The iPhone 12 Pro is the powerful flagship of 2020's iPhone 12 range. With a 6.1-inch display, a powerful A14 Bionic processor, and an upgraded camera, the iPhone 12 Pro is a reasonably sized iPhone for users who want an iPhone that's reasonably priced, but still relevant in 2023.
Apple's Ceramic Shield claims to protect iPhones better than ever before, but if we were you, we'd still slap a case on our iPhone. Cases come in a range of forms, and choosing the right one for you is a matter of deciding what you need it for. We've checked the biggest case makers, grabbed some of their best cases, and explained what's good (and not so good) about each of them. Here are the best iPhone 12 Pro cases you can buy in 2023.
Don't have an iPhone 12 Pro? Then make sure to check out our articles for the best iPhone 12 cases, best iPhone 12 Mini cases, and best iPhone 12 Pro Max cases. Want an upgrade? Take a look at the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Best official iPhone 12 Pro case
Official Apple Silicone Case with MagSafe
- Silky and soft feel
- Rigorously tested
- Compatible with wireless charging
- Multiple color options to choose from
- No fancy designs
Sometimes the best case is an official one, like this silky, soft-touch silicone case from Apple. With a microfiber lining for protection, it comes in a wide range of colors including this rather charming black — our pick of the bunch. Apple puts its cases through thousands of hours of testing, so you can rest assured your new iPhone is protected from drops and scratches. It’s compatible with wireless charging too and has built-in magnets to snap on your MagSafe charger and accessories.
Best grip iPhone 12 Pro case
Speck Presidio2 Grip Case
- 13 foot drop protection
- Airbag technology for absorbing shock
- 99% reduction in bacteria growth
- The grips are not as good as advertised
What has airbags to protect your phone from drops of up to 13 feet and comes with a lifetime warranty? The Presidio2 Grip case from Speck. Armor Cloud Technology works like an airbag, with air capsules that compress and suspend your phone on impact, absorbing shock and protecting it from damage. Your phone case will stay cleaner for longer too thanks to Microban antimicrobial protection, which delivers a 99% reduction in bacteria growth. The soft-touch, scratch-resistant finish feels pleasingly smooth in hand, while no-slip grips keep your phone where it should be. Round this out with a slim, pocket-friendly design and compatibility with wireless charging and you have yourself one of the best protective cases around.
Best unique iPhone 12 Pro case
Carved Jeni Riya Case
- Unique design for everyone
- Has protective outer rubber shell
- Compatible with Apple’s MagSafe wireless charger
- Pricier than other options
You probably spent some time deciding the new iPhone 12 Pro was the phone for you — so why not put as much thought into choosing a unique case for your new phone? Each wood-and-resin case from Carved is one of a kind — which means nobody will ever have the same case as you. The cases are inspired by the beauty of the Earth from a satellite’s perspective. This case isn’t just good-looking though, it’s practical too. A slim design and protective outer rubber shell keep your phone safe, and it’s compatible with Apple’s MagSafe wireless charger too.
Best drop protection iPhone 12 Pro case
Gear4 Battersea Case
- 16 feet of drop protection
- Soft-touch and textured finish
- RepelFlex antimicrobial treatment
- No color options
If you’re the type of person who embraces everything life throws at you, then a phone case that does the same is a must. The Battersea Case from Gear4 offers an impressive 16 feet of drop protection thanks to D30, a material used by pro athletes and the military. Its slim design and soft-touch, textured finish not only looks stylish but prevents drops in the first place. This case has a RepelFlex antimicrobial treatment that guards against degradation from microorganisms and inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. You can pick it up with a clear conscience too, as it’s partly constructed from recycled plastic. It comes in black with vibrant orange detailing.
Best colorful iPhone 12 Pro case
Casetify Ultra Impact Case
- Beautiful, eye-catchy design
- 9.8 feet of drop protection
- Eliminates 99% of bacteria
- Quite pricey
- May be too flamboyant for some
When life gives you lemons … put them on your phone case. This vibrant clear case from Casetify features colorful artwork by Amsterdam-based artist Bodil Jane, perfect for brightening up even the dullest days. Constructed with qitech, shock-absorbing material that provides up to 9.8 feet of drop protection, the Ultra Impact case has a raised bezel around the screen, a flash-absorbing camera ring, and a durable, scratch-resistant finish. The case is treated with DEFENSiFT antimicrobial coating which eliminates 99% of bacteria, and you can customize it with a monogram or initials. You can attach your MagSafe charger too, although the adhesion won’t be as strong as with a case containing magnets.
Best compostable iPhone 12 Pro case
Incipio Organicore Case
- Made of 100% compostable material
- Eight feet of drop protection
- Works with wireless charging and MagSafe chargers
- Great color options
- The color comes off
- The buttons are hard to press
Feel superior about your choice of phone case by selecting a case that’s not only good news for your phone but an excellent choice for the environment, too. Incipio’s Organicore case is formulated from a material made from plants, making it 100% compostable. It will break down completely in a compostable environment — and Incipio promises to plant a tree for every case sold too. It’s more than just eco-friendly though, with Impact Strut Technology providing eight feet of drop protection and a raised bezel around the screen that stops it from ever touching down. This case works with wireless charging and MagSafe chargers, and comes with a lifetime guarantee, so it’s well worth the price of entry. We’d opt for the Eucalyptus shade, a fresh, minty green, but it’s also available in charcoal or a speckled natural beige variant.
Best customizable iPhone 12 Pro case
RhinoShield SolidSuit Case
- Trusted brand
- Fully customizable case with various color options
- 11 feet drop protection
- Honeycomb structure absorbs impact
- A bit bulkier than other cases
RhinoShield is a name you can trust when it comes to protecting your phone from life’s little hazards. The SolidSuit can be customized to suit your tastes, with a range of colors and designs — you can even change the color of button covers for a contrasting look, or design your own case if you’re feeling particularly creative. There’s no need to worry about your phone slipping through your fingers thanks to the scratch-resistant matte finish that provides excellent grip — and if by chance your phone does hit the ground, you’ll be pleased to hear this case provides military-grade drop protection of up to 11 feet, so unless you’re extremely tall and at the top of a ladder, you should be covered. The interior of the case features a honeycomb structure that’s designed to absorb 10% more impact. We’d opt for the navy blue version, pictured, but could be tempted to add contrasting button covers in Royal Blue.
Best all-around iPhone 12 Pro case
Spigen Slim Armor CS
- Well-known brand
- Has airbags in the corners
- Protects camera lens
- Has a hidden compartment on the back
- Doesn't offer the best drop protection
Spigen is one of our favorite case makers for a reason, and the Slim Armor CS is one of its best cases. It’s a dual-layer case that uses hard polycarbonate and flexible TPU to provide a mix of hard and soft that guards against a range of damage, including drops. Airbags in the case’s corners protect against drops, adding shock-dispersion, and a raised edge around the display and camera lenses means it’s protected against grit and dirt. The real drawer is the hidden compartment on the back. This slim pocket can hold up to two cards or some spare cash, making it an excellent way to forgo carrying a wallet while you’re out.
Best budget iPhone 12 Pro case
Ringke Air + Shoulder Strap Case
- Comes with a cross-body shoulder strap
- Shock-absorbent TPU
- Very budget-friendly
- The strap isn't the best quality
A clear case is a must-buy if you want to show off your phone’s style while keeping it protected, but many clear gel cases are on the thinner side, so sacrifice some protection. Not so with Ringke. This version of the Air case comes with a cross-body shoulder strap that attaches to the lanyard attachment points at the bottom of the case. Sling the strap around your shoulders and drops are all but impossible. But even without the strap, the case’s protection is pretty good. The slim TPU is flexible and shock-absorbent, and it’ll protect well against scratches and minor bumps. There’s a raised bezel to elevate the screen, and the price is reasonable.
Best thin iPhone 12 Pro case
Peel Super-Thin Case
- Ultra-slim at just 0.35mm thick
- Raised border to protect the screen
- Resists fingerprints
- Good color options
- Won't offer the best protection
Apple has done everything it can to keep the iPhone 12 Pro’s size and weight down, so it would be a shame to add too much bulk to your phone with a case. That’s where Peel comes in. Specializing in ultra-slim cases, Peel’s Super Thin case is just 0.35mm thick, which is so thin it’s semi-transparent. It’s branding-free, so you can pretend you’re not using a case, and there’s an extremely subtle raised border around the edges of the display and camera lenses. The matte coating means it’s resistant to fingerprints and smears, and it comes in a variety of colors.
Best earth-friendly iPhone 12 Pro case
UAG Outback Bio Series
- Made from special bioplastics that are 100% compostable
- Meets military standards for drop tests
- Comes in recyclable packaging
- Only four color options
Apple is making big steps in terms of sustainability and impact on the environment, so it makes sense you’d pick a case that’s also dedicated to more environmentally-friendly aims. UAG’s Outback Bio case is made from special bioplastics that are 100% compostable, as well as adhering to UAG’s usual high level of protection. It meets military standards for drop tests, is wireless charging compatible, and is slim enough to easily slip into a pocket or bag. The packaging is also completely recyclable, with soy-based inks and minimal use of adhesives.
Best ergonomic iPhone 12 Pro case
Otterbox Otter + Pop Symmetry Series
- Well-known brand
- Meets three times the military standard for drops
- Has raised edges for extra protection
- Expensive
What’s better than Otterbox’s excellent Symmetry case? Otterbox’s Symmetry case combined with a PopSocket PopGrip, that’s what. Pop out the PopGrip and you’ll be able to use it to keep a hold of your iPhone while taking selfies or use it to prop your phone up on a flat surface. You can swap the PopSocket out and replace it to fit your style, and it slots against the back of the case so it doesn’t catch when slipping into pockets. But even without the PopGrip, it’s an exceptional case. Otterbox claims it meets three times the military standard for drops, and raised edges help to protect the most vulnerable parts of your phone. It’s expensive, like all Otterbox cases, but we think it’s worth it if you need serious protection and love a PopSocket.
Best stylish iPhone 12 Pro case
Kate Spade New York Protective Hardshell Case
- Comes in attractive designs
- Has a shock-resistant bumper
- Decent protection against minor scratches and bumps
- Quite expensive
- Not the best for protecting against heavy impacts
If you want your iPhone to be as stylish as you are, then look no further than this hardshell case from Kate Spade New York. It comes in a number of different designs to match any style you have going, including the Hollyhock Floral Clear, which shows your phone’s design off with a beautiful graphic print laid over the top. It’s not all beauty and no brawn either, as the hardshell is joined by a shock-resistant bumper around the outside, giving decent protection. It’s not going to be the super-protective case for an explorer, but it’s still a great choice for the stylish.
Best art iPhone 12 Pro case
Tech21 Eco Art Case
- Made from 100% biodegradable materials
- 10 feet drop protection
- MagSafe compatible
- Pricier than other cases
If your aesthetic involves environmental responsibility, style, and protection, you might assume you won’t be able to find a perfect case. Well, Tech21 has the perfect case for you. The Eco Art case is made from 100% biodegradable materials, offers drop protection from up to 10 feet (three meters), and sports a number of exclusive designs, including the Terrazzo Orange featured above. It’s also compatible with iPhone’s MagSafe feature, which is definitely a bonus — but it is somewhat expensive, so you’ll have to decide if it’s worth the money to you.
Best waterproof iPhone 12 Pro case
Lifeproof Fre Rugged Case
- It's waterproof, snowproof, dirtproof, and drop-proof
- Has a built-in screen cover
- Built using 60% recycled plastic
- Quite expensive
- Somewhat bulky
Lifeproof is a case maker you have to check out if you’re looking for top-of-the-line protection. It made the Fre case especially for active people who don’t want to worry about their phone breaking while they’re on the go. The Fre is waterproof, snowproof, dirtproof, and drop-proof, and while it may not be the sleekest, most stylish, or smallest case around, it’s undoubtedly one of the most protective. Even better, it's built using 60% recycled plastic so you're not harming the environment. There’s all-around protection with the built-in screen cover, and it has plugs for all the ports. The case is a little pricey, but it’s worth the cost for the secure protection it offers. It also takes some time to manufacture, but patience will pay for itself in optimal protection.
