Different Display Protectors I’ve Examined
ESR Armorite Display Protector and Privateness Protector for $20: This pack is healthier worth than Smartish’s display protectors, since you get three tempered glass sheets as an alternative of two. All the required tools is right here, from an utility software to moist wipes. Whereas it makes use of a pull-tab, I discovered Smartish’s and Dbrand’s techniques simpler to make use of total. I additionally tried ESR’s Privateness Protector, which was efficient at blocking the display when considered from the left or proper. I did not see a serious influence on sharpness or coloration accuracy. I examined ESR’s Armorite Professional ($36) with tempered glass made by Corning, the corporate that makes many of the glass discovered on smartphones. The sting feels a tiny bit sharp, however it was in any other case straightforward to use and appears nice.
OtterBox Glass Display Protector for $40: OtterBox is now utilizing a pull-tab system for set up, and the method was very straightforward, although I did find yourself with extra air bubbles than my prime picks. It comes with a microfiber, moist wipe, and dust-removal stickers, however you solely get one aluminosilicate display protector.
Nomad ProShield Glass for $39: This is one other aluminosilicate display protector made by Corning, the corporate that makes the glass on most smartphones. As a substitute of a pull-tab, you set the cellphone within the utility software, then shut the software like a e-book and push down as glass sticks to glass. It labored surprisingly effectively, with only a few air bubbles. I nonetheless really feel like the sides of the protector are just a little sharper than I might like, in comparison with the Dbrand and Smartish. It additionally solely comes with one.
Zagg XTR5 Display Protector for $60: Zagg is absolutely going after the blue-light crowd. Should you suppose reducing as a lot blue mild out of your smartphone will show you how to sleep higher or may be simpler on the eyes, by all means, attempt the XTR5. It might provide you with peace of thoughts. However research are nonetheless combined on the efficacy of this, although Zagg claims this model particularly cuts out the wavelengths that influence sleep and eye consolation. The glass feels clean and is thick. It annoyingly does not cowl the complete display, however the edges do not feel sharp. Set up was straightforward with the pull-tab system (a primary for Zagg), and the corporate says this tempered glass is fortified with graphene for further sturdiness; it is arduous to say simply how a lot it helps. It is value noting that I did discover an influence on coloration accuracy. In contrast with one other iPhone, the XTR5 delivered a cooler tone to the iPhone display.
Astropad Recent Coat Anti-Reflective Display Protector for $35: Apple already added an anti-reflective coating to all the new iPhones, however this Astropad display protector can take that even additional. Set up was straightforward with the pull-tab utility system, although I obtained much more air bubbles with it than with any of the opposite pull-tab installations. It truly does work and cuts glare. I in contrast it with one other iPhone that did not have a display protector, and seen glare was much less pronounced with the Astropad. There is not any actual loss in coloration accuracy or sharpness. I in contrast images on the 2 telephones, they usually seemed just about an identical. I have not discovered a lot cause to complain about glare on the iPhone 17 display, but when one thing like that has bothered you earlier than, the Recent Coat may be up your alley.
Rhinoshield Affect Protector Professional (Clear) for $36: This versatile display protector was straightforward to use, although I’m a bit miffed that Rhinoshield did not embrace a moist wipe (only a microfiber and dust-removal stickers). It nonetheless left air bubbles, however the squeegee was capable of eliminate them. The perimeters are just a little sharp, which is not an issue on my prime picks. This is not as a lot of a difficulty when paired with a case. The corporate claims it restricts blue mild, however take this with a grain of salt. Research have proven combined outcomes that reducing blue mild from a smartphone will show you how to sleep higher.
UAG Glass Defend Display Protector for $40: This tempered glass display protector is obtainable for the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Professional, and iPhone 17 Professional Max. However the utility software is just a little too primary. It permits for some room for error, a minimum of, greater than my prime picks, and it additionally gave me numerous air bubbles. The glass is fairly thick, which feels protecting, however you too can really feel the sharp edges operating alongside the facet.
Different Nice Instances
I’ve examined greater than 50 instances for the iPhone 17 lineup. Not all of them deserve a prime spot above, however many are nonetheless nice and are available in enjoyable designs and kinds. Examine ’em out.
Alto Wooden Case for $41: I really like a great wooden case, however I’ve some combined emotions about these instances from Alto. You will get customized laser-carved prints, like from its Wildlife or Flora sequence; you may even add your personal picture. However these look just a little cheesy to me. Why disguise that beautiful wooden? You may select from a variety of wooden kinds, from olive wooden to cherry. I might in all probability seize one thing from the corporate’s Burl & Unique Collection. The case itself is OK. The rubber bumper across the edges is grippy, however feels just a little low cost. The facility button is stable, and there is a cutout for the Digital camera Management button, however the quantity rocker feels a tiny bit mushy.
Beats Rugged Case for $79: This case is the other of the Beats Kickstand case that I listed within the keep away from part under. The place that case was tremendous slippery, this one provides a significantly better grip. The buttons are clicky, the show and cameras are protected, and it appears to be like very fairly. It isn’t the grippiest case I’ve tried, neither is it essentially the most rugged, regardless of its identify. I favor the Digital camera Management button design on the Nomad Rugged Case, which has a thicker bumper. It is obtainable for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Professional, and iPhone 17 Professional Max.
BodyGuardz Efficiency Professional and Pulse Instances for $50+: BodyGuardz’s Pulse case is a effective case that is available in a enjoyable matcha coloration and features a wrist strap. The Digital camera Management button is properly elevated. Look alongside the facet edges and you will see vents—that is to assist disperse warmth, together with the assistance of cooling gel on the internal lining. I’ve tried testing this prior to now and have not seen a lot of a distinction in gaming efficiency on the cellphone. The directional speaker is one thing that does truly work. Mainly, the case directs the audio from the rear audio system in direction of you rather than downward, and you may marginally hear the distinction. The Efficiency Professional takes it to the max with bigger vents, and it provides a kickstand. I simply don’t love how the case feels while you maintain it.
Burton Items Heritage Leather-based Case for $79+: Burton Items is from the creator of Pad & Quill, which shut down in 2023 as a result of chapter. The corporate was identified for its stylish leather-based instances, and that has continued with the brand new model. The Heritage will make you are feeling such as you’re sitting on a comfy armchair close to a hearth in an previous English research. The complete-grain leather-based feels supple (and smells nice), and the stitching offers it much more character. There’s MagSafe baked in, a microfiber inside, and all of the buttons are responsive. The perimeters are raised effectively across the show and Digital camera Plateau, too. You may pair it with the Heritage MagSafe Pockets Stand, which is a magnetic pockets with a kickstand. I used to be capable of match about three bank cards, although the highest cowl flap makes it just a little arduous to take away the playing cards.
Rhinoshield SolidX and Clear Instances for $38+: I’ve no qualms with both of those Rhinoshield instances. The SolidX is powerful, thick, and protecting, with clicky buttons and MagSafe. The Clear case has extraordinarily clicky buttons that stick out fairly a bit, and it feels very sturdy. There’s simply not a lot else to them, apart from the truth that the corporate makes use of a proprietary materials known as Mono. It is one hundred pc recycled and is actually a single compound, making recyclability simpler.
OtterBox Symmetry Collection Case for $60: OtterBox’s Symmetry sequence is its most enjoyable lineup as a result of there are often a number of nifty designs to select from. Working example, have a look at this lovely cactus embroidered case! It is a enjoyable texture to have on the again of your cellphone, and it is tremendous cute. This model is definitely comprised of cactus leather-based, however different Symmetry instances are normal plastic. I do not suppose the essential Symmetry instances are definitely worth the $60 worth, however the embroidered variations are value contemplating. Whereas these have MagSafe baked in, the embroidery does weaken the magnetic connection. It nonetheless charged my iPhone, however I would not belief it on a MagSafe automobile dock.
OtterBox Commuter Collection Case for $50: OtterBox’s Commuter case is straightforward and inoffensive. You have got a couple of muted colours to select from, and the dual-layer design has a rubber slipcover surrounded by a tougher plastic shell. I just like the rubber edges as they assist with grip, too. It checks off all of the containers—even the USB-C port is roofed up—however it’s simply not very thrilling.
OtterBox Sole Collection Case for $70: I truly actually like the feel and appear of this case. The ridged edges are grippy, and the netting-like cloth texture on the again is so satisfying to run my fingers over. It is sort of like sandpaper, however in a great way. The cameras and show are protected, and the buttons are clicky. Nevertheless, I am very confused by the included lanyard loop. It is approach too tiny to placed on even the smallest wrists. I believe you are meant to affix it to a carabiner or backpack as an alternative. If that is your jam, you may like this. If not, the lanyard is detachable, and you should purchase one other one designed for wrists.
Mous Tremendous Skinny Aramid Fibre Case for $70: A number of corporations now make aramid fiber ultra-thin instances, and truthfully, you may’t go fallacious with most of them. I favor the delicate texture of Pitaka’s case (see above), however Mous’ Tremendous Skinny is an in depth second, and it even is available in a transparent choice with MagSafe. I very very like the raised safety for the digital camera, although the Digital camera Management button is uncovered, and there is much less safety on the highest and backside, in contrast to Pitaka’s case. As all the time, this sturdy case is extraordinarily skinny and isn’t going to supply one of the best safety, particularly for the display, however it’ll cowl the standard put on and tear. Pair it with a display protector.
Thinborne Tremendous Skinny Aramid Fiber Case for $70: It is tremendous skinny just like the Pitaka and Mous aramid fiber instances, with baked-in MagSafe, however I like Pitaka’s designs higher. The entire buttons are uncovered right here, together with the Digital camera Management. Thinborne features a display protector, however it’s a must to freehand the set up because it does not include an utility software.
Zagg iPhone 17 Instances for $50+: I’ve tried all of Zagg’s instances, they usually’re all stable, although I favor the Sedona (see above) essentially the most. Listed below are some ideas on the lineup. The Crystal Palace Snap With Stand has the identical nice kickstand because the Sedona, in addition to an precise button for Digital camera Management, however this case is evident. It is an effective way to point out off your iPhone’s coloration, although it smudges simply. The Manhattan Snap ditches the kickstand and is silicone, however I discovered it attracts an excessive amount of mud and lint; it is very comfortable, although. The Milan Snap has a enjoyable iridescent coloration, and the Santa Cruz Snap With Stand has a placing, colourful bumper that is grippy, however the Digital camera Management button is a cutout. The Luxe Snap may be my favourite of the lot by way of design, with a enjoyable texture on the again and grooved edges, however there is no kickstand. Lastly, the Rainier Case With Kickstand is the most recent in Zagg’s lineup, and if you would like strong safety, this one will fulfill. It is a two-shell case with a tough and thick bumper, and severely raised edges for optimum display safety with extra-thick corners. Even the USB-C port is roofed up. You get the identical nice kickstand, however the buttons are a bit mushy.
ESR Clear, Mushy, and Powerful Magnetic Case for $30: ESR has three variations of this case, every in a unique materials. The Mushy employs a soft-touch silicone, and it is fairly good, with clicky buttons and a devoted Digital camera Management button. The Clear is, effectively, clear, and the Powerful makes use of a tough plastic shell. None of them significantly excites me, however what makes them distinctive is the built-in kickstand that surrounds the digital camera module. It is a neat concept, however you may solely prop these telephones up in panorama orientation. Technically, you may put them upright in portrait mode, however the cellphone must be the wrong way up. Both approach, the Zagg suggestion above is a significantly better kickstand case.
Smartish Gripzilla, Gripmunk, and Pockets Slayer Vol. 2 Instances for $20+: These instances are good and inexpensive. The Gripzilla has textured edges that make for a pleasant grip, although it is nowhere close to as grippy as Dbrand’s Grip case that I like to recommend above. The Gripmunk has some ridges to assist with grip, and the Pockets Slayer Vol. 2 permits you to stuff a number of bank cards on the again. Nevertheless, the pockets interferes with MagSafe and has no magnets inside, so it cuts you off from wi-fi charging. It additionally makes the case very thick. They’re all stable instances for the cash, and it is best to store immediately from Smartish because it has some unique designs on its retailer.
Matter HT Snap Instances for $60: Previously referred to as Atom Studios, these “Snap” instances aren’t truly instances. They’re only a backing you may magnetically persist with your cellphone to guard the rear glass. The corporate provides them in a transparent, wooden fiber, or agave materials. All of them look good and really feel nice, particularly the Clear model for the iPhone Air. Nevertheless, I do not see the purpose of those. They do not cowl the sides in any respect, which is the place you may probably see scuffs and scratches after a drop. I might a lot quite go for an ultra-thin case that wraps the sides of a cellphone, or one thing just like the Arc Pulse.
UAG Instances for $45+: I’ve examined the complete suite of UAG’s instances, from the Plyo and the Monarch Professional to the Metropolis LT and Plasma XTE. If I needed to choose one, I might purchase the Pathfinder ($60). I really like the intense yellow coloration, and the design is daring, however it works. It makes me really feel tactical, like I am about to scale and infiltrate a constructing. The issue with all of UAG’s instances is that they are costly, and none of them function a devoted button for Digital camera Management; it is all a cutout. (I’ve simply come to actually favor having an precise button on the case!) I additionally like the UAG Dot ($45) and its enjoyable translucent case.
Keep away from These Instances
Beats Kickstand Case for $59: This case is obtainable for the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Professional, and iPhone 17 Professional Max, however not the iPhone Air. I really feel dangerous not recommending it as a result of it is lovely, particularly in pink, and the kickstand is tremendous artistic. As a substitute of embedding a kickstand into the case, the included lanyard has a pill-shaped kickstand that pops out. Place it on one of many longer edges of the iPhone, and voila, kickstand! The issue is that it does not work in any respect in portrait orientation, so it is restricted as a kickstand case. Additionally, the polycarbonate case is shockingly slippery. I do not suppose I’ve ever used a case extra slippery. I used to be so shocked I confirmed my spouse, and she or he instantly mentioned, “Yeah, no, I do not like that.” I assume that is why a lanyard is included.
Mujjo Full Leather-based Pockets Case for $69: I like Mujjo’s leather-based instances, however I do not actually like those with a pockets sleeve embedded into the case itself. Firstly, the sleeve barely suits my card correctly, not to mention three, like the corporate claims. It is also actually arduous to take the playing cards out. Whereas Mujjo has built-in magnets within the case, the magnetic connection is pretty weak as a result of the sleeve interrupts it. To not point out the truth that it’s a must to take away your playing cards to truly use MagSafe. It simply appears counterintuitive. Simply get a MagSafe pockets at that time.
OtterBox Defender Collection Professional XT Case for $80: I am so used to OtterBox’s Defender sequence having stable colours that the clear design right here threw me off. I do not hate it, however it does present smudges simply. Whereas I often select this case as essentially the most protecting as a result of its dual-layer design (a polycarbonate body sits on prime and a rubber slipcover rests beneath), I bumped into an issue. The Digital camera Management button is approach too responsive. It is really easy to press that I saved launching the digital camera each time I picked up the iPhone. My grip alone would find yourself pushing the button. I’ve tried putting in and reinstalling this case a number of occasions to ensure the match was proper, however the issue nonetheless retains occurring. Bah.
Smartish Pockets Slayer Vol. 1 for $30: That is an odd case. The pockets sleeve on the again is absolutely tight, and I had hassle stuffing two playing cards in. Taking them out is not straightforward both as a result of they get caught on the sting. Smartish additionally advertises a kickstand, however there isn’t a kickstand on the case. As a substitute, you are supposed to make use of your personal bank card because the kickstand, which is just a bit bizarre.
UAG Trooper Case for $65: Instances are so good nowadays, which is why it irks me when there’s an apparent flaw in a design. UAG’s Trooper is a rugged, robust case that may be very cumbersome. But as an alternative of including a button for Digital camera Management, the corporate saved a cutout. However when the sting is so thick, it is genuinely arduous to press this button, even when the again edge is sloped in. (Could possibly be my fats fingers.) The quantity rocker and Motion Button are additionally arduous to press.
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