If you have butterfingers like I do or work in an environment that can be hazardous to your phone, you might be looking for an iPhone XR heavy-duty case. Personally, I prefer a regular iPhone XR case over the bulk of a rugged case in my day-to-day life. But if I'm doing something more adventurous than usual, or I've used up my AppleCare+ incidents, you can bet I would slap on an iPhone XR heavy-duty case.
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Speck Presidio Grip for iPhone XR
Protective and grippy
I particularly like the glittery styles, but it does come in other more sedate colors as well. Speck's cases offer serious (10-foot drop) protection without a ton of bulk. The Grip series has the non-slip grippy strips embedded in the case to prevent drops in the first place. This is a great thinner protective option.
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UAG (Urban Armor Gear) Pathfinder Series for iPhone XR
Tough style
This tough case meets military drop-test standards from up to four feet. The look is masculine and cool, and yet the case weighs surprisingly little. The case doesn't get in the way of any of the phone's functionality. My husband is crazy about this case.
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OtterBox Defender Series Pro Case for iPhone XR
The tank
This is the tank-type case that comes to mind when you say heavy-duty. It comes in a variety of color combinations. Though this particular model doesn't come with a built-in screen protector, you can still use a separate glass screen protector. It is far superior in touchscreen functionality anyway. The OtterBox Defender comes with a belt holster that doubles as a kickstand for video viewing.
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Coolden Hybrid Case for iPhone XR
Bargain option
This bargain case lets you see your gorgeous phone right through it. Two layers, including hard PC and soft TPU, offer plenty of protection. Choose from several colors and patterns.
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Mous Limitless 2.0 for iPhone XR
Stylish looks
Mous is an exciting new company funded on Indiegogo to produce highly protective yet sleek cases. The cases are crafted from a high-impact material, AiroShock™, which "contains tiny air pockets and cross-linking polymer chains that work like springs." The Walnut case is shown here, but Mous Limitless 2.0 cases come in several other fun materials such as shell, leather, and bamboo.
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Sonix iPhone XR Case
Upscale brand
Sonix brand cases are carried at a high-end department store, but you can get it for less at Amazon. You even get a glass screen protector included. The price varies quite a bit, depending on the design you choose. This is both an attractive and a protective case; it's military drop tested to 6.6 feet.
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Spigen Tough Armor for iPhone XR
Price + Protection
My son bought an earlier model of this case for his first iPhone, and he won't buy any other. Considering that his phone survived his rough-and-tumble teen years, I get that. He also has a limited budget, and Spigen's cases won't break the bank. This case is military drop tested and has a flip-out kickstand for video viewing. Choose from several colorways.
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Case-Mate Protection Collection for iPhone XR
Translucent protection
This translucent case lets your iPhone shine through. While the variety of colors isn't what it used to be when the iPhone XR was new, you can score a bargain on this once-pricey case. This case is wireless-charging compatible.
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Nomad Rugged iPhone Case for iPhone XR
Gorgeous leather
Heavy-duty doesn't have to mean utilitarian. This sumptuous American Horween Leather and polycarbonate case offers more than stunning good looks. It also gives you six-foot drop protection.
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Smartish Folio Wallet iPhone Case for iPhone XR
Full-featured
Leave the wallet at home and carry all of your essentials in the Smartish Folio Wallet case. It holds up to four cards plus cash, and it doubles as a kickstand for watching videos. It wraps up securely with the elastic band. My daughter had this on a previous phone and loved it so much that she re-purchased it for her XR. Choose from two colors: Rosé All Day, as shown, or Black Tie Affair.
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Velvet Caviar iPhone Case for iPhone XR
Trendy
Who says heavy-duty has to be boring? Velvet Caviar offers tons of Instagram-worthy styles, from holographic marble to animal prints. Stay on-trend while protecting your iPhone from drops of up to 8 feet. You can even get a matching grip ring for extra security.
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LeYi Compatible for iPhone XR Case
Grip and stand
This ultra-protective case has a ring grip built right in. It's helpful for taking photos and just getting a better grip on your phone. The grip also acts as a stand, which is perfect for watching videos. Bonus: two tempered glass screen protectors are included. Choose from several color options.
Which iPhone XR heavy duty case should you buy?
Why you can trust iMore Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Regardless of your case budget, there is a protective case on this list for everyone. So how do you do choose? Keep in mind that the bulkier the case, the more protective it's likely to be. You'll need to balance your need for protection with your desire for a lighter case.
When I'm going to be in a situation where I know a drop might be more likely, such as on vacation where I'm taking my phone out of my pocket frequently for photo opportunities, I'm most likely to put a Speck Presidio Grip on my iPhone. I prefer a slimmer design, and this one is fairly slim while still offering some serious protection. It doesn't hurt that it comes in such attractive colors. For me, this is a step up in protection from my usual slim cases.
If protection matters above all else, I'd go old school: the OtterBox Defender. It's almost like putting two cases on your phone, a hard inner shell for solid protection and a softer outer shell for a bit of give in case of drops. The holster is removable, so you can use it or not. Thank goodness this model doesn't come with the built-in screen protector; those often interfere with touchscreens. Since this case is screenless, you can use any iPhone XR screen protector you like, one that doesn't decrease the functionality of your phone. Price-wise it sits about in the middle; what you're paying for isn't style or looks; it's heavy-duty protection.
Looking for a different sort of case altogether? We've got you covered with the best clear cases for iPhone XR and the best cheap cases for iPhone XR.
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Karen S Freeman
Contributor
Karen is a contributor to iMore.com as a writer and co-host of the iMore Show. She’s been writing about Apple since 2010 with a year-long break to work at an Apple Store as a product specialist. She's also a contributor at CNET. Before joining iMore in 2018, Karen wrote for Macworld, AppAdvice, WatchAware. She’s an early adopter who used to wait in long lines on release days before pre-ordering made things much easier. Karen is also a part-time teacher and occasional movie extra. She loves to spend time with her family, travel the world, and is always looking for portable tech and accessories so she can work from anywhere.
FAQs
What is the toughest phone case for iPhone XR? ›
- Griffin Survivor Extreme.
- Otterbox Defender Pro.
- Otterbox Defender Screenless.
- Pelican Voyager.
- Spigen Tough Armor: ...
- Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro: ...
- Griffin Survivor Extreme: ...
- Rhinoshield CrashGuard: ...
- Zizo Bolt Series: ...
- Caseology Vault Series: ...
- Ghostek Nautical Series:
Products for iPhone 11 fit on iPhone XR. Products for iPhone 11 Pro fit on iPhone XS /X. Products for iPhone 11 Pro Max fit on iPhone XS Max. Products for iPhone 13 Pro Max fit on iPhone 12 Pro Max.
What makes the iPhone XR durable? ›The iPhone XR features a precision-machined 7000 Series aerospace-grade aluminum frame that wraps around an all-glass enclosure with the same durable glass used in the more expensive iPhone XS. Apple designed the iPhone XR in six colors: white, black, blue, coral, yellow, and (PRODUCT)RED.
Which is the most durable iPhone case in world? ›- Best Overall. Spigen Slim Armor Case For iPhone 8 Plus.
- OtterBox Defender Series iPhone 8 / 7 Case.
- Supcase Unicorn Beetle Pro Series Case for iPhone 11.
- Otterbox Commuter Series case for iPhone 8 Plus.
- OtterBox Defender Series Case for iPhone 8 Plus / 7 Plus.
When the device was dropped face down, from a height of six feet, onto concrete, the iPhone XR's LCD display shattered after the first drop. The drop was serious enough that the XR's screen malfunctioned and became unusable, which was the same thing that happened to the Apple iPhone XS during its own drop test.
What cases are better than OtterBox? ›| Description | |
|---|---|
| Pelican Cases | Check on Amazon |
| Survivor Cases | Check on Amazon |
| Lifeproof | Check on Amazon |
| Casetify | Check on Amazon |
The Defender Series® offers the most safeguards of any OtterBox case. And it's available for a range of smartphones and tablets. It's the only series with 3 layers of protection: a polycarbonate inner layer, a silicone outer layer and a sturdy, swiveling belt clip holster.
What is the best hard case brand? ›The best hard cases of 2023 include Pelican Air 1525, Nanuk 935 Waterproof, Pelican Air 1560 Roller Case, CASEMATIX Cam Hard Case, and Manfrotto Reloader Tough L55, among others. However, our best overall hard case is the Pelican Air 1525 due to its tough exterior and soft, well-padded foam interior.
Should you use an iPhone XR without a case? ›Being totally honest, the back of the Xr glass is the most likely to be broken glass on the phone. Remember, the phone is glass Front and Back. One drop and it can break. With a case, it's much more secure.
Does iPhone XR need a case? ›
The iPhone XR is a solid phone with a lot of great features. If you want to keep it safe, you'll need a case. A case not only adds protection, it also adds style and personality to your device.
Are XR and 11 phone cases the same? ›The release of the iPhone 11 bought major rear design changes, which means an iPhone XR case will not fit it. Although both phone models are the same size, the camera adjustments on the back of the iPhone 11 means that iPhone XR cases are not compatible with the iPhone 11.
Is iPhone XR still good in 2023? ›Is iPhone XR still good in 2023? Yes. The iPhone XR will continue to be a very competitive alternative in 2023 as long as it is still available for a fair price. The iPhone XR maintains a contemporary look while providing a large screen and a long-lasting battery.
What is the disadvantage of iPhone XR? ›iPhone XR Cons: Expensive compared to previous iPhone models and Android devices. Relatively interior "Liquid Retina HD" display (but still quite good). Not waterproof, just water resistant (IP67).
Is iPhone XR old? ›In 2019, Apple started assembling the iPhone XR in India. The iPhone XR as well as the iPhone 12 Pro with its Max variant were discontinued and removed from Apple's website after the announcement of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro on September 14, 2021, but is still available through third party retailers today.
Are Otterbox cases still the best? ›If you want dependable and heavy-duty protection for your phone, then an Otterbox case is the way to go. When it comes to quality materials and defense against damage, Otterbox cases are outstanding.
Is silicone or hard case better for iPhone? ›For a baseline level of protection, choose a case made of a shock-absorbent material (like silicone or rubber) that covers your phone's vulnerable corners. Shoman advises smartphone owners against plastic cases, which do not effectively absorb shock and are likelier to translate any impact to the device itself.
What is the most unbreakable iPhone? ›While the iPhone 11 features a standard glass front and back and Aerospace-grade aluminum, the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13's Ceramic Shield has been reinforced, making it stronger than even some metals.
Does iPhone XR have Gorilla glass? ›The iPhone XR is protected with Corning Gorilla Glass 6, the strongest display protector in smartphones today.
Is iPhone XR OK in the rain? ›The iPhone XR has a rating of “IP67” which means it is not fully protected from dust and can handle being under freshwater for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 metre and no more. If your phone gets dropped in a puddle, a shallow pool, or wet from the rain, it will be just fine.
Can I take my iPhone XR into the shower? ›
The iPhone XR and XS are not waterproof. But they are water resistant, and you can take them for a swim without too much concern -- even in salt water. According to Apple , the iPhone XR can survive a dunk up to 1 meter (3 feet) for 30 minutes, meeting the IP67 standard.
Which company phone cases are best? ›- Spigen. Best overall. A wide range of cases for most popular devices. ...
- Poetic. Great rugged cases. All-around protection for your smartphone. ...
- Supcase. Promoted pick. In partnership with Supcase. ...
- Ringke. Best value. Great phone cases on a budget. ...
- Otterbox. Premium option. ...
- ESR. Great kickstand cases.
Most users agree that while OtterBoxes feel like they would protect their phone from anything and everything, they're way too thick to be comfortable. Spigen cases, on the other hand, often also feel solid, but aren't nearly as thick as an OtterBox, generally making them more comfortable for the average user.
Is CASETiFY or Otterbox better? ›Conclusion. CASETiFY is the best option if you're looking for colorful, artistic, or unique designs, but both brands offer a variety of solid and neutral colors. If you're prone to dropping your phone, the CASETiFY Bounce Case model is your best bet.
Which OtterBox case is better defender or symmetry? ›The Otterbox Defender is their most rugged case, offering the highest level of protection. In contrast, Otterbox Symmetry cases have comparably less protection but have a slimmer and more stylish design.
Is OtterBox military grade? ›OtterBox Defender Case for iPhone 13 Pro, Shockproof, Drop Proof, Ultra-Rugged, Protective Case, 4X Tested to Military Standard, Black. Amazon's Choice highlights highly rated, well-priced products available to ship immediately.
What is the difference in Defender and Defender Pro OtterBox? ›Between the Otterbox Defender and Defender Pro, the biggest obvious difference in texture is the removal of the Apple cutout on the Otterbox Defender Pro. But if you look closely at the TPU cover, youʼll see the Otterbox Defender Pro has a lot more texture which theoretically will enhance the grip on the case.
Which Otterbox case is stronger? ›Best rugged Otterbox case: Defender series
It uses a synthetic rubber slipcover and a polycarbonate shell to keep the phone safe from accidental bumps and drops. The buttons are covered, and you also get port covers to keep dust, lint, and dirt away.
In terms of ruggedness, the front of the iPhone XR has the same durable glass as the iPhone XS, but the back is not as tough, so you may want to get an iPhone XR case.
What iPhone is better than an XR? ›The chipset has been upgraded to Apple's new A13 bionic processor, and along with 4GB of RAM and a bigger battery, iPhone 11 is a more powerful beast than iPhone XR.
How resistant is iPhone XR? ›
These models have a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes): iPhone SE (2nd generation) iPhone XR.
Is there a brand better than Otterbox? ›If you're looking for Otterbox competitors that offer comparable protectiveness with slimmer profiles and lower price points, then Spigen is a brand you should check out. What is this? The Spigen Slim Armor phone case series is an excellent Otterbox Defender alternative if its bulkiness that turns you off.
Which is better Otterbox or defender? ›What is this? When you compare Otterbox Defender and Commuter cases, the main difference between the two different types of Otterbox cases is that the Defender offers utmost protection. This is especially the case with its built-in screen protector and a hard inner shell.
Is iPhone XR still worth buying in 2023? ›Is iPhone XR still good in 2023? Yes. The iPhone XR will continue to be a very competitive alternative in 2023 as long as it is still available for a fair price. The iPhone XR maintains a contemporary look while providing a large screen and a long-lasting battery.
What does iPhone XR stand for? ›But why iPhone XR is called XR? What R means, anyway? Turns out, the letter R doesn't really mean anything significant for Apple. Phil Schiller, SVP of global marketing for Apple confirmed this in an interview with Engadget.
How old is iPhone XR? ›It is part of the twelfth generation of the iPhone, alongside the higher-end iPhone XS/XS Max models. Pre-orders began on October 19, 2018, with an official release on October 26, 2018.
Is the iPhone XR the most popular iPhone? ›"Except for the launch quarter in September 2018, iPhone XR has been the top-selling model globally in every quarter since Q4 2018. The XR alone contributed to over one-quarter of the total Apple sales during the quarter, making it the best-selling model for Apple across all regions," the report noted.
Should I change iPhone XR? ›Our Verdict. If you're happy with the iPhone XR, then sticking with it for another year will save you some money during these tricky times and you won't lose out on too much. But, if you're a photographer, budding film-maker, or just want to get a faster device, the iPhone 13 would make a significant upgrade.
What year will iPhone XR stop working? ›Apple typically supports its iPhone models for around 5-6 years after the model's initial release. The iPhone XR was released in 2018, so it is likely to receive software updates and support from Apple until around 2023-2024.
Can iPhone XR take pictures underwater? ›Are iPhones waterproof? No, the Apple iPhone is not entirely waterproof but comes with IP68 water resistance. The water resistance feature is key when taking underwater photos with an iPhone.
Is iPhone XR metal or glass? ›
The iPhone XR is made of aluminum, while the iPhone XS is made of stainless steel.