The latest iPhone models look arguably best without a case. Unfortunately, the iPhone X and iPhone XS feature a glass body that makes them slippery and it increases the risk of accidental drops. While Apple made the iPhone XR out of aluminum, it still scratches easily, so you probably want a case for it as well.
Plus, Apple’s top-of-the-line smartphones are incredibly expensive, and that’s why most users slap on a case to protect them.
I think a device like the iPhone demands a case of comparable quality. When I upgraded to Apple’s flagship phone in 2018, I set out to find the best iPhone XS case from each of the categories shown in the table of contents.
Note that most of the cases I’ve reviewed below also work for older iPhone models, including the iPhone 8 and even iPhone 7.
So continue reading if you want to find the best iPhone 8 cases and the best iPhone XR cases for your needs. The cases marked with an asterisk (*) are technically iPhone X cases, but they also fit the iPhone XS.
Best 8 Genuine Leather Cases for iPhone XS
Thin leather cases for the iPhone X or iPhone XS should protect the device and look good without adding much bulk. Below are some of the lightest leather cases I have tested from case manufacturers around the world.
| Best Leather Cases | Rating |
|---|---|
| alto Handmade Italian Leather Case | ★★★★☆ |
| Apple Genuine Leather Case | ★★★★☆ |
| Haxford Leather Case* | ★★★★☆ |
| Jisoncase Leather Case* | ★★★★☆ |
| Meridio Leather Case | ★★★★★ |
| Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case | ★★★★★ |
| Totallee Thin iPhone XS Case | ★★★★☆ |
| Twelve South RelaxedLeather Case | ★★★★★ |
Alto Handmade Italian Leather Case
- Only 0.5mm higher than the phone screen
- Hand-made in Italy
- Available in four vibrant colors
The alto handmade Italian leather case features a hard shell that protects the iPhone from three sides. On top of the plastic body, Alto added a thin layer of full grain leather that develops a patina over time. In other words, the leather ages as you use the case.
What’s unique about the alto leather case is its thinness. On photos, it almost looks like as if the case would not offer any protection for the screen when you place the device face down on a flat surface. In reality, the case is 0.5 mm higher than the phone screen, which is sufficient to protect it on entirely flat surfaces.
While the case is of high quality, made from premium leather, it’s also the most expensive case in this review. You have to decide if paying $12 is worth the half millimeter the case is thinner than the thickest case in this review.
Apple Genuine Leather Case
- Made from European quality leather
- Features machined aluminum buttons
- Available in eight vibrant color options
The Apple Leather Case for the iPhone XS is similar to the cases Apple offered for previous iPhone models. Apple made the case from specially tanned and finished European leather that feels soft and develops a natural patina over time, much like all genuine leather products.
The case is available in eight colors, including Peony Pink, Cape Cod Blue, Forest Green, Taupe, Midnight Blue, Saddle Brown, Black, and (PRODUCT)RED. With the latter, Apple supports AIDS research.
What’s different between the Apple leather case and all other cases in this review are the machined aluminum buttons, instead of cutouts. In my opinion, that makes the iPhone buttons a bit more accessible and easier to operate.
Haxford Leather Case
- Full-grain leather
- High-quality materials and craftsmanship
- Good protection from drops and scuffs
- Credit card slot holds up to three cards
- Covered buttons are difficult to manipulate
The Haxford slim leather Apple iPhone wallet case is made wrapped in our our full-grain leather around the slim case with built-in buttons and raised lip screen protection.
The low-profile design allows the case to easily slide in and out of pockets and purses without sacrificing phone protection. Designed to hold up to 3 of your essential cards such as ID and bank cards.
I got the green case and really like the contrast to my dark phone. The case appears to be of excellent quality and it provides reasonable protection against drops and scuffs. The only issues I had with the case were related to the responsiveness of the button covers.
The case covers all buttons, except for the mute switch, and it does that in a way that makes it more difficult than it should be to manipulate them.
Jisoncase Leather Case
- Fits both iPhone X and iPhone XS
- Made from premium leather
- Features aluminum buttons
Much like other leather cases of similar thickness, the Jisoncase Leather case offers decent drop protection. The case also offers raised edges to protect the screen from scratches and scuffs.
Additionally, the case is thick enough to protect the rear camera. As a result, you won’t scratch the lens of the rear camera when you place the phone on an even surface. The case features genuine full-grain leather that looks and feels expensive. The inside of the case is lined with microfiber to protect the phone.
Jisoncase makes one of the thinnest leather cases I have tested so far. It even feels a tad thinner than the already relatively thin Twelve South RelaxedLeather Case. So if you are a fan of leather cases but you don’t like the bulk, Jisoncase has an excellent case for you!
The case has a large cutout at the bottom, making it compatible with most charging stands, including the ones I use. The case also features metallic button covers that fit incredibly well and are easy to operate.
Like with many other cases, the cutout for the mute switch is relatively small, making it difficult to toggle the mute switch with larger thumbs. Despite the smooth leather, the Jisoncase Leather case allows for a solid grip and one-handed use is not a problem.
The Jisoncase leather case is also available for the iPhone 6s (Plus), iPhone 7 (Plus), and iPhone 8 (Plus).
Meridio Leather Case for iPhone XS
- Materials made in Italy
- Features machined aluminum buttons
- Hand-stitched credit card pocket
- Lifetime warranty
You can use discount code kummer_10 to get 10% off your Meridio case!
Meridio is an Italian company that has traditionally manufactured premium leather straps for the Apple Watch. Shortly after Apple released the iPhone XS, the company announced beautifully crafted leather cases for the latest iPhone models of different styles.
I had a chance to test two brown leather cases before the official release and loved the unique style that features a dual credit card slot on the back.
Meridio uses a hard plastic shell for its cases that provides excellent protection for the iPhone on five sides. To reduce the risk of scratching the screen when you place the iPhone face down on a flat surface, the Meridio cases offer a raised bumper that adds a one-millimeter gap between the screen and the surface.
While I try not to place my iPhone XS face down, I occasionally do it when I’m in meetings to not distract other attendees with any incoming notifications.
What makes Meridio’s cases unique are the two credit card slots on the back of the case that the company arranged in a criss-cross pattern. Each slot offers just enough space for a single credit card or paper bill.
During a recent business trip to Las Vegas, I used those slots for my room key and my ID. That way, I didn’t have to pull out my wallet, every time I charged a coffee or bottle of water to my room from one of the shops downstairs.
What’s also useful is the lifetime warranty Meridio provides for its cases. If your case breaks because of a manufacturing defect, you can send it back, and Meridio will replace it or refund the money. The company even pays for the return shipping!
Last but not least, it’s worth noting that Meridio’s iPhone XS cases also snugly fit the iPhone X, thanks to the sufficiently large camera cutout. Additionally, the Meridio cases are also available for the iPhone 7 and 8, as well as the respective Plus models!
Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case
- Soft, full-grain vegetable tanned leather
- Pocket that holds 2-3 credit cards
- Wide cutout on the bottom
- 2-year factory warranty
Mujjo is a Dutch company that specializes in protective leather cases for various iPhone models, select Samsung Galaxy devices, elegant sleeves for multiple Apple devices and touchscreen gloves.
The company recently sent me a black full leather wallet case that has a pocket for two credit cards and is compatible with the iPhone X and iPhone XS.
As you can imagine, I have tested and used dozens of genuine leather cases, and every so often I come across one that’s unique. What makes the Mujjo case special is how incredibly elegant it looks and how soft the full-grain leather feels – almost like a glove.
When it comes to cases, I try to avoid options that add bulk. That’s why I generally don’t use wallet cases. However, I have gotten fond of models that have a sleeve on the back of the case that provides just enough room for a few credit cards.
The Mujjo case meets those requirements by offering a single sleeve that fits up to three plastic cards.
Unlike some of the other cases in this review, Mujjo decided to cover all buttons, except the mute switch. Doing so can, sometimes, reduce the buttons’ responsiveness.
Fortunately, the Mujjo case doesn’t exhibit any such issues. What I like about this soft leather case is the wide cutout on the bottom, which dramatically improves the compatibility with charging docks and cables.
The Mujjo case is available for numerous iPhone and Samsung models and in different styles and colors, as you can see on mujjo.com. The company also offers various sleeves and folio cases.
Totallee Thin iPhone XS Case
- Only 0.51 mm thick
- Branding free
- 2-Year warranty
Totallee offers one of the thinnest leather cases for iPhone XS on the market. 9to5mac.com even wrote that it’s the thinnest leather case available. I don’t think that’s correct because the alto case is only 0.5 mm thick, but I doubt anyone would notice the difference.
Totallee uses genuine calfskin leather for the back of its ultra-thin case. What I like about their cases is that they are branding-free in addition to being incredibly thin.
Of course, the Totallee leather case supports wireless charging, and it’s also available in four Matte and three Glossy (non-leather) finishes. Totallee recently sent me one of their leather cases to test, and I still can’t believe how thin it is.
Technically, the case has a plastic frame, with cutouts for the volume buttons and with a thin textured lining of leather on the back. While this case might not offer the best impact protection, it looks slick, and it blends in well with the iPhone’s design.
With a price tag of only $39.00, it’s slim design; the Totallee case is an excellent choice for the iPhone X and XS.
Twelve South RelaxedLeather Case
- Available with or without credit card slots
- Made from genuine cow leather
- Fits both iPhone X and iPhone XS
Update: Twelve South has discontinued the Relaxed Leather case
The RelaxedLeather Case offers excellent scratch protection, and its raised edges prevent scratches to the screen when you put the phone face down on a hard surface.
Additionally, Twelve South says that they had a third-party perform drop tests that the case passed with flying colors. That’s good to know as I wouldn’t have expected a leather case to offer any real drop protection.
The RelaxedLeather Case is thicker than some of the plastic cases I have tested, but still thin enough to fit into all of my pockets.
Twelve South made the RelaxedLeather Case from genuine cow leather and they hand-finished each case with custom burnishing that makes each case unique.
I own several leather products from Twelve South, and much like the RelaxedLeather Case, they are all of outstanding quality and craftsmanship.
The RelaxedLeather Case is fully compatible with wireless charging pads, but Twelve South recommends removing all credit cards before placing the phone on the charging pad as their magnetic strips could get demagnetized.
The case provides easy access to all buttons and the lightning port. Only the cutout for the mute switch is not big enough for my fat fingers to reach the switch. I have to use my fingernail to toggle the switch and thus need to use my second hand.
Thanks to the large cutout on the bottom, the RelaxedLeather Case is compatible with all the charging stands and docks I have tried.
The RelaxedLeather Case is available with and without pockets that can hold your ID or credit cards. I like that Twelve South decided to offer two instead of only one pocket because it allows me to bring my ID and one credit card. That’s incredibly useful, and it means that I can leave my wallet at home while using the case.
Conclusion – Best Leather Cases
As much as I’d love to use my iPhone XS without a case, Apple’s choice of glass as the primary material for the outer body makes it too easy to scratch it. Unlike rubber or polycarbonate, leather is an excellent material to complement a premium gadget, such as the iPhone XS.
I hope that my review has given you some idea of what top products are out there.
What case material do you prefer – rugged leather or durable plastic? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
Top 3 Leather Folio Cases
Folio or wallet cases feature slots and sleeves for credit cards and paper money. As a result, they can replace your wallet and free up space in your pocket or purse.
Here is a roundup of the best leather folio cases for iPhone XS that I have tested.
| Leather Folio Cases | Rating |
|---|---|
| Burkley Leather Wallet Folio Case | ★★★★☆ |
| Burkley Leather Snap-On Case With Attached Wallet | ★★★★☆ |
| Twelve South Journal | ★★★★★ |
Burkley Leather Wallet Folio Case
- Offers outstanding protection
- Made from premium leather
- Wireless charging compatible
- Doubles as a wallet
- Built-in kickstand
- Thickness
- Screen cover makes one-handed use difficult
- Small mute switch cutout
The Burkley case is relatively thick and offers a lot of padding all around. As a result, it offers excellent protection for your phone. Given its design, the Burkley’s case is among the thickest cases that I have tested.
I could still put the phone with the case into many of my pants pockets, but not into all of them. For those of you who like to wear skinny jeans, you better bring a purse. However, during my testing period, I have seen my wife stick the phone/case combo into the back pocket of her skinny jeans, and she seemed to be OK with it.
The leather that Burkley used to make this case looks and feels high-end, making this case an excellent companion to the iPhone X. As with most genuine leather products, it ages over time thus giving it character and making it look unique. So don’t worry about scuffs and scratches to the case.
Usability
The Folio Wallet Case is fully compatible with Qi wireless charging pads as long as the screen cover with the credit cards is not in between the charging pad and the back of the phone.
The case provides easy access to all buttons and ports. Only the cutout for the mute switch is not big enough for my fat fingers to reach the switch. I have to use the fingernail of my index finger to toggle the switch, and that usually requires the use of an extra hand.
Thanks to the large cutout on the bottom of the case, I could connect my iPhone to all three stands that I use. If you want to have access to the screen while you have the iPhone docked, fold back the screen cover and hold it in place on the back with the magnetic flap.
To use the iPhone with one hand, you can fold back the screen cover. Unfortunately, that covers the rear camera. But without folding it back, the screen cover doesn’t stay open without covering part of the screen. Neither is ideal when you are trying to take a one-handed photo using the rear camera.
Of course, if you want to take a selfie, you can fold the screen cover back, and it won’t cover the front camera.
Additional Features
The Folio Wallet Case doubles as an iPhone X case wallet by offering three card slots and a compartment for cash. Additionally, it allows you to prop up your iPhone in landscape orientation for watching movies or making FaceTime video calls.
Burkley Leather Snap-On Case With Attached Wallet
- Offers outstanding protection
- Made from premium leather
- Doubles as a wallet
- Easily accessible ports
- Thickness
- Not wireless charging compatible
This case offers excellent protection on all sides, except for the screen. The padding on the four sides and the back are comparable with the Wallet Folio case.
The Leather Snap-On Case is as thick as the Wallet Folio case. But compared to its cousin, this case adds bulk to the back of the phone because of the wallet flap.
Usability
I would not recommend using this case in combination with an inductive charging pad if you have stored credit cards in the case. By putting cards with a magnetic strip on a wireless charger, you may demagnetize them.
From an accessibility perspective, this case is comparable to Burkley’s Leather Wallet Folio case. Thanks to the lack of screen flap, you can efficiently use this case with only one hand!
Additional Features
The Leather Snap-On Case doubles as a wallet by offering four card slots and a compartment for cash. One of the card slots has a transparent cover, making it ideal to store an ID card.
Twelve South Journal
- Offers outstanding protection
- Made from premium leather
- Wireless charging compatible
- Doubles as a wallet
- Built-in kickstand
- Thickness
- Screen cover makes one-handed use difficult
- Small mute switch cutout
The Journal offers a hard-plastic frame that can absorb a lot of force if you drop your phone. As a result, Twelve South’s wallet case provides excellent all-around protection for your iPhone.
Given its design, the Journal is among the thickest cases that I have tested. I could still put the phone with the case into many of my pockets, but not into all of them.
The quality and craftsmanship of the Journal are outstanding. The case looks and feels high-end, just like the iPhone X. It is worth mentioning that you have to “break in” the case.
That means the leather gets softer as you use it. When I first unpacked the case, the leather was relatively stiff. So give it a few days!
Usability
The case provides easy access to all buttons and ports. Only the cutout for the mute switch is not big enough for my fat fingers to reach the switch. I have to use my fingernail to toggle the switch and thus need to use my second hand.
Thanks to the large cutout on the bottom of the case, I could connect my iPhone to all three stands that I use. And once you have broken in the case, the screen cover should stay open while you have docked the phone.
One-handed use is possible, but you will probably have to wait until you have broken in the case. Otherwise, the screen cover may not stay out of your way when you are trying to take photos.
You can fold the screen cover back, but the case doesn’t have a magnetic flap to keep it there without you holding it back. As a result, it is probably more convenient to operate your phone with both hands and use the screen cover to shield the sun when taking pictures or for extra privacy from prying eyes.
Additional Features
Similar to the Burkley case, the Journal is an excellent iPhone X leather wallet case by offering three card slots and a compartment for cash. Additionally, it allows you to prop up your iPhone in landscape orientation for watching movies or making FaceTime video calls.
Conclusion – Leather Folio Cases
Wallet or folio cases add versatility to a case by allowing you to leave your wallet at home. Of course, you might have more stuff in your regular wallet than what fits into these cases.
However, I see the use of such cases an opportunity to carry only those (credit) cards I really need, while leaving the others at home. In other words, wallet cases force you to embrace minimalism.
Do you use leather wallet cases for your iPhone? If so, what’s your favorite and why? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
Best 3 iPhone Cases with Special Features
These cases have offer special features, such as a built-in kickstand, they were made from an unusual material (such as glass) or are incredibly thin.
| Cases with Special Features | Rating |
|---|---|
| ESR iPhone X Case | ★★★★☆ |
| Speck Presidio Wallet Case | ★★★★☆ |
ESR iPhone X Case
- Excellent versatility
- Outstanding protection
- Responsive buttons
- Kickstand makes a clicking noise
The ESR case strikes the right balance between protection and thickness, at least, for my requirements. It’s got a durable rubber bumper with a raised lip all around that protects the corners, the camera lens as well as the screen.
When I got this case, the hinge of the kickstand was an area of concern because I figured that it would wear out quickly and ultimately break. But after a few weeks of use, the hinge feels and looks as reliable as on day one. It just makes a bit of a clicking noise, which could be due to dust or debris that got into it.
Despite the metal kickstand, the ESR case is 100% compatible with all the wireless charging stands and pads I have tried. ESR managed to achieve that compatibility by placing the kickstand in the lower quarter of the case, which is just below the Qi receiver in the phone.
All the buttons on the ESR case are responsive and easy to press, but I need to use my fingernail to toggle the mute switch. That’s an “issue” I have experienced with almost all cases in this review.
Additionally, the case’s bumper makes the Lightning port inaccessible for some docking stations. Since replacing all docking stations in our house and car with wireless chargers, access to the Lightning port has become a non-issue for us.
Additional Features
What I love most about the ESR case is the integrated kickstand, which I don’t need every day, but when I do, I’m glad I have it. The kickstand is the reason why I haven’t taken this case off my phone yet.
Typically when I review cases, I use them for a few days before moving on. The ESR case has been on my iPhone X since I got it a few weeks ago.
Speck Presidio Wallet
- Shock absorbent- military-grade protection
- High-end materials and port covers
- Doubles as a wallet and credit card holder
- Not wireless charger compatible with credit cards inserted
- The thick bumper is not compatible with all charging stands
- Small cutout for the mute switch
For its Presidio Wallet case, Speck offers military-grade drop protection and shock absorption that protect your iPhone X from a drop of up to 10-foot.
To achieve that level of protection, Speck uses a combination of a polycarbonate shell with shock-absorbing Impactium rubber. Additionally, a third-party lab tests the case for its protective properties.
Much like the Twelve South Relaxed Leather case, the Speck Wallet case doesn’t add much bulk to my iPhone and thus fits easily into all of my pockets. I have been using Speck cases for the past few days and truly enjoyed it.
Speck offers conflicting information on its web page regarding compatibility with Qi charging pads. In my tests, the case worked flawlessly with wireless charging pads as long as I removed the credit cards from the slots on the back.
I would recommend doing that anyway, because leaving credit cards in the wallet may damage (demagnetize) them.
Except for the mute switch, all buttons and ports are easy to reach and operate. The cut out for the mute switch is a bit small and thus requires the use of my fingernail to flip it.
Unfortunately, this case is not compatible with any of my charging stands because of the protruding cardholder and the thick bumper on the bottom. The good news is, the case comes on and off easily. So at night, I would take it off and put it back on in the morning.
Additional Features
What I like most about the Presidio Wallet case is the credit card slot that holds three cards while at the same time, making the case only marginally thicker than other Speck’s Presidio Show.
Best 8 Protective Cases for iPhone
Protective cases are usually made from plastic or rubber and feature reinforced corners and bumpers. As a result, they may add bulk to your iPhone but, in return, offer superior, often military-grade protection.
| Best Protective Cases | Rating |
|---|---|
| Jisoncase Silicone Case* | ★★★★☆ |
| Nomad iPhone X Hexagon Case* | ★★★★☆ |
| Ringke® [FUSION] | ★★★★☆ |
| Ringke® [FLEX S]* | ★★★★☆ |
| Speck Presidio Show Case | ★★★★☆ |
| Totallee Thin iPhone XS Case | ★★★★★ |
| TOZO PP Ultra Thin | ★★★★★ |
| TOZO Crystal Clear Soft TPU Gel Skin* | ★★★★☆ |
Jisoncase Silicone Case
- Offers decent protection
- Soft and flexible
- Wireless charging compatible
- Thinness
- Difficult to get in and out of pockets
The Jisoncase silicone case offers reasonable drop protection that likely exceeds that of its leather cousin because silicone can absorb an impact better than leather.
The case also offers raised edges to protect the screen from scratches and scuffs. Similar to the Jisoncase leather case, the case protects the rear camera lens from scratches, but only by a hair.
Jisoncase managed to create a relatively thin silicone case that doesn’t add much bulk to the phone. The only drawback of this case is the friction the silicone creates when you try to get the phone in or out of a pocket.
The case has a large cutout at the bottom, making it compatible with most charging stands, including the ones I use. Jisoncase also made the cutout of the mute switch wide enough to allow users to toggle the mute switch with their thumb.
Thanks to the friction of the silicone, this case offers an incredibly solid grip, making it less likely to drop the phone.
Nomad iPhone X Hexagon Case
- Offers military-grade protection
- High-end materials
- Wireless charging compatible
- Allows easy access to all buttons
- The thick bumper is not compatible with all charging stands
The Nomad Hexagon is a rugged case that offers 10 feet mil-spec drop protection. That means you can drop your phone from a height of up to 10 feet without damaging it. Additionally, the rubber bumper of this case has a raised lip that protects the screen from scratches and scuffs.
While the Hexagon case is not as thin as other cases in this review, I feel like Nomad has stricken the right balance between thickness and protection. My iPhone X doesn’t feel bulky with this case, and it has comfortably fit into all my pockets.
Nomad has used top-quality materials, such as durable polycarbonate for this case. It looks and feels well-made, and I have enjoyed using this case, especially while traveling.
Except for the Lightning port on the bottom, all buttons and switches are easily accessible. The Lighting port is also conveniently accessible, but the rubber bumper may not work with many charging stands, including some that I have tested.
The Nomad case feels incredibly comfortable in my hands while the rubber bumper and hexagon pattern give it some texture for a secure grip.
Ringke® [FUSION] and [FLEX]
I have combined both the [FUSION] and [FLEX] into a single section because both cases offer identical features and only differ in design.
![Ringke [FUSION] case](https://cdn.michaelkummer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ringke-fusion.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&w=2560&ssl=1)
- Offers military-grade protection
- High-end materials
- Wireless charging compatible
- Allows easy access to all buttons
- Offers optional wrist strap
- Slightly thicker than other plastic cases
- The thick bumper is not compatible with all charging stands
Ringke offers military-grade protection in this clear case, which makes it one of the best protective iPhone cases on the market. The [FUSION] is a bit thicker than the other plastic and silicone cases I have reviewed.
But in return, you get military-grade protection. Despite its thickness, I could still fit it into all of my pockets without any issues.
![Ringke [FUSION] case offers military-grade protection](https://cdn.michaelkummer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ringke-fusion-2.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&w=2560&ssl=1)
The tough case provides easy access to all buttons and ports, and even the cutout for the mute switch is large enough so I could toggle if without needing to use my fingernail. Additionally, the buttons are incredibly soft and responsive, thanks to what Ringke calls Active Touch Technology.
The thick bumper didn’t work with any of my charging stands, so I had to take the case off before connecting my phone. Only the Twelve South HiRise 2 comes with a riser that makes the Lightning charging connector stick out more than usual.
By using the riser, I didn’t have to remove the case before connecting my phone to charge it. Of course, all regular Lighting charging cables work without any issues.
Considering that the [FUSION] doesn’t have any flaps or covers, one-handed use is not a problem and the material Ringke uses provides a firm grip.
The [FUSION] has two tiny cutouts that allow you to loop through a wrist strap. Additionally, the case has a raised bezel, thus shielding the screen from scratches when you place the phone with the screen facing down on a hard surface.
The Ringe [FUSION] case is available for a large number of other phones from Apple, Google, and Samsung.
Speck Presidio Show
- Offers military-grade protection
- High-end materials
- Wireless charging compatible
- The thick bumper is not compatible with all charging stands
- Small cutout for the mute switch
The Presidio Show is a heavy-duty case that offers the same military-grade and third-party verified 10-foot drop protection as the Presidio Wallet case.
Even though the Presidio Show is relatively thick, compared to some of the non-wallet cases I have reviewed, it comfortably fits into my pants pockets without feeling uncomfortable.
As all the cases of the Presidio line, the Show offers easy access to all buttons and ports, with two exceptions:
- I need to use my fingernail to toggle the mute switch
- The case is not compatible with my charging stands, due to the thick bumper on the bottom
One-handed use was not an issue during my tests, and the rubber bumper made it easy to maintain a solid grip.
Much like the [FUSION], the Presidio Show phone case is available for a large number of different phones from Apple, Google, and Samsung.
Totallee Thin iPhone XS Case
- Ultra-thin – only 0.02 inches “thick”
- Raised camera bump to protect the lens
- High-quality materials
- Delicate to take on and off
- Limited drop protection
The Totallee Thin with its slim profile is arguably one of the thinnest, high-quality iPhone cases I have ever tested. Much like its cousin made from leather, this stylish case fits my iPhone XS like a second skin. It’s available in different color options, including white, black, red, and navy blue.
Considering that the case is only 0.02 inches thin, I recommend putting the case on and off with care. If you don’t, you might risk tearing it around the button cutouts.
But despite its incredibly slim profile, Totallee offers a raised camera bump that protects the lens of the iPhone’s dual-camera from scratches and scuffs.
Unlike some less expensive brands of ultra-slim phone cases, Totallee used only the highest quality materials to prevent the case from warping or becoming loose over time.
Additionally, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product.
The Totallee Thin iPhone XS Case is available for numerous other phone models, including the iPhone Xs Max, iPhone XR, Google Pixel 3 and others.
TOZO PP Ultra Thin
- Incredibly Thin
- Wireless charging compatible
- Easy access to all buttons and ports
- Offers a raized bezel to protect the rear camera lens
- Offers only protection from scratches
- Cutout for the Lightning port is prone to breaking
The ultra-thin TOZO case only protects the iPhone X from scratches and scuffs. It’s so thin that it would not absorb the impact of a drop. But the case does offer a raised lip to protect the lens of the rear camera.
The PP Ultra Thin is the thinnest case I have tested and one of the thinnest cases on the market. It’s like a second skin that doesn’t add any bulk to your phone.
The TOZO PP Ultra Thin is a precision-cut case that is only 0.35 millimeters thick. The plastic looks quite durable, except for the cutout for the Lightning port. TOZO recommends being careful when taking the case on and off, as the cutout could easily break because it is so thin.
Considering its ridiculously thin design and precision cut, all ports, buttons, and switches are easily accessible. The TOZO case is also fully compatible with all docks and stands that I have tried.
One-handed use is not a problem, and you won’t even notice you are using a case. Compared to silicone cases, the plastic TOZO uses for this phone case is a bit more slippery.
TOZO Gel Skin
- Thinness
- Offers decent protection
- Wireless charging compatible
- Easy access to all buttons
- Small cutout for the mute switch
The Gel Skin is an excellent protective case that provides excellent protection from scratches, scuffs, and drops. I am guessing its level of protection is below the Ringke but way above the PP Ultra Thin. Much like its thinner cousin, the TOZO Gel Skin case has a raised lip to protect the lens of the rear camera.
Even though the Gel Skin case is almost 3x as thick as the PP Ultra Thin, it is still one of the thinnest cases that I have tested. As such, it comfortably fits into all of my pockets without any issues.
The TOZO Gel Skin is a precision-cut case that is only 1 millimeter thick. The plastic looks quite durable, including the cutout for the Lightning port.
All buttons and ports are easily accessible, except for the mute switch. The cutout is not large enough to enable one-handed operation of the switch. Compared to the Ringke, the buttons are not as soft and responsive. That doesn’t mean they are difficult to press, but I noticed a difference.
The TOZO case is also fully compatible with all docks and charging stands that I have tried. One-handed use is not a problem, and the gel skin offers a firm grip when holding the phone.
Conclusion – Best Protective iPhone Cases
From a quality and usability perspective, you cannot go wrong with any of the protective cases for the iPhone XS I have reviewed. It ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and taste.
How I Conducted The Review
Everybody’s taste is different, and I understand that what is important to me may not be relevant to someone else and vice versa. But so you know where I am coming from, here are the test criteria I was applying during my review of each case:
Level of Protection
The purpose of a case is first and foremost to protect your phone. Some folks use cases as a fashion statement, but I am not part of that group.
As a rule of thumb, the thicker the case, the more protection it offers. Some of the cases that I have tested are super thin and only protect from scratches and scuffs. But I don’t think they would prevent damage to my iPhone if I dropped it from six feet.
In my life, I had just dropped an iPhone once or twice when it slipped out of my chest pocket. As a result, I am more concerned about scratches or dents that are the results of daily use than a cracked screen caused by a drop. If worse comes to worst, I have Apple Care to repair a cracked screen or backplate.
Quality Of Material And Craftsmanship
The iPhone X is Apple’s most expensive iPhone yet, and it deserves a high-quality case. The difference in quality is often more apparent in leather cases than in silicone or plastic cases.
Thickness And Fit Into Pockets
I usually carry the iPhone in the pocket of my pants. As a result, thinner cases commonly fit better than thicker ones. My wife, on the other hand, is less concerned about the thickness because she usually carries her iPhone in a purse.
Compatibility With Wireless Charging Pads
With the iPhone X, Apple introduced wireless charging. If you use one of those wireless charging pads, you probably want a compatible case to go with it.
Accessibility Of Buttons, Ports, And Switches
A good case shouldn’t make it significantly more difficult to access any of the buttons, ports, and switches of the phone. The two areas where I have seen issues in the past are small cutouts on the bottom and around the mute switch.
If those cutouts are too small, they make it difficult to toggle the mute switch or decrease compatibility with charging docks.
I have a Twelve South HiRise charging stand on the desk in my office, an Archeer 2 in 1 Apple Watch and iPhone charging dock on my nightstand and a BOBINE AUTO dock in my car. I tested each case to see if it was compatible with those docks and charging stands.
Ease Of One-Handed Use
I use my iPhone X one-handed a lot, especially when taking photos. A case shouldn’t get in the way of that.
Additional Features
Some cases offer extra features, such as built-in card slots or the ability to prop the iPhone up for watching movies or making FaceTime video calls.
Availability For Other iPhone Models
Most case manufacturers make their cases available for other phone models, including Android, Google, and others. I have added a note to point out for what other phone models the tested case is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maintenance of your leather case is similar to other genuine leather products. I recommend wiping off dirt immediately, using a moist cloth, if necessary. After cleaning use saddle soap or a leather conditioner to keep the leather in good condition.
Depending on the type of case, a leather case can offer protection as good as any other type of case. However, the thin leather sleeves I have reviewed in this article are better suited to protect your devices from scratches and scuffs.
If you are looking to protect your phone from drops or cracked screens, I recommend a thicker leather wallet or silicone case.
If you have had your leather case for a while, you might have noticed slight changes in color or a soft sheen on the surface. That’s completely normal with genuine leather products, and it makes them unique.
Also, don’t worry about small scuffs and scratches that, over time, give your leather case character and personality.
For many years, I refused to use a case or screen protector because I didn’t want to make my phone thicker or hide its design. But I realized that I could sell the phone at a higher price if it didn’t have any dings and scratches.
So last year, I started experimenting with high-end leather cases and frequently used one on my iPhone 7 Plus.
Many reviewers consider the iPhone X the most breakable iPhone yet. That is because Apple decided to use glass instead of aluminum for the back panel of the iPhone X.
Apple did that to enable support for wireless charging. Unfortunately, glass can break and scratch quickly and thus the need for a good case became even stronger than it was before.
What makes a good case, depends on your individual needs, and that’s why I have reviewed a variety of cases from numerous manufacturers.
Some of you may have read that the camera bump of the iPhone XS is slightly taller and wider than that of the iPhone X. That’s true, and as a result, some iPhone X cases may not fit the new iPhone.
I have tried some of the iPhone X cases I reviewed in the past, and they all fit on my iPhone XS, albeit not perfectly.
I currently use Apple’s battery case for the iPhone XS when I travel. It’s relatively bulky, so I don’t use it on a daily basis. However, when I’m on the road, it’s super convenient and I love it.
I’ve also heard good things about the Mophie Juice Pack, but I haven’t used one in a few years.
I have heard good things about the LifeProof case. However, I never used them. Starting with the iPhone 7, Apple made its phones water-resistant and I never had the need for anything beyond IP68 (iPhone XS).
Final Words – Best iPhone Cases
There are hundreds of different iPhone cases on the market and finding the best one ultimately boils down to your personal preferences. I have tested dozens of cases made out of various materials, including high-end horween leather, plastic, silicone, rubber and more.
However, instead of sticking to one particular case or case material, I usually cycle through different cases. When I’m traveling, I slap on my Apple battery case, when I go to a meeting I use a high-quality leather case and at home, I usually have a thin plastic case that protects my iPhone XS from scratches.
What’s your favorite case? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
I’m a healthy living and technology enthusiast.
On this blog, I share in-depth product reviews, actionable information and solutions to complex problems in plain and easy-to-understand language.
Hi:
I bought Haxford, it came in ugly engraving and poorly made, screen protecting lips are kind of deformed. Also no reply from customer service whatsoever. Its a trap I raised it with PayPal waiting to hear.
Hi Bob,
I’m sorry to hear about your bad experience with one of the products I recommended. I never had any issues with the brand in the past but it’s been a few years since I last dealt with them. I hope you’ll be able to get a refund!
Cheers,
Michael
Hi Michael
I’ve only found and read your updated article today.
Congratulations on the best, most knowledgeable, comprehensive and well written case review I’ve read.
And I’ve read many of them, as the Ceo of NueVue, the inventors of health technology in iPhone and iPad cases.
When writting further reviews we’d appreciate you considering our products for inclusion.
Many thanks
Derek
Cases that :
Kill 99.99% of Germs and Viruses Dead*
Protect drop after drop.
Clean dirty screens that cause eyestrain and headaches.
*Coronavirus strains, influenzas, bacteria, MRSA and many other related illnesses.
Hello Michael,
This is Nadezhda from Maryble (www.maryble.com).
Really the best review of those that I saw in contrast to the same reviews of “best 100 iPhone cases”. I will be very happy if you are interested in reviewing one of our leather cases, they are cool :)
I sent you feedback, I look forward to hearing from you.
Hi Michael,
great read.
Their outstanding quality leather cases gilded and protected our tribes iPhones for a dozen years now with astounding durability.
Have fun!
Regards
Frank
Thanks Frank!