Why Your iPhone 16 Needs a Case — Even If You’ve Never Used a Case Before

It’s that time of year again – iPhone upgrade season.

For those of you who woke up early in the morning and placed your order during what I call the “Rush-iPhone-Ah” festival (also known as the big Apple harvest festival), you may have been obsessing over which color to buy.

Also: I tried the iPhone 16 Pro – My 3 favorite features on Apple’s pocket-sized supercomputer

Yeah, I don’t. Why? Because I’m throwing mine in a box, that’s why. I ordered iPhone 16 Pro Max natural titanium — the most affordable color — and I didn’t want to wait another month for delivery.

Do you need a case? Sure.

Not using a case almost guarantees you’ll break your device the first time you drop it. Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones who’s never broken a screen. If so, congratulations — you’ve made it through the tough times. But iPhone 16 series brings new risks and this time you may not be so lucky.

Also: I pre-ordered iPhone 16 Pro Max at max price. How much should I pay?

The iPhone 16 series has the thinnest bezels we’ve ever seen, giving users more screen space and a beautiful, immersive design. However, thinner bezels also mean more exposed edges, making your phone more vulnerable to damage when dropped. Compared to the 1.55mm bezels on the iPhone 15, the iPhone 16 has 1.2mm bezels, increasing the risk of hitting the screen.

Those upgrading from an iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 will notice an even more dramatic change. The iPhone 12 series has 3.47mm bezels, while the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 have slightly thinner bezels, but they’re still wider than the iPhone 16.

Also: iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro: Should you upgrade?

If you’re using one of the older models, you’ll have to adjust to more of the display, making the need for a protective case and screen protector even more important.

My Top Picks for iPhone 16 Cases

Otter box

The OtterBox Defender Series Pro ($64.95) is one of the best protection options available today.

Also: The Best iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Cases of 2024

The classic clamshell design combined with rubber reinforcement ensures robust protection. It is also MagSafe compatible, ideal for those who need maximum protection with modern convenience.

For a slightly lighter alternative, Defender Series Pro XT for MagSafe ($69.95) offers great protection and comes in a clear version with colored bumpers. If you’re looking for something lighter, Symmetry And Working people These cases are good options, although more suited to more cautious users.

Nomads

The Rugged Nomad The case ($60) is designed for maximum protection, with shock-absorbing bumpers designed to withstand drops.

Also: Apple Just Gave Me a Compelling Reason to Buy the Smaller iPhone 16 Pro Instead of the Max This Year

Add a magnetic leather piece to the back without sacrificing durability if you want a premium feel.

The Modern leather The case ($70) has a hard plastic shell with integrated leather, but it’s not as sturdy as the Rugged.

Also: iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 13 Pro: Should you upgrade to Apple’s latest model?

For a lighter option, Nomad Sports ($50) offers durable protection without being bulky but lacks reinforcement in the front bumper.

UAG

The UAG Monarch Pro The case ($79.95) offers military-grade protection with reinforced corners, but there’s a significant price difference with Multiple SKUs and color configurations.

So be careful when choosing the version that suits your needs.

Spigen

by Spigen Hard Armor is a reliable choice for protection at a reasonable price. Core Armor ($29) and MagFit Rugged Armor ($39) are standout options, while the Rugged Armor MagFit is also MagSafe compatible.

These cases are great value without adding excessive bulk.

ESR

Economic ESR Cyber ​​Tough Protective Case ($29) is their most durable product, with reinforced corners and shock absorption.

The Stash Stand is a foldable, integrated stand that also doubles as a camera protection ring.

Also: I tried Apple’s standard iPhone 16 and I’m not jealous of the Pro models at all

This case also supports MagSafe via HaloLock, giving you the flexibility to charge and attach the case.

Why a glass protector is also necessary

Even with a case, your iPhone 16’s screen is more vulnerable than ever. With bezels so close to the edge, a case alone won’t protect it from scratches, cracks, or spiderwebs after a drop.

A tempered glass screen protector is your next essential layer of protection. Here are my top three picks:

OtterBox Premium Pro, Premium and OtterBox Glass

OtterBox offers three levels of protection for the iPhone 16: Premium Pro, Awardand entry level OtterBox Glasses. The Premium Pro offers better scratch resistance and impact absorption, while the Premium offers rugged protection at a slightly lower price. The OtterBox Glass is a more affordable option for beginners, offering basic protection.

ESR tempered glass screen protector

ESR of Tempered glass screen protector is one of the most affordable options available and comes in a pack of 3. With 9H hardness and edge-to-edge protection, this protector offers excellent scratch and drop protection. The easy installation system ensures a bubble-free fit, making this a great budget option without compromising on quality.

Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit

The Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Available in a pack of 2, it features an easy-to-install system that reduces the hassle of bubbles or misalignment. It has a 9H hardness rating to resist scratches and impacts, keeping the screen clear and responsive. Additionally, Spigen offers a privacy-enhanced version for users who want more privacy, which costs just a few dollars more than the standard model.

Final thoughts

The thinner bezels and larger displays of the iPhone 16 series make it more important to protect your device. Whether you choose the rugged durability of the OtterBox Defender, the sleek design of the Nomad Rugged, or the affordable protection of an ESR case and screen protector, investing in a sturdy case and tempered glass is essential to keeping your device safe from accidental drops and scratches.

A small investment now can save you money on repairs later.