Image via Complex Original
It's been a week since Apple's newest smartphone hit the market and has already gone on to become the fastest selling iPhone of all-time. However, its record-breaking sales and phenomenal reviews have been overshadowed by controversy in what the media has dubbed ScuffGate. Recent news reports have Apple shipping iPhone 5 devices with scuffmarks right out the box, which Senior VP of Global Marketing Phil Schiller claims is normal for any aluminum-coated product. To make sure your iPhone doesn't suffer any real damage, now's the time to invest in a protective case. We checked out the latest collections from today's biggest smartphone accessory makers and handpicked the 13 Best iPhone 5 Cases Available Now. Here's a look at what's out there.
Incase Slider Case
Incase's design language so Apple-esque, you would think it was stationed somewhere in Cupertino. For the release of the iPhone 5, the accessory maker retrofitted some of its most popular cases including our favorite: the Slider Case. The two-piece case completely engulfs the phone, but doesn't add too much bulk. It's only available in black and whtie at the moment, but expect more colors and textures in the future. The case drops in October, but you can pre-order it now.
Click here to Buy it Now at Incase, $35
Grove Case
Constructed from a plant fiber composite inner and renewable bamboo outer shell, Grove’s sustainable, eco-friendly cases feature beautiful craftsmanship and great protection.Add a customized engraving on the back and bask in the detailing and the hand-sanded finish. It's also worth mentioning that each case is handmade in Portland, Oregon.
Belkin View Case
The problem with most cases is the fact that they obstruct the work of Apple's VP of Industrial Design, Jony Ive. This Belkin case eases those woes with its new View Case. To protect your handset from accidental drops, it features a frame made of high-grade plastic that protects all the phone's buttons. The back is made from transparent polycarbonate, so when it use it'll look like you're just rocking with a bumper. The iPhone 5 only comes in black or white, but the View Case is available in seven colors: purple, green, pink, light blue, a light purple called "Volta," white, black, and, for those that want obscure their new toy as little as possible, clear.
Click here to Buy it Now at Belkin, $19
Ballistic Shell Gel Series
Ballistic’s Shell Gel case feature three-layer protection in the form of a shock absorbent polymer, polycarbonate, and silicone to ensure full-on protection. Not to mention some sweet two-tone color variations.
iSkin Aura
Slim and sophisticated, iSkin’s latest case sports a front-edge guard that protects the touchscreen and durable side bumper to secure in-hand grip. The brushed aluminum finish on the rear accommodates the iPhone 5's attractive glass and aluminum build.
Click here to Buy It Now at iSkin, $40
Cygnett UrbanShield
Offered with carbon fiber or aluminum casing, the Urbanshield series is built to withstand the hardest bumps in grand fashion. Snap the iPhone into the case and embrace the soft-touch comfort of its rubberized edges when making calls or firing off Tweets. Screen protector included.
Click here to Buy It Now at Cygnett, $30
Joy Factory Daytona V
The Daytona V dons a unique watchband design and delivers high-quality protection with an inner silicon case that confines a hard plastic frame. Each case offers access to every major port, plus comes bundled with a Prism crystal screen protector and BubbleShield water-resistant sleeve. Sweet deal.
Boxwave Keyboard Buddy Case
Ever fantasized about an iPhone with a QWERTY keyboard? This is closest you’ll ever get. The Bluetooth-enabled case packs a thin slide-out keyboard with backlit keys and comes enclosed in a durable metallic shell that snaps right onto the handset. Charge the five-row typer using a micro-USB cable and get up to 2 weeks worth of power.
Case-Mate Pop! Case w/ Kickstand
Our favorite kickstand case gets the iPhone 5 treatment with Case-Mate expanding its color palate with 11 options. Enjoy watching videos hands-free, and complete protection from the dual-layered safeguard. The case also gives you access to all major ports and outlets.
Incipio OVRMLD
Incipio’s hybrid cover flaunts a Rigid Plextonium frame that’s both tear and stretch resistant, and offers full-coverage protection. Solid and light, the OVRMLD sits comfortably in any pocket. Pick from over five stylish options.
Click here to Buy It Now at Incipio, $35
X-Doria Cubit
You won’t find a more hands-on, customizable case on the market than the Cubit. X-Doria has bundled each of its Cubit cases with a set of interchangeable silicon cubes, giving you creative types an opportunity to showcase your talents by crafting designs on the back of polycarbonate shell.
Click here to Buy It Now at X-Doria, $30
Speck FabShell
Quirky designs combined with hard-shell casing make Speck’s FabShell collection one of the most stylish options for your iPhone 5. The smooth fabric and cutout detailing are flawless, plus the “shock-absorbing” rubber edges and raised bezel in the front provide additional safety.
OtterBox Prefix Series
If you're prone to dropping your iPhone more than Wes Welker drops passes, you need a case from OtterBox. For the iPhone 5, OtterBox introduced four new cases, all with varying degrees of protection. For the people who usually shy away from OtterBox cases because of their bulk, take a look at the Prefix. Despite its slim profile, it still features the great protection offered by OtterBox's other offerings. The exterior is made of soft-touch rubber, while the internal skeleton, made of durable polycarbonate and rubber pads, makes sure your iPhone stays safe.
