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After more than a decade of using an iPhone without protection, I finally gave in and bought myself a case. You might wonder why it took me so long. Well, I always thought most phone cases were just awful, much like the tech world’s version of Crocs. They’re often clunky and unsightly, transforming the elegantly designed iPhone into something resembling a costume.
But eventually, I bought two cases—one for my new iPhone 11 Pro Max, which was a generous Christmas gift, and another for my old phone (for reasons I’ll explain later). One case is a flashy gold number, like something from a futuristic comic book, while the other is a soft, coral-hued rubber shell. It’s like a snug, protective suit for my phone, which seems necessary given the price tag—so high that it makes you feel like you should carry your phone in a secure briefcase.
The rubbery case even has a quirky little pop-out feature on the back, resembling a strange nipple, which helps to grip the phone. It’s almost over-the-top how these cases make you question why you cover such a beautifully designed phone with something that seems to question taste and logic. It’s like draping a designer sofa in an old blanket or dressing a fine sculpture in a cheap tracksuit.
Yet, I put a case on because the iPhone feels too exposed without it. The glass design, although stunning, is so fragile that it’s like toting around a Fabergé egg. One careless move and it’s game over. It’s all thanks to the iPhone designers who chose such a delicate material for this essential device, which people use constantly for everything from calls to photos.
I still haven’t fully adjusted to my encased iPhone. Sometimes, I catch a glimpse of it and think, “Is that really mine?” It feels a bit like a bad haircut where you keep forgetting about it until you see yourself in a mirror. However, the case provides peace of mind that the phone is now safer, even if I think it doesn’t quite match the elegance of the device itself.
I also purchased a case for my old phone, which I didn’t trade in. Why keep it, you ask? Sure, the trade-in cash was tempting, but having a spare phone filled with kid-friendly apps offers me moments of quiet. When I take that peaceful break, I prefer using my phone without disruptions, like trying to browse Instagram while someone else uses it.
This extra case is even uglier than the first, all awkward angles like something from a sci-fi show. It bizarrely has an opening for the Apple logo so everyone knows it’s not a toy! It’s like putting a supermodel in an egg carton suit but leaving a small opening to show there’s something exceptional beneath.
In the end, none of the phone cases truly wowed me—not even the ones from Apple, although they’re slightly better. I kind of regret not getting the simpler Apple version, which is a prettier shade and lacks the silly pop-out feature.
If you think these cases aren’t that bad, consider how sleek an untouched iPhone is. Maybe I’m exaggerating, but without that, I’d have little to say. Plus, the design of these new iPhones with three lenses might make it seem like an escapee from a robot scrapyard. Yes, the camera is amazing, but still—take it easy with all those lenses! Just a note: Apple says the new phones are built from ultra-strengthened glass and are packed with high-quality camera tech, and these rugged cases are meant to perform well.