Reader Comments: iPhone 15 Protective Cases

2023-09-19 • SEND FEEDBACK |
Related: Apple, Apple iOS, Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple iPhone and iPad, iOS, reader comment

Catalyst Crux iPhone 14 case

re: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Useful feedback to my post on my search for a case for the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Peter O writes:

I don't lease cars, but Apple's value prop for the iPhone Upgrade Program convinced me to lease phones.

I've been doing it for a couple of years now, and went through A LOT of case orders and returns looking for the Goldilocks case -- minimalist, but with good grip, protection, and durable, good-feeling materials.

Here are the ones I would (and will!) buy myself. Unfortunately some are not available for iPhone 15 Pro Max yet, but probably will be by end of month given past experience. I have tried cheaper ones, but I typically hate the way PU feels in hand. The ones listed below may cost more, but look brand new after a year of hard use, and tend to have better ergonomics.

Catalyst Crux Case: form factor is amazing, my favorite case to date and I've bought it for last 2 upgrades. "Bumps" at the corners make it comfortable to hold in either orientation, but don't protrude so much that they get in the way. Textured insets are great with sweaty hands and when super cold. Even comes with a wrist strap. Unfortunately release lags their regular "Influence" case line, but you might like that one, too. https://www.catalystcase.com/products/iphone-15-series-influence-case-magsafe-compatible

Raptic Shield case: Another great one, I had this for the last Max model I had, which I believe was a 12. I put a new one on my teenage son's 14. This has less pronounced corners than the Crux, but good design and good feel in-hand. https://rapticstrong.com/collections/iphone-15-series/products/raptic-shield-2-0-onyx-black-for-iphone-15-pro-max

Peak Design cases: I typically hate following the trend, but I have begrudgingly found Peak's stuff to be well-built and thoughtfully designed. I have not used their phone cases, but they look good and the mounting system is intriguing. I plan on trying their "Nomad x Peak Design Rugged Case" as my first choice if released for 15 Pro Max soon. Price may only be worth it if you elect to use one (or more) of their proprietary mounts. https://www.peakdesign.com/products/nomad-rugged-case-with-slimlink?variant=40148212318285

MPG: transparent cases are unacceptable for my usage because I store critical things on the back of the phone (eg paper money and more), which must remain hidden from view. So that rules-out certain phone cases. Similarly, the case must be flexible enough to allow some extra thickness between the case and the phone.

Of the cases listed above, the Catalyst Crux looks like the best fit for my needs. And I like the lanyard feature a lot.