3 iPhone cases that offer a range of options
Recently upgraded to the new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus? Then your old case doesn't fit the new phone.
Since you'll likely want to get your iPhone safely encased in a protective shell as quickly as possible, we rounded up three popular options and compared them side-by-side.
Apple Leather Case. First up is Apple's (AAPL) own signature Leather Case. You might be inclined to simply put your Apple phone in an Apple case. But wait -- this "default" option costs a pricey $49 for a thin leather shell that covers the back and sides of your phone with cow hide in one of five colors (blue, red, brown, black, or pink). In the Leather Case's favor: The leather surface adds enough "grab" that the phone isn't slippery in your hands. Without the case, it's an accident waiting to happen. On the other hand, that's about all you get. It's stylish and makes your phone moderately more drop resistant, but don't count on this case to save you from a six-foot fall to a hardwood floor.
Tech21 Classic Frame. If shock resistance is on your list of needs, then consider a case from Tech21 instead. Tech21 stakes its claim on rugged cases that can protect your phone from drops and impacts. The Classic Frame is a simple shell design that looks like what you'd get if you made Apple's Leather Case out of plastic. As a result, it's not what you would describe as gorgeous; while Apple's case looks refined and elegant, the Classic Frame lacks flair and frankly cheapens the attractive looks of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. But the benefit here is how tough the case is. Using a material the company calls D30, it absorbs and deflects impacts away from the phone. You probably can't get better impact protection for your phone short of putting it in an Otter Box. And it's only $35, which makes it a better bet than Apple's case.
STM Flip. There's a lot to like in the STM Flip. This "wallet case" is a very slim shell that also includes a flip cover that protects your iPhone's screen. Using two tiny suction cups, the flip cover firmly adheres to the screen and keeps it safe from dings and scratches. But it pops off (literally - the suction cups disengage with a sound like popping bubble wrap) and flips behind to give you unrestricted access to the screen. There's another clever twist: When you flip back the cover, you can use it like a stand to prop up the phone and read hands-free. In addition, this is a "wallet case," which means inside the cover you'll find two slots for ID, credit cards or cash. Armed with the Flip, you could plausibly leave your wallet at home. Of course, the Flip isn't as shock resistant as Tech21's offerings, but it's easily as protective as Apple's case, and despite being more practical it's also priced at a more reasonable $35.
