In a world where everyone has the iPhone 5, you've got to stand out in the crowd. You also need a way of shielding your very expensive handset from scratches, dust and breakage. Cellphone covers give smartphone owners a chance to combine protecting their device with a way of making it uniquely theirs.
Still, many users care less about accessorizing, and more about finding a practical case that will protect their product. If you prefer functionality over looks, we recommend Otterbox or Mophie (as listed below).
But if you're in the market for something unique and interesting, we've also rounded up some unusual, cute and multi-functional cases from around the Internets.
If you find yourself running out of battery life on a regular basis, you may want to invest in a case that extends your phone’s battery power. The Mophie Juice Pack Air for iPhone 5 contains a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, and connects to the port at the bottom of your cell. Flip the switch at the back when your battery runs low to extend your phone’s power by up to an additional 8 hours of talk or Web browsing time. The Juice Pack Air looks like a regular protective case, and is smooth, lightweight and durable.
Retails for $99.95 USD.
Touted as ‘The Toughest Case Ever Built’, you may have heard of the Otterbox series of cellphone cases – they’re the number one selling protective cases for smartphones. Otterbox’s Armor series can tolerate water submersion for up to 30 minutes in over 6 feet of water, will withstand a 10 foot drop onto concrete and can take up to 2 tonnes of crushing force. The built-in protector prevents damage to your iPhone’s display, and the case itself is smooth, sleek and lightweight. If you’re looking for a smartphone case for the Bear Grylls in your life, Otterbox has you covered.
Retails for $99.95 USD.
Speaking of Bear Grylls, would-be survivalists should definitely put this on their wishlist. The TaskOne iPhone 5 Case basically turns your smartphone into a Swiss Army knife, providing 22 different tools and kickstands within a compact protective case. The case contains a 2” removable knife, three screwdrivers, 6 different sized Allen wrenches, a bottle opener, wire cutters and more, making it the perfect smartphone accessory for anyone with a love of the outdoors or DIY. The tools aren’t designed for regular or long-term use, but are ideal for emergency repairs on the go.
Retails for $99.95 USD.
Kids (and kids at heart) will appreciate Belkin’s LEGO Builder Case for iPhone 5. The case offers full button and phone protection, but the back is an official LEGO Base Plate, so users can customize it with their favourite LEGO bricks. Released in official partnership with LEGO, Belkin’s case is scratch-resistant and shock-absorbent, and available in a variety of colours. Bricks are unfortunately not included, but if you've got any old LEGO kits stashed at the back of the cupboard, this may inspire you to get creative.
Retails for £24.99.
If a LEGO case doesn’t bring back enough childhood memories, the iFoolish 2 Magic Drawing Case is a protective cellphone case with a quirky retro twist. Like a miniature 'Magna Doodle' for your phone, it features a 4” ‘magic drawing board’ and attached pen, with an easy-to-use slider to erase your work. The Magic Drawing Case also provides a handy way of jotting down notes or reminders in a hurry, as well as a cute means of customizing your device.
Retails for £14.99.
If you’re looking for something to make your iPhone stand out, Case Mate’s Creatures collection offers a variety of colorful birds and exotic animals – including tigers, flamingos, elephants and peacocks. Each case is crafted from silicone and textured for easy handling, as well as providing protection from scratches and damage. Most designs come with an accompanying charm for extra cuteness, and a one-year warranty for extra customer satisfaction.
Retails for £20.00.
Animal lovers may also be interested in Anicase's animal-themed products. Anicase is a company with a cause – donating 10% of its net profits to endangered species conservation effects. Its website offers seven cute and quirky designs fashioned after endangered species, including the polar bear, giant panda, Siberian tiger and sun bear. The cases are lightweight and thin, providing adequate protection and maximum sweetness.
Retails for $24.99 or $29.99 USD.
If the previous two cases weren't adorable enough for you, the BoxyTech Rabito case is compact, lightweight, protective and - most importantly - has a fluffy rabbit's tail. The case itself is made of silicone with moulded bunny ears, and features a polyester detachable bunny tail, because why not? Although it does remind us a little too much of the Playboy logo, it’s available in 8 colors and is sure to appeal to teenage girls (and older iPhone users with no shame).
Retails for $19.99 USD.
Pop culture enthusiasts will find something to geek out over at Society6, a site allowing artists worldwide to sell their designs on products including iPhone cases. Browsing the site is like falling down a rabbit hole of awesome art, but we love Danny Haas’ film and TV inspired cases. The designs include nods to shows such as Game of Thrones, Community, Doctor Who, and this Walking Dead-inspired cover of a zombified Rick Grimes. Cases are made of slim hard plastic, and are probably more about keeping your device uniquely cool, rather than keeping it protected.
Retails for $35.00 USD.
On the subject of geekiness, the official limited edition Star Wars iPhone cases are a must have for fans of the iconic film series. Available in Chewbacca, Darth Vader, C-3PO and R2-D2 designs, the cases may not protect against Wookiee attacks, but the reinforced hard shell will prevent scratches and surface damage. The pictured Chewy case is covered in faux Chewbacca fur, which is a nice, and very tactile, touch (but we suspect it may become grubby rather quickly).
Retails for $34.99 USD (Galactic Credits not accepted).
Carved create beautiful, handcrafted iPhone 5 cases, made from real wood combined with a plastic encasing mode. Each case features unique grain patterns with precision laser cut and engrained wood designs. Carved offers plain wood cases or more intricate, detailed designs such as robots, maps and the cute ‘Little Monster’ as pictured. The case offers protection from scratches and mishaps but again, is one you’ll choose for the aesthetic value rather than its defensive qualities.
Retails from $24.00 USD.
Finally, if you want your cellphone to be the talk of the office, why not toughen up your device with a Knucklecase? Machine crafted from aluminium and available in silver, gold, black and white, the eye-catching knuckleduster grip will really add to your street cred. The manufacturers have included a disclaimer stating that the case is not a weapon, and the faux knuckleduster is to be used as a ‘handle and protective accessory’ only. Like the TaskOne case, this is another cell cover that may not be welcomed by airport security, so carry it at your own risk.
Retails from $120.00 USD.
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