The iPhone 6 is bigger than ever, meaning you get the benefits of a large screen — an improved display and functionality — but also a greater target to crack if it’s dropped (not to mention its bendable aluminum case). This is why you might want more rugged protection with the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Here are five cases to better protect your new smartphone — bends, unexpected drops, and beer spills included.
1. Best for unobtrusive protection
The Case: OtterBox Symmetry Series (Current price: $49.95 for iPhone 6 Plus case)
What We Like: It easily fit in our pocket. (And our iPhone 6 didn’t bend.)
Toughness: The Symmetry’s thin frame has just enough rubber jutting out on the front to protect the screen. Overall, it’s unobtrusive and designed to look like a form that goes over the phone rather than a case. Plus, the rubber and silicone edges give the phone a bounce when dropped dangerously on its corners or edges.
More from Men’s Journal:
The 9 Most Stylish iPhone 6 Cases on the Market
The 10 Best Smartphone Accessories
Should You Buy an iPhone 6?
2. Best for outdoor use
The Case: Ballistic Hard Core Case ($60)
What We Like: That extra security that makes you feel a lot more powerful than you actually are.
Toughness: This one means business. Four pieces combine to shield your iPhone. In fact, you should probably be more worried about getting it out of the case. The main unit keeps it secure with several clasps and a screen cover. A third, tougher layer’s clip lets you carry it on your side, which might be preferable to your pockets. To round it off, a rubber exterior shell provides extra padding for drops up to 12 feet.
3. Best for commuting
The Case: Rokform Aluminum Case ($98.99)
What We Like: The mounting accessories. They make it possible to use your phone’s GPS in the car or on your bike commute without worrying about that inevitable drop. Because it’s not a question of if it’s going to happen, but when.
Toughness: California-based Rokform designed this body of tech armor with sturdy aluminum and rubber that protect your phone on all sides and edges.
4. Best for Grip
The Case: Speck MightyShell ($34.95)
What We Like: The outer edges offer some extra holding power, which will come in handy when you upgrade and first grab your phone.
Toughness: Don’t let the fun colors and thin body fool you — this case can withstand some pretty intense impact. Speck prepared the MightyShell to expect those drops down flights of stairs with a shock-absorbing casing that surrounds the phone, including the front edges of the fragile screen.
5. Best for sliding in your pocket
The Case: Spigen Tough Armor Case ($35)
What We Like: Its slim design and armor-like appearance.
Toughness: The name of this case indicates serious protection — and then some. With a polycarbonate body and an intuitive design, your phone will feel safe without being in the way. Although it’s not as large as a traditional heavy-duty case, the Tough Armor houses a slim profile with an outer lip that prevents a cracked screen, which can be a hard thing to find in thinner cases.
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