+iPad iPhone Life - USA (2019-Winter)

BUYER’S GUIDE

CASES

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

BY DONNA CLEVELAND

Case-Mate Tough Groove ($40)

The iPhone 11 line is made of extra

tough glass, but I’ve dropped, stepped

on, and fl ung my phone enough times

to stop taking chances. Keeping my

phone safe and scratch-free is my

number one concern when picking a

case, and this pick from Case-Mate

delivers in that area with 10 foot drop

protection. The case is made of a

fl exible rubber, with button covers that

are easy to push and grooves on the

back that are satisfying to grip. While I

like the holographic effect of the

iridescent fi nish, it also comes in clear

or smoke for more subtle options.

Otterbox Statement Series

($39.95)

While most of us love the way

clear iPhone cases look, they often

become scratched and discolored

quickly. With the Otterbox State-

ment Series, you get the rugged

protection of an Otterbox case

with the visual appeal of a clear

case, plus leather accents on the

bottom that give it a unique look.

At $39.95, it’s one of the more

affordable Otterbox cases, and it

looks sleeker than some of the

super protective but visually un-

appealing cases the company is

known for.

XDoria Defense Lux Black Carbon Fiber ($34.99)
This case differentiates itself from other black cases on a number
of fronts. The Lux manages to be both understated and distinc-
tive at the same time. The machine metal frame and Polycarbon
back look sharp and give the case excellent overall drop protec-
tion of up to 10 feet. It’s a very affordable price for the quality.
Another good option from XDoria is the Defense Shield ($29.99),
which has a metal rim that comes in a variety of colors and a
clear back that shows off Apple’s iconic logo and design.

Nomad Rugged Tri Folio ($79.95)
While the extra fl aps of a folio case won’t be for everyone, I included one in this roundup because they can make an excellent
wallet replacement. This Tri Folio includes four card slots and a cash slot, and it folds in the front, leaving the back unobstructed
when wirelessly charging. Nomad uses vegetable-tanned leather from Horween Leather Company, one of the oldest tanneries in
the US. The leather makes this case feel premium and professional while also delivering a surprisingly rugged product.

Casely Subscription ($15/case)

Your iPhone is an accessory that’s with you all the time,

so why not have fun personalizing it? I like switching out

iPhone cases every few weeks, so when I heard about

Casely’s subscription option, it caught my attention. The

cases are well constructed, with precise button cover

placement and a sturdy lip that protects your display

from drops. You can choose delivery frequency (monthly

or seasonal) and protection level. You can pick loud prints

or go with something understated like marble to plaid.

LIT T LE

BLACK

CASE

Gets Better

with Age

INNOVATIVE

IDEA