Why your iPhone 16 needs a case – even if you’ve never used one before

Jason Hiner/ZDNET

It is that point of yr once more — iPhone improve season.

For these of you who rose on the first light and positioned your order in what I wish to name the pageant of “Rush-iPhone-Ah” (also referred to as the good Apple harvest), you may need obsessed over which coloration to get. 

Additionally: I went hands-on with iPhone 16 Pro – my 3 favorite features of Apple’s pocket supercomputer

Nicely, I did not. Why? As a result of I am throwing mine in a case, that is why. I ordered my iPhone 16 Pro Max in pure titanium — the simplest coloration to snag — and I did not need to wait an additional month for supply.

Do you want a case? Completely

Not utilizing a case nearly ensures you will harm your machine the primary time you drop it. Perhaps you have been one of many fortunate ones who’s by no means cracked a display screen. In that case, congratulations — you have defied the percentages. However the iPhone 16 lineup introduces new dangers, and also you won’t be so fortunate this time.

Additionally: I maxed out my iPhone 16 Pro Max preorder. How much it cost me

The iPhone 16 sequence has the narrowest bezels we have ever seen, giving customers extra display screen actual property and a glossy, immersive design. Nonetheless, the slimmer bezels additionally imply the sides are extra uncovered, making your telephone extra weak to break from drops. In comparison with the iPhone 15’s 1.55mm bezels, the iPhone 16 has 1.2mm bezels, growing the chance of display screen impacts.

These upgrading from the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 will discover an much more dramatic change. The iPhone 12 sequence had 3.47mm bezels, and the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 had barely thinner bezels, however they have been nonetheless wider than these of the iPhone 16.

Additionally: iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Should you upgrade?

If you happen to’re coming from one in all these older fashions, you will be adjusting to a considerably extra uncovered show, making the necessity for a protecting case and glass display screen protector much more essential.

My prime picks for iPhone 16 circumstances 

OtterBox 

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OtterBox Defender Professional Collection

OtterBox

The OtterBox Defender Series Pro ($64.95) is among the most protecting choices out there. 

Additionally: The best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro cases of 2024

Its traditional clamshell design, mixed with rubber reinforcement, ensures heavy-duty safety. It is also MagSafe suitable, making it superb for these needing most safety with trendy comfort. 

For a barely lighter different, the Defender Series Pro XT for MagSafe ($69.95) presents glorious safety and has clear variations with coloured bumpers. If you happen to’re in search of one thing even lighter, the Symmetry and Commuter circumstances are high-quality choices, although higher suited to extra cautious customers.

Nomad 

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Nomad Rugged Case for iPhone 16 Professional Max

Nomad

The Nomad Rugged case ($60) is constructed for max safety, with a shock-absorbing bumper designed to deal with drops. 

Additionally: Apple just gave me a compelling reason to buy the smaller iPhone 16 Pro over the Max this year

Add a magnetic leather-based again attachment with out sacrificing sturdiness in order for you a premium really feel. 

The Modern Leather case ($70) has a tough plastic shell that additionally integrates leather-based however is not as strong because the Rugged. 

Additionally: iPhone 16 Pro vs. iPhone 13 Pro: Should you upgrade to Apple’s latest model?

For a lighter possibility, the Nomad Sport ($50) presents sturdy safety with out bulk however lacks bumper reinforcement.

UAG 

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City Armor Gear

The UAG Monarch Pro case ($79.95) presents military-grade safety with bolstered corners, however there’s vital pricing variation with many SKUs and color configurations

So, be selective when choosing the proper model in your wants.

Spigen

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Spigen Core Armor Magfit for iPhone 16 Professional Max

Spigen

Spigen’s Tough Armor line is a dependable alternative for cover at an affordable value. Their Core Armor ($29) and Rugged Armor MagFit ($39) are standout choices, with the Rugged Armor MagFit additionally being MagSafe suitable. 

These circumstances provide glorious worth with out including extreme bulk.

ESR 

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ESR Cyber Powerful for iPhone 16 Professional Max (Blue)

ESR

ESR’s economical Cyber Tough Case ($29) is their most sturdy providing, with bolstered corners and shock absorption. 

Its Stash Stand is an built-in, fold-out kickstand that doubles as a digicam safety ring. 

Additionally: I demoed Apple’s standard iPhone 16 and didn’t envy the Pro models at all

The case additionally helps MagSafe through HaloLock, making it versatile for charging and mounting.

Why a glass protector can also be a should

Even with a case, your iPhone 16’s display screen is extra weak than ever. With bezels so near the sting, a case alone will not defend in opposition to scratches, cracks, or the dreaded spider-web shatter after a fall. 

A tempered glass display screen protector is your subsequent important line of protection. Here is my prime three selections:

OtterBox Premium Professional, Premium, and OtterBox Glass

OtterBox presents three tiers of safety for the iPhone 16: Premium Pro, Premium, and the entry-level OtterBox Glass. The Premium Professional offers enhanced scratch resistance and impression absorption, whereas Premium presents strong safety at a barely cheaper price level. OtterBox Glass is a extra reasonably priced entry-level possibility, offering fundamental safety.

ESR Tempered Glass Display screen Protector

ESR’s Tempered Glass Screen Protector is among the most reasonably priced choices out there, and it is available in a 3-pack. With 9H hardness and edge-to-edge safety, this protector offers glorious protection in opposition to scratches and drops. The simple set up system ensures a bubble-free match, making it an ideal budget-friendly alternative with out compromising high quality.

Spigen Glas.tR EZ Match

The Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit is obtainable in a 2-pack and options a simple set up system that reduces the effort of bubbles or misalignment. It presents 9H hardness for scratch and impression safety, conserving the display screen clear and responsive. Moreover, Spigen presents a privacy-enhanced model for customers who need added privateness, priced just some {dollars} increased than the usual mannequin.

Last ideas

The iPhone 16 sequence’s slimmer bezels and bigger screens enhance the significance of defending your machine. Whether or not you go for the rugged sturdiness of an OtterBox Defender, the glossy design of a Nomad Rugged, or the reasonably priced safety of an ESR case and display screen protector, investing in sturdy circumstances and tempered glass is a should to maintain your machine protected from unintended drops and scratches.

 A small funding now can prevent from expensive repairs later.

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