Hey everyone, I need help choosing a case for the iPhone 16 Pro Max. I’m torn between the Spigen Ultra Hybrid T MagFit with camera control button coverage and the Otterbox Defender with a cutout. Which one would you choose?

Back when I had a 2020 SE, I dropped it all the time, had phone cases from RedBubble and Claire’s (respectively), and it didn’t shatter once. This happened in the first 3 months of having a 16, and the case in question was Velvet Caviar. It fell out of my pocket onto the sidewalk. I figure the difference is more because of the raised camera and general design, but I’m still pretty mad. Not sure, but either way it’ll be expensive as all hell to get fixed, and I’d like to prevent that from happening again.

I’m notoriously clumsy, so I’ve been using Otterbox forever - nothing beats having the whole phone protected, especially paired with a tempered glass screen. My last few iPhones have sported the Otterbox Symmetry (which I usually love), but the one I just got delivered yesterday has a large opening on the side for Camera Control, and I’m not loving it. I knew about the opening prior to buying - but putting my 15PM in there really freaked me out.

I am looking for a case to keep this phone alive and well for a very long time. I can’t argue with the Otterbox track record, but the Defender Series seems like it has a concerning big gap on it in the form of the notch for the camera options button. The Miracase seems like it has the entire phone well covered, though I am unfamiliar with this brand. Over 100,000 reviews on Amazon all over 4.5 stars sounds like people love it though. I notice the biggest issue with this case is it shattering, though it seems like that might be an intention design to protect the phone as everyone seems amazed at how their phone is still okay after various highly damaging events. The lens protection seems like a boon that no one else offers though, and being glass makes it sound like it would retain photo quality through the protective lens, though again I am ensure if the lens would reduce the quality of the photos or not.

What are your suggestions on the best phone case for protection?

OtterBox defender pro max failed me, my new phone has cracked screen already. I’ve had it with my iPhone X which never cracked since 2019… of course Apple will make old models slow as hell so I finally bite the bullet. Surprisingly otterbox defender doesn’t work now.

Any strong case recommendations for drops? I don’t care about looks and don’t mind investing if I can drag it 10 years fingers crossed.

Update - Thank you to all who shared helpful tip, I appreciate it! I just opened my phone case apart and noticed the cracks are on the otterbox glass screen protector not on my actual phone which is a huge relief.

picture for what i'm taking about

I dropped my 16 Pro in an Otterbox Defender case today, and it struck the curb at the exposed section of the screen edge (for the action button). I never use the action button, so I’d actually be fine with something that covers it entirely.

Loved Otterbox till i saw a terrible review on this design for the iPhone 16, i currently have an iPhone 14 with Commuter Series and loved it, so i obviously tried ordering another Otterbox (luckily none of my payment methods worked for some reason), so since i wont be getting Otterbox for my new 16 what should i get? Defender and Commuter both have the same design for the camera button, and i need a rugged case, I drop my phone quite often at work...

Here’s my take. I love these with the translucent back, magsafe compatibility and thick frame. It’s the balance between versatility, looks and protection. Out of all of the cases I’ve tried, it’s my favorite

I also like the “military-grade” phone cases (2nd picture). These turn your phone into adamantium, but tend to be bulky.

Transparent phone cases tend to yellow, so I don’t like them at all

What are your thoughts on this topic?

So I’m upgrading to the 16 pro from my 13 pro. This will be my 4th iPhone and I’ve always used the OtterBox commuter case. I like that it has the rubber insert for shock absorption. I’ve definitely dropped my phones over the years and have never had one break. It seems it would do better than a regular plastic case. I also usually use a glass screen protector. I’ve never had insurance or Apple care “knock on wood” and haven’t had to have anything repaired.

The only downside is the commuter case is a tad bulky and had some weight to the phone. Is there anything else out there that has similar protection that I’m unaware of being a otterbox homer? Thanks for the help.

The spigen tough armor with camera control button has been great.

Hey everyone,

I just picked up a new iPhone 16 Pro Max today and I’m looking for some recommendations on cases, especially leather ones, but I’m open to any good suggestions you all have. Any brands or specific models that you think are worth checking out? Thanks in advance!

This is my first time buying a brand new iPhone but I’m having issues with finding a good case..

I was going to go with Mous as I’ve heard good reviews until I saw the awful cut out for the new capture button.

Just wondering if anyone else has found a good protective case for the 16Pro as there is limited videos/articles online. TIA

I'm looking for a "tough" iPhone 16 Pro case that's similar to the Otterbox Defender series but actually covers the Camera Control button (unlike the Otterbox!). I currently have the Spigen Tough Armor but it feels cheaply made and like it won't hold up to much abuse.

I've never pre ordered a phone before but I'm doing it this time. I know case manufacturers are given dimensions so cases are available as soon as the phone comes out. But how do you know which is a good one since nobody has tested them yet? Any brands people really like that one could hope to assume would work well with the new model? I really want to make sure I have a case right away once it comes.

Hello, what is currently the best heavy duty case and where do you purchase your from!

I’m use to the Otterbox and that is about it! Looks like they are not as popular anymore compared to other brands!

Thank you😎

I bought the OtterBox case for my new phone and couldn’t be more disappointed. Compared to the $10 one I got off Amazon, it is literally the same exact thing. Just a heads up, this isn’t your traditional heavy duty OtterBox. Not worth the 45 bucks or whatever they’re asking

I’ve been looking all week for a case for my 16 pro in Desert Titanium but I can’t seem to find the right one… looking for a minimalistic case from a good brand.

I finally updated my iPhone 12 and got the new iPhone 16 Pro. I had an otterbox x popsocket case that I loved, I used it the whole time I had the phone. It was a little cracked and chipped by the end but it was perfect. Protected my phone great - I could throw it, drop it whatever and have no issue. Plus the popsocket was indented so it would be less wobbly on a surface. Also it had a nice design. Sadly they don’t make those cases anymore so I’m wondering about other cases that are AS protective but look good. Also is there a good popsocket solution these days? Are the $30/35 MagSafe popsockets worth it?

sn: I don’t see myself using MagSafe much if at all, I like being able to hole my phone while it’s charging and don’t care about plugging it in.