For the sake of this article, we’ll assume you gave your kid an iPhone 5 / 5C / 5S / 5SE. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are too big, and the iPhone 4 and 4S are too small (and slow). When it comes to the perfect case for your kid, protection is one thing; style is the other. Yes, they make cheap cases with Pokemon or other fad characters on them, but for a case with staying power, you’ll want to get something simple. In our rundown, we’ll avoid anything too wacky or odd looking. You don’t want your kid to hate the phone once it becomes passé or garners ridicule.
OtterBox Symmetry Series Case ~ $30
Feature-wise, the case is slightly thicker than the average iPhone case. It makes it a bit more of a handful, but its worth it for the extra protection from drops that land the phone sideways or on its back. And since the case sticks out ever so slightly at the front, the case may even save the screen from a drop on its face. Sadly, this case isn’t all good news. While the SIM tray and volume buttons are sealed up, the rest of the ports on the phone remain prone to water and moisture damage. To sum up, this iPhone case is a nice choice if you’re more worried about drops on concrete rather than water. [Editor’s note: I’ve seen an OtterBox-encased phone go spinning off the top of a Jeep going around a bend and hit the road. Not a scratch on the phone.] Color: ◼◼◼◼◻ Durability: ◼◼◼◼◻ Water resistance: ◼◼◼◻◻
LifeProof FRĒ SERIES Waterproof Case ~ $80
If you can justify spending $80 to get extra protection for a $300 phone, then the LifeProof FRĒ Series Cases might be up your alley. The case comes in many colors, including vibrant red and teal. But the real value is in the level of protection you get. Drops to hard concrete are no problem for this iPhone case—the manufacturer claims it can withstand a drop from up to 2 meters. Scratches are also a non-issue, thanks to a built-in glass screen protector. Finally, as the title suggests, this iPhone case is entirely waterproof and submersible for up to 1 hour. LifeProof even claims the case exceeds IP-68 standard requirements making it more than ready for a swim. This gives you, even more, protection than the OtterBox, but you certainly pay for it. Read on for a few more affordable options. Color: ◼◼◼◼◼ Durability: ◼◼◼◼◼ Water resistance: ◼◼◼◼◼
Incipio DualPro Protective ~ $8
As a palate cleanser to one of the most expensive cases you can buy for a child, Incipio’s Stashback case provides an impressive level of protection at a surprisingly low price. Its simple design features gray details and a single color base. Prices vary by color, ranging between $8 and $20. Even at it’s highest price point, this case is still an attractive option to consider. As the name suggests, the case is designed for maximum protection from drops and hits. But like the similarly-priced OtterBox, this case only offers basic water resistance around the volume buttons, which is about par for the course for a case under $20. The Incipio DualPro is clearly not the best of the best. But in terms of bang for the buck, it’s a strong contender. Color: ◼◼◼◼◻ Durability: ◼◼◼◼◼ Water resistance: ◼◼◼◻◻
Mangix Military iPhone Case ~ $10
Considering what it offers for the price, the Mangix Military iPhone Case is almost too good to be true. For only around $10 you get a seriously thick case with built-in Corning Gorilla Glass as a second layer of protection for the screen. Tight screws and a very rigid overall design give the phone a serious look and feel. Not a bad choice for a kid who digs Batman or army guys. Color-wise this iPhone case is offered in multiple different variants, featuring highly visible colors like yellow and red. The colors can seem a bit washed out, however, which you can expect at this price point. Compared to the OtterBox and the Incipio case, this case delivers a better level of protection from water damage. All the ports on the phone are covered by this case, although the case isn’t designed for full submersion. Basic spills and rain, however, shouldn’t be a problem. Color: ◼◼◼◼◻ Durability: ◼◼◼◼◻ Water resistance: ◼◼◼◼◻
Verdict
This small collection of cases is only a taste of what products you can find to protect your child’s new iPhone. Luckily, the market for Apple accessories is huge, and you can find thousands of solutions. What iPhone case works best for you? Tell us down in the comments. Comment Name * Email *
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