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The best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases

We like big phones and we cannot lie … and the new iPhone 12 Pro Max certainly doesn’t fall short of expectations with its 6.7-inch screen. Apple’s newest and largest iPhone is here, and its extra screen real estate calls for some serious protection, so a case is a must. With Apple’s official cases yet to land, we’ve found 15 of the best cases around to keep your new iPhone safe from harm, whether you prefer a leather folio case, an iridescent hard case, or something more rugged.

Got your eye on one of the other iPhones in the range? Check out some of the best cases for the iPhone 12, the best iPhone 12 Pro cases, and the iPhone 12 Mini, too.

Official Apple Leather Sleeve with MagSafe

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If you like the feel of your naked iPhone, we won’t judge — but we do suggest getting some protection so your iPhone is still safe when not in use. Apple’s own leather sleeve is just the right model for the job, made from finished European leather with a smooth inside surface to slip your iPhone into whenever you want. You can use the accompanying strap for extra safety or detach it if you prefer. There’s also a secondary pocket inside to stow away an ID or credit card if you want to.

Since this is Apple, the leather sleeve is also designed to work with the MagSafe charger, something that many cases struggle with. When it’s time to charge, you don’t need to take your iPhone out, just connect the MagSafe charger to the back and let it do its job!

Le Marche Leather Detachable Wallet Case

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Wallet cases are a great way to combine your wallet and phone into one handy accessory, but many have a serious problem: They aren’t friendly to chargers, especially any type of wireless charger or the MagSafe charger. This option offers a neat solution: The iPhone part of the case is detachable, allowing you to remove it from the thicker case whenever you need to charge or just go with a light option. The handmade cow leather is also a serious bonus, and the iPhone attachment works with magnets so you don’t have to worry about snaps or buttons. When free of the wallet, the iPhone can work with both wireless charging and Magsafe.

Wembley Palette Case

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Protection doesn’t come much more extreme than this case, which offers up to 10 feet of drop protection in a slim, semitransparent shell. The corners, top, and bottom of this case are reinforced with D30, the same material used by pro athletes and the military, while the TPU and polycarbonate construction ensures all-round protection for your new iPhone. RepelFlex antimicrobial coating keeps nasty microbes at bay, and you can wirelessly charge your phone without removing this case.

Totallee Super Thin Case

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Totallee’s super-thin yet super-protective cases will keep your phone safe, whether it’s in your pocket, bag, or just lying around. The ultra-thin design and weightless feel mean slinging your phone in your pocket is a breeze, while raised lips around the screen give that all-important extra protection for the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s larger screen. This case is made from a soft, grippy material that makes it less likely it’ll slip through your fingers, but there’s no need to worry if it does, as the hard yet flexible plastic protects against minor drops. It’s a stylish choice, too, available in four frosted translucent colors including, clear, navy, green, and black (our favorite), and it’s wireless-charging compatible.

Ted Baker Elderflower Anti-Shock Case

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Turns out, phone cases can be both pretty and protective, like this Ted Baker case. It’s transparent, so it shows off your iPhone, and it has a pretty white floral design that’s been added to the inside of the case. It won’t fade or become scratched, either. Shock absorbing technology keeps your phone safe from drops and bumps, while raised edges provide additional protection for the screen — and there are precise cutouts for all the phone’s buttons and ports, so you won’t need to take the case off to charge or plug in accessories.

Olixar Genuine Leather Case

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Sometimes, only a genuine leather case will do — and this one from Olixar is one of our favorites. Crafted from genuine premium leather, its soft microfiber lining protects your phone from scratches while absorbing shock. Its slim and light with excellent grip, so you’re less likely to drop your phone, and there’s easy access to all the ports and buttons. We’d opt for the brown version, but this case is also available in gray or black.

Incipio Organicore Case

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Want an iPhone case that’s got green credentials? This eucalyptus colored case from Incipio is green in more ways than one. It’s made from plant-based materials, so it’s 100% compostable when it reaches the end of its life — and it’s surprisingly sturdy. Offering up to 6 feet of drop protection, this stylish case gives you easy access to your phone’s ports and buttons, and it’s also wireless charging compatible.

Spigen Liquid Crystal Case

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If you’ve chosen one of the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s more eye-catching shades, like gold or Pacific Blue, you’ll want to show it off — and what better way to do so than in this clear case from Spigen. This clear, flexible TPU case is shock absorbent to protect against drops and bumps, with a grippy finish and tactile button covers. It’s wireless charging compatible, too, and its slim form won’t add bulk to your gorgeous new iPhone.

Tech 21 Evo Wallet Case

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If you tend to keep everything in your pockets, why not pick up this wallet case from Tech 21 and leave your wallet at home? Providing 360-degree protection for your phone, this folding case has 12 feet of drop protection and interior pockets for your credit cards, cash, or ID. A magnetic closure keeps the case closed even when it’s in your back pocket or bag, shielding your screen from scratches.

Speck Presidio2 Grip Case

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A bit of a butterfingers? If you’re always dropping your phone, then Speck has your back with the Presidio2 Grip case. This case offers a whopping 13 feet of drop protection, so you can drop your iPhone from the top of a very high ladder and it’ll be fine, although we don’t recommend this. Raised bezels around the screen protect against scratches and knocks, even when you place your phone face down, and a soft-touch, grippy finish reduces the likelihood you’ll drop your phone in the first place, even if you are a bit of a klutz. There’s Microban antimicrobial protection, too, and you can wirelessly charge your phone without removing the case. Speck’s cases come with a lifetime warranty, so this could be the only case your iPhone 12 Pro Max ever needs.

Ringke Fusion X Case

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Show off your iPhone 12 Pro Max in this futuristic case from Ringke. With its transparent back, your new phone can be seen in all its glory, while the integrated ridges and non-slip design ensure you don’t drop it while running for your bus and texting one-handed. This case has a two-part design with a polycarbonate back and TPU bumper, plus toughened, shock-absorbing corners offering military-grade drop protection and a raised bezel to keep your screen safe. With cutouts for the camera and flash and toughened TPU button covers — there’s even a cover for your USB-C port to keep out dust and dirt — this case is an excellent buy for under $20.

Case-Mate Tough Groove Case

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Tough doesn’t have to mean ugly, as this gorgeous, iridescent case from Case-Mate shows. We love the cool ridged design and rainbow ombre iridescent finish — but we also love that this case offers an impressive 10 feet of drop protection and a tactile surface that won’t slip through your fingers. It cushions your phone against drops thanks to a snug fit and is wireless charging compatible, too. What more could you ask for?

Mous Limitless 3.0 Case

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If you’re an “iced Ristretto, 10-shot, venti, breve, five-pump vanilla, four Splenda, poured not shaken” type, then this is the phone cover for you. We’re not saying it’s for hipsters — far from it — but it’s the phone case for those who know what they want from life, and it definitely adds some serious style. AiroShock technology protects against even the most serious impacts, raised top and bottom edges keep that impressive screen safe, and a slim design makes this case ideal for slinging in your pocket. But the best bit is the magnetic accessories — you can connect your Mous case to their mounts magnetically thanks to AutoAlignPlus technology. We’d go for the walnut version, pictured, but you can also pick this case up in bamboo, black leather, speckled leather, or aramid fiber.

OtterBox Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Case

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Add a pop of color to your day with the Otter + Pop Symmetry case from OtterBox. This case protects your smartphone from impact, drops, and scratches thanks to its polycarbonate and synthetic unibody rubber shell, with raised edges to protect the screen. The PopSockets PopGrip comes integrated into the case, so you can slip this slim shell easily into pockets or your bag. PopTop designs are easy to swap, too, and this case works with PopSockets PopTops, PopSockets Car Vent Mount, and PopSockets Multi-Surface Mount. Our pick is the vivid Violet Dusk version, but it also comes in black or a cool white marble option.

Snakehive Vintage Leather Wallet

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If you prefer classic old movies to the newest release and oldies on the radio rather than the latest hits, you’re going to love this classic vintage leather wallet from Snakehive. Available in a dazzling array of color choices — though we’d go for the plum, pictured — it’s crafted from European full-grain cowhide nubuck leather, with a smooth, soft leather inner to protect your screen and a plastic holder that secures your phone in place. You can leave your wallet at home thanks to three spacious credit card slots and a larger compartment for cash or documents, and there’s a magnetic clasp to keep the case securely shut. The natural matte nubuck finish of these cases will show marks over time, but that’s what makes each case so beautiful and unique, developing a unique patina and finish as it ages.

Paula Beaton
Freelance tech and travel writer living in (somewhat) sunny Scotland. Gamer, tea addict, never without a good book.
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