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AI-generated summary
Finding the right fit is hard enough — but finding a case that effectively protects your iPhone without ruining it is even harder.
The brief
Since the very first iPhone I’ve never used a protective case. I’ve rarely dropped my phone and never cracked one. But as the price keeps climbing, so does the risk. Since the Plus version, and even more so since the X, I’ve been putting a case on it to reduce the risk of damage.
I don’t like cases, which is why I’m desperately searching for a slim one that doesn’t cost me the feel of the iPhone’s sleekness. For the past two years I’ve been using this Spigen case — not too thick, not too thin. Since then I’ve tried the Peel and, most recently, the Totallee.
Spigen
Spigen has made a name for itself over the past few years. They make all kinds of accessories for phones, including good quality cases at a very reasonable price (expect to pay around €10–15).
I tested their Liquid Air case, which is very well made — the texture is soft and adds a non-slip quality to the phone. I like the way the case lips up above the screen, so you can lay it face-down without risking scratches.
On the downside, the inside of the case is bare, with no soft lining. I didn’t get any scratching because the case isn’t rigid. Finally, the thickness, while not exceptional, is relatively noticeable. To give you a sense: it’s thick enough to compensate for the camera bump, which means the phone no longer wobbles on a flat surface — but personally I prefer something slimmer to preserve the iPhone’s shape.
Peel
Peel is the reference for slim cases. I ordered two types from them: the matte finish and the jet finish. The jet version has the advantage of adding grip, unlike the matte which stays slippery.
The jet version, unlike the matte, scratches very easily.
It’s extremely thin — it won’t save you from a serious drop. The upside of that thinness is that I don’t feel like I’m wearing a case at all. It doesn’t lip over the screen, which is comfortable day-to-day but doesn’t protect the screen edge.
Totallee
I went for the faux-leather version from Totallee. Why faux? Because it’s clearly not real leather — at least that’s my impression.
It looks a lot like the Peel and targets the same audience: it’s very slim. It shares the same advantages as the Peel but I find it more comfortable to hold. It’s also slightly heavier, but we’re really talking a matter of grams.
Like the Peel, it’s a flexible case that goes on and off quickly.
Conclusion
It’s hard to choose, but I’m clearly a fan of ultra-slim cases since I’m careful with my things — so the choice naturally comes down to the Peel or the Totallee.
Between the two, the jet version of the Peel looks great but wears out way too fast. I’d therefore recommend the leather version of the Totallee if you want a case that stays looking good for as long as possible.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a well-made, affordable case that properly protects your phone, the Spigen is probably the best bet.
