Spiegen’s clear cases are only $14 — why pay more?
Spiegen
After what seemed a long wait, the Apple iPhone XR ($749 at Apple) is finally shipping. It’s noteworthy not just for being the “cheap” full-screen iPhone model (it starts at $749), but also for coming in your choice of six colors.
Read more: iPhone XR camera test
You’ll want a case, of course — a clear case, so you can still enjoy whatever color you chose. (Otherwise, what’s the point?) No problem, just buy one from Apple, right? Not yet: Apple’s iPhone XR cases are currently MIA.
They’re also pricey, with a simple clear case expected to sell for $40. Um, no thanks. As with so many iPhone accessories, there are lots of cheaper options. Here’s a small sampling:
The Speck Presidio Stay Clear for $39.95. Wait, that’s still $40, right? Yes, but newcomers to the Speck website can get 15 percent off their first order (ignore the first pop-up offer screen, which promises 10 percent off, and wait for a second one), which brings you down to $33.96. Also, the Presidio features a raised bezel for screen protection and the promise of drop protection at heights of up to 8 feet.
The Spiegen Ultra Hybrid for $13.99. Combining a polycarbonate backside with TPU bumpers, Spiegen’s clear case also has raised bezels around the screen and camera.
The MoKo iPhone XR clear case for $7.99. Yep, 8 bucks buys you a soft, flexible clear case, one that’s probably less likely to incur scratches than something made of hard plastic. The MoKo also has reinforced corners and raised edges.
Here are some of Casetify’s lovely designs, all of them priced below Apple’s plain old clear case (with promo code, that is).
Casetify
20 percent off everything at Casetify with promo code CHEAPSKATE20. Want an iPhone XR case that’s clear and has a cool design? Look no further than Castify’s iPhone XR collection, which includes a wide range of flowers, patterns, images and sayings mixed into clear shells. These range in price from $29 to $45, but my exclusive code lops 20 percent off any of them. (You can use it for Casetify cases for other models as well.)
Once again, these are just a few examples of what you can get for under $40. All three of the cases here should pose no problem with wireless charging, but if you think you’ll be using a Lightning cable at times, consider a case that has a larger port cutout, the better to accommodate certain third-party cables.
And speaking of wireless charging, stay tuned for a roundup of pads and stands that also don’t cost $40 (the minimum you’ll pay in an Apple Store for one).
In the meantime, here’s a look at what you need to know about choosing a wireless charger for your iPhone.
Watch this: iPhone XS vs. iPhone XR vs. iPhone XS Max: How to choose
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