The best cases for iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max
Another year, another set of iPhones that definitely need a case!
This year may be anything but normal, but one thing you can rely on in the midst of all the turmoil is Apple announcing new iPhones.
And boy did they deliver… The iPhone 12 (and its little brother the 12 Mini), 12 Pro and 12 Pro Max brings back shades of the iPhone 5 in its blockier design, comes packed with the trailblazing camera system everyone loves (plus LiDAR in the Pro Max model for that extra quick autofocus), a gorgeous Super Retina XDR screen from 5.4in up to a massive 6.7in, and a scarily rapid A14 bionic processor paired with 5G data capability.
Put simply, it has it all, and after what had arguably become a bit of a settled design for Apple, it feels fresh to see them jump back to the flatter shape – even giving us some more colour options too. Sold on it? Well we’re good at finding the best deals, but we can also recommend a good case to protect that precious jewel in your pocket! Here are the best options worth your left over milk money…
Pick your phone
If you see something on one list and think “I’d love to have that but for this different model of iPhone 12,” don’t worry! The cases we pick have different size variants going from Mini to Max.
Best iPhone 12 Mini cases
Protect your screen
Yes, that ceramic screen protection Apple tout does sound good, but nothing beats the ultimate scratch resistance of a proper screen protector. Don’t leave anything to chance!
Our favourite is Invisible Shield’s Glass Elite Visionguard+ – maximum protection, plus an anti-microbial surface and blue light filter to keep those peepers safe at night.
Gear4 Battersea (£34.99)
You may notice we talk about Gear4 a lot when it comes to case recommendations – especially highlighting this little number. The patented D3O material gives it drop protection up to 16 feet and does not interfere with that magsafe wireless charging round the back. Simply put, it’s one of the safest options for protecting that precious new Apple jewel.
Tech21 Eco Art ($49.95)
The flatter design may already be a work of art in your eyes, but you need something to make it really stand out. That’s where Tech21’s Eco Art case comes in handy – this 100% biodegradeable case provides all-round phone protection and lips for camera and screen, along with unique designs created by independent artists.
Totallee iPhone 12 Mini Case Matte ($35)
Super slim, as to not compromise the svelte design of the Mini. Totallee’s case is a simple cover that adds just 0.02 inches to the thickness, while adding a camera lip to avoid any camera lens scratches.
iPhone 12 Mini Silicone Case (£49)
The official option. You’re not just paying for the logo, as this comes with a built-in magnet on the back to snap extra accessories on, such as a magsafe charger or wallet. Comes in a gorgeous range of colours too.
Best iPhone 12 cases
Pick your phone
Protect your screen
Phone protection is not just about the back and the sides. It’s also about probably the most important part of any smartphone – the screen!
Keep it safe with Mous’ Hybrid Glass screen protector – maximum protection, plus an anti-microbial surface and blue light filter to keep those peepers safe at night.
Nudient V3 (£25.90)
A triple layer of rubberised material makes the Nudient V3 seriously comfortable to the touch, with Scandi minimalism and the understated premium design adding just 0.75mm to the thickness – that’s nothing. Plus, the soft inner fabric keeps your iPhone 12 nice and smug, and clear of scratches.
Tech21 Evo Tint ($39.95)
Sometimes, tints don’t work. They certainly didn’t on that Vauxhall Nova everyone’s cousin owned and customised after watching The Fast & The Furious… Just mine? OK.
But at other times, they add a nice subtle detail to the drop-dead gorgeous iPhone 12 colours. Plus, Tech21’s Evo Tint comes with 10m drop protection.
Gear4 Hackney 5G Case (£34.99)
With that brand spanking new iPhone, you’re getting 5G data speeds. Insane, right? Well, the protective material of cases can actually interfere with the speed sometimes. That is why we love Gear4’s attention to this detail – using an updated version of their D3O material with what they call 5G Signal Plus technology.
iPhone 12 Silicone Case (£49)
Apple’s official silicone case doesn’t just come with a great soft-to-the-touch surface and a soft microfibre inside to embrace your phone with svelte protection. There’s also a built-in magnet to make wireless charging connection so much simpler!
Totallee iPhone 12 Case Clear ($35)
Super slim and transparent to not obscure the colour and design of that shiny new iPhone, Totallee have made a great case that packs protection and style into one package.
Best iPhone 12 Pro cases
Pick your phone
Protect your screen
Save yourself the heartbreak of a scratched screen! Grab Invisible Shield’s Glass Elite Visionguard+ screen protector – maximum protection, plus an anti-microbial surface and blue light filter to keep those peepers safe at night.
Mous Limitless 3.0 ($54.99)
Emblazoned with speckled fabric, leather, wood or a carbon fibre texture, Mous’ limitless case definitely brings a sense of style and class to your average phone case.
Plus it’s tough. Like, really tough. Beyond the stylish nature of the design, patented Airoshock technology helps the case absorb any blows from any serious drops.
And it comes with its own form of Apple’s MagSafe, meaning it can support a whole slew of handy accessories like a snap-on wireless charger or handy card wallet (like what we tested – just swipe over the image to see it yourself).
Gear4 Crystal Palace (£29.99)
Love or hate the footie team, Crystal Palace is also the name of a seriously good case that both protects your phone while showing off its stunning colour with a clear material. Up to 13ft of drop protection makes this nice and strong for whatever you throw at it (don’t take that literally – please don’t throw your phone/throw things at your phone).
Tech21 Evo Clear ($39.95)
Many of you don’t want to cover up your phone’s design with a case – we get that! May we suggest a clear option instead? Specifically, Tech21’s Evo Clear. Beyond it’s top drop protection and lips around the screen & camera, it comes with a UV filter to ensure your phone doesn’t discolour in sunlight.
Totallee iPhone 12 Pro Case Clear ($35)
In the same size dimensions as the iPhone 12, you get access to this same great case we recommended for the pro-less model.
iPhone 12 Silicone Case (£49)
Apple’s own case with built-in magsafe to support a whole new slew of accessories. The outer silicone is great to the touch and the inside is microfiber cloth-coated to give your phone the 5-star treatment.
Best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases
Pick your phone
Protect your screen
That screen is massive, and scratching it will drive you to tears! Grab Invisible Shield’s Glass Elite Visionguard+ screen protector instead – maximum protection, plus an anti-microbial surface and blue light filter to keep those peepers safe at night.
Greenwich Blake (£129)
You’re going for the top of the line iPhone – dress it in the latest luxurious outfit like the Greenwich Blake. Using the finest leather and Alcantara you’d normally find in the upholstery of a Bentley supercar no less, this full folio case delivers serious style with full phone protection.
Tech21 Evo Check ($39.95)
When it comes to something akin to the crown jewels in preciousness, and that’s where Tech21’s Evo Check comes in with this strong-yet-stylish design. Using microbe-reducing materials in its construction, alongside a strong bumper for 12ft drop protection and interchangeable buttons for that pop of colour, this will go well with any Pro max.
Gear4 Wembley Palette (£24.99)
Sleek, strong and stylish. At least that’s what they say on the webpage – which when paired with their patented D3O material, we’re pretty confident fits the bill. Top protection without sacrificing the thickness of the phone itself.
iPhone 12 Pro Max Clear Case (£49)
Don’t want to hide the premium design of your new iPhone? Go clear with Apple’s official case, which also shows off the ingenuity of its MagSafe connector – supporting a far easier wireless charging option and accessories like a wallet you snap on the back.
Totallee iPhone 12 Pro Max Case ($35)
Clear or matte, this is the slimmest option that means an uninterrupted 5G signal – plus it looks seriously stylish while maintaining a decent level of drop protection.
Jason England
Contributor 
