The best rugged cases for the iPhone 12 lineup

There are a lot of case options out there for the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max. But if you’re in the market for one that offers up a bit more of a rugged design, we’ve got some options for you.

Below, you’ll find a roundup of the best options when it comes to a rugged case for your iPhone 12 — whichever variant you might have. These cases are typically a bit thicker than most cases out there, and some of them offer a bit more grip to make sure they don’t slip out of your hand. Whatever the case might be (no pun intended), you’ll get plenty of protection for the price.

So, here’s the list.

The best iPhone 12 rugged cases

Smartish

Smartish cases are rugged by design, but they primarily focus on grip. It’s great to offer up plenty of protection for a phone, but if the case is too slick to use comfortably on a daily basis, that’s not so great. Smartish has made a rugged case that also offers up plenty of grip so it won’t slide out of your hand.

It has a hard case shell on outside, as you’d expect. The smooth back is made from TPU, while the sides are “grippy” so your fingers won’t slide while using it. In addition to that, there are grooves on the side, so your fingers can fit comfortably in them.

The Smartish Gripzilla case is available for the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. It’s available now from Amazon in Black Tie Affair, Gray Area, and two additional color options.

Buy Smartish Gripzilla for iPhone 12 lineup for $19.99

LifeProof

The LifeProof rugged case isn’t necessarily bulky, which is a good thing. It still offers up plenty of protection, though. LifeProof says the Next Amplify case can survive a fall from up to 2 meters, and it matches the MIL STD 810G-516.6 standard for drops.

The case offers port protection by default, and it can keep the phone safe from snow and/or dirt. It’s available for the full iPhone 12 lineup. The case back is clear, so you can show off your phone’s color. However, there are a few different color options for the sides of the case.

Buy the LifeProof Next case for iPhone 12 mini for $50.93

Buy the LifeProof Next case for iPhone 12/12 Pro for $49.94

Buy the LieProof Next case for iPhone 12 Pro Max for $55.14

Spigen

Spigen’s case offers up protection, as well as at least one other trick for good measure. It offers a multi-layered design for protection, and the case is available for the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Spigen says its case offers an “all-new foam technology” that’s designed to add another layer of shock protection just in case you drop your phone. Meanwhile, the case features a combination of TPU and Polycarbonate materials. It also reaches MIL-STD 810G-516.6 standard for drop protection.

And finally, the Spigen case features a built-in, reinforced kickstand so you can prop up your phone to watch content.

The Spigen Tough Armor rugged case for the iPhone 12 lineup is available now in black, gunmetal, red, and sky blue.

Buy Spigen Tough Armor case for iPhone 12 mini for $14.99 – $16.99

Buy Spigen Tough Armor case for iPhone 12/12 Pro for $14.99 – $16.99

Buy Spigen Tough Armor case for iPhone 12 Pro Max for $14.99 – $16.99

OtterBox

OtterBox has been making rugged cases for smartphones for a long time. Its Defender Series has stood the test of time, and the case itself will help your phone do the same. It’s available for every variant in the iPhone 12 lineup. The case offers multiple layers of defense.

There’s a hard inner shell with this case, and the outer case is soft to make it comfortable for daily use. It also offers a belt-clip holster if you want to clip the phone directly to your belt. It also doubles as a built-in kickstand as well.

Port covers will keep out dust debris, and the raised edges will protect the display and the rear camera system.

The OtterBox Defender Series case is available in a range of colors right now: black, teal, camouflage, blue, and red.

Buy OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone 12 mini for $59.95 – $64.95

Buy OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone 12/12 Pro for $59.95 – $64.95

Buy OtterBox Defender Series for iPhone 12 Pro Max for $59.95 – $64.95

So, there we have it. A few different rugged options to help protect your iPhone 12. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to let us know in the comments!