing gel technology.
Price: $20
See more info and pricing for the Newer Technology NuGuard KX case.
OtterBox Defender Series
This is OtterBox's old stalwart, the Defender Series. Otterbox has removed the plastic covering at the bottom of the screen and has cut a hole out in the screen shield so you can use the SE and 5S' fingerprint sensor. This is currently OtterBox's toughest case, though it's not quite as tough as it once was. Available in multiple colors.
Price: Around $25.
See more info and pricing for the OtterBox Defender Series case.
OtterBox Preserver Series
This is OtterBox's new slimmer, waterproof case. It comes in iPhone 5, 5S, and 5C versions. As of mid-October, the iPhone 5 version was shipping, but the 5S version, pictured above, was still a few weeks away. The Preserver looks more like a Lifeproof case, which is ironic, considering Otterbox now owns Lifeproof (we're still waiting for a Lifeproof case for the 5S).
Price: $24 on Amazon.
See more info and pricing for the OtterBox Preserver Series cases.
OtterBox Reflex Series
OtterBox bills its Reflex Series as lightweight, protective, and more dock-friendly. It comes in multiple colors.
Price: As low as $13 on Amazon.
See more info and pricing for the OtterBox Reflex Series case.
Pure.gear Slim Shell
Pure.gear's Slim Shell case is simple yet appealing -- it's similar to Speck's Candyshell cases. Available in multiple colors.
Price: As low as $5 on Amazon.
See more info and pricing for the Pure.gear Slim Shell case.
Rokform Rokshield V.3
Rokform makes cases with built-in mounting systems. Its Rokshield V.3 comes in multiple color options and includes a car mount. Other mounts are available as optional accessories.
Price: $39
See more info and pricing for Rokform Rokshield V.3 + car mount.
Sena WalletBook
Sena makes some of the swankier leather cases for smartphones and tablets . I'm more partial to its flip-style and wallet-style cases that protect your screen when closed.
Price: $50
See more info and pricing for the Sena WalletBook case.
Skech Kameo Defensive
Skech's Kameo is fairly thin and durable and has a padded, removable back panel (two back panels come with the case).
Price: As low as $8 on Amazon.
See pricing for the Skech Kameo from Amazon.com.
Speck SmartFlex Card
Speck makes a couple of attractive wallet-style cases that have slots for a couple of credits cards and a little cash. There's the SmartFlex Wallet and the slightly more expensive CandyShell Card, which has a glossy finish. Available in multiple color options.
Price: Around $25 on Amazon.
See more info and pricing for the Speck SmartFlex Card.
STM Opera
Of STM's iPhone SE/5S cases, I think like the design of the Opera the best.
Price: $10
See pricing for STM Opera from Amazon.com.
Trident Cyclops
Trident makes a host of tough cases for the iPhone SE/5S. It's hard to say which one I like best. The Kraken is probably the toughest, but it is fairly beefy. Meanwhile, the Cyclops offers a lot of protection but is a little slimmer.
Price: As low as $8 on Amazon.
See more info and pricing for the Trident Cyclops case.
Trident Perseus
Like Ballistic, Trident started out as a tough case maker but has gradually added slimmer, more fashionable designs like the Perseus above. Available in several translucent colors.
Price: As low as $5 on Amazon.
See more info and pricing for the Trident Perseus case.
Tylt Energi Sliding Battery case
Tylt makes a few different iPhone SE/5S cases, the most interesting of which may be the Sliding battery case, which includes -- you guessed it -- a slide on battery pack. It's now discounted to $40 from its original price of $100.
Price: $40 on Amazon.
See more info and pricing for Energi Sliding Battery case.
X-Doria Defense 720
X-Doria's Defense 720 has a translucent back and a choice of three different trim colors.
Price: As low as $7 on Amazon.
See more info and pricing for the X-Doria Defense 720 case.
ZeroChroma VarioClear 5
ZeroChroma's Theater-Stand 360 case is available in a translucent version with various trim colors. The stand swivels to prop up your iPhone vertically or horizontally.
Price: $9
See more info and pricing for the ZeroChroma VarioClear cases.