Apple may have refreshed the iPhone SE for 2020, but what if you’re still rocking the original model?
A 4in screen is practically unheard of on modern smartphones, but many people still have a preference for this smaller form factor.
2013’s iPhone 5s has the same size screen, meaning many cases will work on both models. Neither are available directly from Apple anymore, but there are SIM-free options available at retailers such as Amazon.
Currently, the iPhone SE is available for £139, while the iPhone 5s will set you back around $99.95 in the US.
Despite their age, there are still plenty of great case options available. Here are the best we’ve found.
If you’re looking to upgrade, check out our round up of the best iPhone deals.
tech21 Evo Mesh Case for iPhone SE
tech21 is a great company that specialises in excellent protective cases for tech products, and the iPhone 5s and SE are not exceptions. We recommend the Evo Mesh case, which boasts the company’s FlexShock system – basically a segmented, rubberised bumper that absorbs shock if and when you drop your phone.
It’s no longer available directly from the retailer, but you can still buy it on Amazon for £12.99/US$6.95
Caseable iPhone SE cases
Caseable makes to-order cases for tons of different tech products, and they’re available in a number of styles too. Its snap on cases protect the back and sides of the iPhone, while being grippy enough to stop its sleek body slipping around.
Check out the full Caseable range here (US range here)- you can even send in your own designs to be put onto their accessories.
Prices start at £11.90/US$9.90.
Snakehive Wood Back case for iPhone SE
This affordable, well-made wooden case from Snakehive is a smart choice for the iPhone SE. We really like the Rosewood case (pictured) but you can also opt for bamboo or European full grain nubuck leather.
Also compatible with the iPhone 5 and 5s, the case offers sturdy drop protection and access to all ports and buttons. If you’re buying through Amazon, the US version only specifies a fit with the iPhone 5 and 5S, though we think it will probably fit the SE as well.
You can check out the rest of Snakehive’s iPhone SE case range here too (US visitors can click here). Price start at £13.95/US$9.99.
Kwmobile iPhone SE/5/5s Case
Here’s a simple silicone case from Kwmobile that fits the iPhone SE, 5 and 5s. It’s anti-slip and shock absorbent. You can also pick it up in a range of different and patterns and colours from Amazon, where it’s only £6.99/US$7.99.
Otterbox Symmetry Cover Case for iPhone SE
The Otterbox Symmetry case is both good-looking and super-durable. It has a dual material construction for extra iPhone protection, but doesn’t add too much bulk.
It’s available in black, clear & black, dark blue, grey, and red. It is also pleasingly slim for such a protective case.
You can pick it up directly from Otterbox (£29.99/US$28.66) or from Amazon for £17.94/US$26.21.
Casetify iPhone SE range
Casetify offers a seemingly endless range of iPhone 5s and SE cases with free shipping to the UK. Its range is a tad on the feminine side, but with so many to choose from we think there will be a design for everyone.
The design is a simple snap case, and there’s also an option to design your own, so get creative with it!
Pick one up directly from Casetify from £30.
Twelve South SurfacePad for iPhone SE
This case by Twelve South, which also makes the popular BookBook range for iPhone, is a great choice if you want a protective case that keeps your phone elegant and slim.
It’s available from Amazon for £20/US$19.99.
Zagg Piccadilly Case for iPhone SE/5S/5
The Piccadilly case from Gear4 is a style that’s available for several phones. It’s clear so you don’t have to hide the iPhone itself away in a bulky case.
It offers D3O protection, Gear4’s patented material, that’s used in helmets, gloves and other robust gear used by soldiers, athletes and industrial workers – so it’s sure to keep your phone safe.
Pick it up from Amazon for £8.93 or US$18.
Spigen iPhone SE/5s Case
Spigen is another trusted brand when it comes to phone protection, and we’ve featured them in many of our round ups previously. The Tough Armor offers military certified drop protection in a bulk-free frame.
It uses a combination of hard plastic on the exterior and soft TPU (silicone) on the interior to keep your iPhone protected from all sides. The raised lip also protects your iPhone screen from scratches.
You can pick it up from Amazon for £9.99/US$25.99. Spigen doesn’t directly sell this style any more, but you can see other options for the iPhone SE/5/5s on its site (Spigen US here).
Ted Baker Folio Case for iPhone SE/5s/5
Ted Baker’s selections are some of the most eye-catching options out there.
The Porcelain Rose option here is on the more feminine side and features the floral print on faux leather. The front cover closes magnetically, and there’s also a nifty mirror inside. It’s ideal for protection from day-to-day wear.
You can pick it up directly from Proporta where it’s £26.95/US$36. It’s available on Amazon for £28.95/US$35.95.
Speck CandyShell Case for iPhone SE/5s/5
Speck cases provide affordable and hardy protection for your iPhone – it’s another brand we recommend often.
The CandyShell range use to be available in a few styles, but that options have started to dwindle over time. We’re happy to still find some CandyShell cases still available for the iPhone 5 and SE range, like the one pictured in Cadet Blue.
The case offers a hard plastic exterior in fantastic bold colours, and a soft rubber interior that cushions your phone to offers shock protection. The corners are also cushioned to minimise impact.
Available from Amazon for £17.18/US$15.28.
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Via MACWORLD