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

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

For these of you who rose on the morning time and positioned your order in what I prefer to name the pageant of “Rush-iPhone-Ah” (also referred to as the good Apple harvest), you might need obsessed over which colour to get. 

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

Effectively, 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 best colour 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 system the primary time you drop it. Perhaps you have been one of many fortunate ones who’s by no means cracked a display screen. If that’s the 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 collection has the narrowest bezels we have ever seen, giving customers extra display screen actual property and a modern, immersive design. Nevertheless, the slimmer bezels additionally imply the perimeters are extra uncovered, making your telephone extra susceptible to break from drops. In comparison with the iPhone 15’s 1.55mm bezels, the iPhone 16 has 1.2mm bezels, rising the danger of display screen impacts.

These upgrading from the iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 will discover an much more dramatic change. The iPhone 12 collection 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?

In case you’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 high picks for iPhone 16 instances 

OtterBox 

The OtterBox Defender Series Pro ($64.95) is without doubt one of the most protecting choices obtainable. 

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

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

For a barely lighter various, the Defender Series Pro XT for MagSafe ($69.95) affords glorious safety and has clear variations with coloured bumpers. In case you’re in search of one thing even lighter, the Symmetry and Commuter instances are wonderful choices, although higher suited to extra cautious customers.

Nomad 

The Nomad Rugged case ($60) is constructed for optimum 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 if you would like 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) affords sturdy safety with out bulk however lacks bumper reinforcement.

UAG 

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

So, be selective when selecting the best model to your wants.

Spigen

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

These instances supply glorious worth with out including extreme bulk.

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 by way of HaloLock, making it versatile for charging and mounting.

Why a glass protector can be a should

Even with a case, your iPhone 16’s display screen is extra susceptible than ever. With bezels so near the sting, a case alone will not shield towards 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 high three decisions:

OtterBox Premium Professional, Premium, and OtterBox Glass

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

ESR Tempered Glass Display Protector

ESR’s Tempered Glass Screen Protector is without doubt one of the most reasonably priced choices obtainable, and it is available in a 3-pack. With 9H hardness and edge-to-edge safety, this protector gives glorious protection towards scratches and drops. The simple set up system ensures a bubble-free match, making it an important budget-friendly alternative with out compromising high quality.

Spigen Glas.tR EZ Match

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

Ultimate ideas

The iPhone 16 collection’s slimmer bezels and bigger screens enhance the significance of defending your system. Whether or not you go for the rugged sturdiness of an OtterBox Defender, the modern design of a Nomad Rugged, or the reasonably priced safety of an ESR case and display screen protector, investing in robust instances and tempered glass is a should to maintain your system secure from unintentional drops and scratches.

 A small funding now can prevent from pricey repairs later.