Samsung announces that a major accessibility feature for its Galaxy Buds has cleared a key governmental hurdle.
The company announced this morning (Aug 11) that its Hearing Aid feature for the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and 4 Pro has been FDA-cleared. Samsung says this enables the previously mentioned devices "to serve as an over-the-counter hearing aid for adults (18 or older) with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss."
For users, this means you'll have access to the Galaxy Buds' Hearing Test, alongside this Hearing Aid feature. Hearing Test is self-administered from the Galaxy Buds menu in your Settings. Samsung says it uses "clinical-grade, pure-tone audiometry" to test your hearing in each ear. Hearing Test is also said to highlight any "hearing deficits." Your Galaxy Buds will generate an "audiogram" that Samsung says mirrors what you'd receive from a professional test.
Once completed, your test will categorize your results in one of the following categories: mild, moderate, severe, or profound.
Your Galaxy Buds will then use your Hearing Test results to fine-tune its Hearing Aid feature. It might boost "high frequencies, surrounding whispers, or distant voices." The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and 4 Pro benefit from familiar true hearing aid features, such as "noise elimination and beamforming." Hearing Test and the Hearing Aid feature for the Buds 3 Pro and 4 Pro will arrive on Galaxy devices in Q4 2026 in the U.S. and other approved markets.
Samsung has continued to focus on the user's hearing health ever since its huge Health app update in June. In the spirit of being proactive, Samsung announced Hearing Health. It will leverage your Galaxy Watch, phone, and Buds to monitor the noise level around you. If loud noises are a constant, your Galaxy Watch would let you know and urge you to make changes. The idea is to help users better preserve their hearing for the long term.
This capability was announced for the revamped app, which includes a lot of new health features for current and upcoming Galaxy devices. For example, the Galaxy Watch 9 and Watch Ultra 2 feature this new Hearing Health feature right out of the box. Samsung reiterates that users can keep tabs on their Hearing Health from the Health app, and now these new features are on the way for the Galaxy Buds to take things further.
Preserving your hearing is incredibly important. It's one of those things that if you lose it, it's hard to get back. This is even more important, given that we love earbuds. It's easy to pop those in and start listening while working, reading, or walking. But we've got to be conscious about our noise level. You never want those earbuds too loud. That's something we all learned when we were kids, right?
I've been using Razer mice for decades, and have tested dozens upon dozens of iterations of the firm's products. I'm also a dedicated MMORPG and MOBA player on PC, flipping between games like World of Warcraft and Heroes of the Storm as seasons wax and wane.
For the Warcraft-faithful, I play a Demonology Warlock, which has been simplified over the years, but in previous expansions I had anywhere up to 30+ keybinds for playing the class effectively in PvE and PvP. It was a bit like learning a musical instrument back in the day, particularly when you throw in battle potions, trinkets and other additional buttons.
As such, I've tended towards Razer mice with extra inputs to make my gaming life easier. I had no idea how much easier it was going to get until I went palm-on with the new Razer Naga V3 Pro — which is quite easily one of the best mice of 2026.
The Razer Naga V3 Pro builds on its predecessor in a variety of ways, but chief among those is the inclusion of a further three configurable inputs, bringing the maximum total to 23 (and many, many more if you use HyperShift and other modifier keys).
Category | Details |
|---|---|
Design & Build | Right-handed ergonomic; 3 swappable side plates (12-button MMO, 6-button MOBA/BR, 2-button FPS) |
Buttons & Controls | Up to 23 programmable buttons; Gen-4 Optical Switches (100M clicks); HyperScroll Tilt Wheel Gen-2 with Free-Spin, Tactile, Precision Tactile, Smart-Reel modes |
Sensor & Performance | Razer Focus Pro 50K Optical Sensor Gen-3; 50,000 DPI; 930 IPS; 90 G acceleration; Frame Sync, Smart Tracking, 1-DPI steps, Sensitivity Matcher |
Polling & Connectivity | 1000 Hz native; upgradeable to true 8000 Hz (Mouse Dock Pro / HyperPolling Dongle); HyperSpeed Wireless (2.4 GHz), Bluetooth LE, USB-C wired |
Battery & Lighting | Up to 155 hours (HyperSpeed); 3-zone RGB (logo, wheel, 12-button plate); 5 onboard profiles |
Materials & Accessories | 100% PTFE feet; USB-A to USB-C cable; HyperSpeed dongle; compatible with Mouse Dock Pro & HyperFlux V2 |
Dimensions & Weight | 119.5 × 75.5 × 43.5 mm; |
Price & Availability | $179.99 USD / £179.99 GBP / €199.99 EUR — Available worldwide Aug 11, 2026 |
Razer also doubled down on durability with reinforced molding processes for the switches, which the firm says will now last up to and potentially beyond 100 million actuations.
The obvious headline feature is the magnetic button plates that can be customized at will, adding between two, six, and twelve additional buttons. Razer has also included a uniquely configurable scroll wheel that comes with haptic feedback capabilities.
The mouse goes into general availability on August 11, 2026, and will set you back $179.99 from Best Buy in the United States.
The Razer Naga range has long been designed with MMO and MOBA gameplay in mind, adding a huge amount of additional inputs via a unique magnetic side plate feature.
Razer has enhanced the force of the magnets to ensure it feels well and truly part of the mouse when connected, and I can say without doubt that it well and truly does. The buttons can be programmed at will using Synapse, and modified further with a ring-finger button that defaults to Razer's dedicated "Hyper Shift" modifier key. Of course, all of these can be reconfigured too.
What struck me immediately when going palm-on was the new scroll wheel. Razer has included some unique functionality here that I've not experienced previously in other mice. You can set it to free-wheeling mode, which allows it to quite literally spin indefinitely under its own weight. There's also a standard step-stop function that most users will be familiar with, but also a precision-stop feature that adds some haptic feedback and shortens the actuation for rapid hot bar or weapon switching with more forceful control.
There is a parade of other buttons and functions too. The DPI rates have been placed in the top right corner of the mouse out of the way, requiring a little more intent to reach to prevent accidents, I suppose. There are two buttons below the scroll wheel, and the scroll wheel itself can be tilted and clicked for additional inputs too.
It sports 155 hours of battery life out of the box, and supports Razer's new Mouse Dock as well as its wireless Hyper Flux charging mouse mat. Either plugged in or connected to a compatible Hyper Speed dongle, this bad boy can go all the way up to 8,000 Hz. You will not be left wanting for speed.
How does it feel to actually use, though? I dropped into a couple of World of Warcraft raids and played a few games of Heroes of the Storm to get a feel for it, but it was in games like Age of Empires where it truly felt transformative.
As noted, you can add up to 12 extra buttons with the side plate feature. It does take some getting used to, and I think Razer could've perhaps done a bit more to help differentiate the keys, particularly on the 12-button plate. The six button plate felt like the sweet spot for me, given that the profile of the buttons made them easier to memorize, but also I didn't find it as hard to squeeze my thumb backwards to hit the keys closest to my palm.
Indeed, you might struggle with this mouse if you don't have the most flexible hands. I found its palm hump to be a bit tall for my tastes (small ass hands maybe, or perhaps poor desk ergonomics on my end), but overall it was incredibly comfortable. I suspect most people won't have any issues with it. I also suspect that it was designed quite intentionally to be "palm grippy" to facilitate the fact users will be reaching for buttons on the side more often than on other mice.
There are probably neuroscientific reasons for this, but it does feel genuinely more intuitive to actuate inputs on the same hand as your movement intentions. Perhaps it stems from my console-oriented history in some ways, but I found it a lot easier to drop Guldan's ult with a mouse swipe and mouse click, as opposed to lining up my mouse with a keyboard press.
For Age of Empires, it was particularly fun binding various quick keys directly to the mouse. Assigning regiments, bypassing certain menus, and being able to select specific units instantly from anywhere won't make up for my lack of skill with RTS, but it did boost the fun factor.
Razer Synapse is a fantastic piece of software that ties everything together. It's still better than solutions from other companies by a country mile. Configure RGB lighting, set up profiles for specific games, configure literally all the things — quick and easy.
Some of the less useful features include Razer's macro functionality, which will sadly get you banned in a lot of online games for "automation."
The Naga V3 Pro also comes with an AI assistant key by default, which lets you bind certain Copilot prompts to mouse inputs for some reason. You can turn it off, but it's 2026 so everything has to have some kind of "AI" feature in it apparently, even if it's effectively useless. Perhaps this might become more useful if Microsoft ever ships agents to consumers, but as for right now it feels like boardroom fluff. Thankfully, that's the only "feature" here I could describe as such. Practically everything else is genuinely useful and represents a demonstrable upgrade.
There is a lot of functionality in the Razer Naga V3 Pro, and you won't need all of it all of the time. It is designed primarily for people who want maximum control over their games, and indeed, it is priced as such.
The Razer Naga V3 Pro is a tour de force of functionality, with unmatched versatility for practically every genre of game you can throw at it. FPS, RTS, MOBA, MMORPG, and beyond — even the most control-complex games fall before the Naga and its capacity to inject intuitiveness into the least intuitive games and control schemes possible.
But yes, it will require configuring to get there. That's ultimately who it's designed for, though; people who play more complex games to a hardcore level, and want their peripherals to reflect their desire to configure and control their experience.
✅ You play complex input-heavy games like MMORPGs and RTS.
✅ You like to configure your controls to the nth degree.
✅ You prefer your inputs on your mouse, rather than your keyboard.
❌ You find configuring keybinds exhaustive and annoying.
❌ You have particularly small hands (you might find its height uncomfy).
❌ Price might be a concern.
This will become my default mouse moving forward. Being able to effectively keybind number keys 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, etc. without needing to physically reach away from WASD is a big boost in some games I play.
However, I am cognizant of the fact that I got the review unit here. Almost $200 for a mouse is tough to justify unless you're particularly passionate about the functionality the Razer Naga V3 Pro is going to provide for you. For configuration enthusiasts, there's well and truly nothing better than the Razer Naga V3 Pro right now.
"Stay one step ahead—no matter how the game changes."
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Razer, one of my favorite manufacturers that has produced some of the best PC gaming accessories I've ever used, has released a new mouse built to conquer any game you throw at it — the Razer Naga V3 Pro.
This gadget is the long-awaited evolution of the Razer Naga V2 Pro, which takes everything we loved about its predecessor (which we gave a near-perfect review score) and refines it to create the ultimate PC gamer mouse.
Here's what you need to know about the Razer Naga V3 Pro and where you can buy it.
The Razer Naga V3 Pro mouse is equipped with cutting-edge tech to improve input detection speeds and swappable button plate configurations so that it can handle a wide variety of game genres.
Its biggest selling points include:
Our resident PC gaming accessory expert, Jez Corden, reviewed the Razer Naga V3 Pro and found it to be one of the best PC mice he's used so far this year. Jez praised it for possessing dozens of programmable buttons, the best-in-class software solution, and a premium feel that emphasizes tactility.
So, if you generally play input-heavy PC games and you want to get your hands on the Razer Naga V3 Pro, it will cost $179.99/£179.99/€199.99 at select digital retailers including Best Buy, directly from Razer.com, and at physical RazerStores.
Dominate any PC game imaginable with the Razer Naga V3 Pro Wireless mouse, complete with three swappable button plates, a Focus Pro 50K Optical Sensor Gen‑3 with 50,000 max DPI, 23 programmable inputs, and many more rich features.View Deal
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Before you even start the setup on your iPhone 17—be it an iPhone 17, 17e or Air, 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max— you should consider what type of case you need to protect it in. However good Apple’s new Ceramic Shield 2 shell is, it won’t be up to protecting your phone if dropped or scraped. A case just makes sense—and can look fantastic, too. Some are even ultra glamorous.
Cases come in more shapes and sizes and with more functionality than you’d believe. Hit these links to jump straight to our recommendations, reviews and tests to find the perfect case for your iPhone 17, 17e, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max and Air. Or read on for more case advice before reaching the product charts. Cases for the most recent iPhone 17e have started to appear (keep reading) and we’ll add more here when they arrive.
You may have heard that Apple’s new-generation Ceramic Shield 2 front cover promises 3x better scratch resistance, and for the Pro and Pro Max models Ceramic Shield also protects the back of iPhone, delivering 4x better resistance to cracks than the back glass on previous models. Does that mean that you no longer need a case? A case will keep your iPhone looking at it’s best, which will be a benefit when and if you come to sell it. Also, note that neither the plain iPhone 17 nor Air feature the same level of back protection.
The iPhone Air is so thin it seems a shame to bulk it up in a protective case. It’s also tough at resisting bending but it is still just as vulnerable to drops and everyday dings. Most cases reviewed here have a variant for the iPhone Air but there are especially thin cases such as the super-slim Thinborne iPhone 17 Case and Pitaka Ultra-Slim Case, or consider the Nomad Magnetic Leather Back that misses the sides altogether and protects just the back.
The primary function of a phone case is to protect your high-cost but fragile device from physical damage—caused by accidental impacts such as shocks from drops and scrapes that can leave your phone with a cracked screen, scratches, dents, a shattered back or internal harm. In fact, research shows that within 10 weeks of purchase, half of all new phone users will drop their handset. D’oh!
Just being pulled from your pocket many times a day causes gradual wear that adds to the unseen damage from UV exposure and other environmental factors. Environmental protection safeguards against water and dust damage that can degrade or destroy your precious phone. Putting your iPhone into a case doesn’t make it indestructible, but it will reduce the risk of everyday or unexpected damage that might otherwise save a costly repair or full replacement.
As nice as Apple makes its phones look there are only a handful of colors, so a case also offers aesthetic personalization through design (there are thousands to choose from) and customized style. Love the Cosmic Orange iPhone Pro but want to save money with the basic iPhone 17 model? Why not just buy a bold orange case for the 17, such as the Beats iPhone 17 Rugged Case in Sierra Orange?
Choosing the right case material (be that silicone, leather, Graphene or Kevlar) is also key—depending on whether you are after better grip, more robust protection or luxurious leather.
Cases can also add functionality, with handy features such as stands for hands-free viewing or wallet holders for carrying cards and cash. If you ever wirelessly charge your phone, make sure the case is MagSafe compatible—most are these days.
If covering up Apple’s iPhone offends your inner Jony Ive, look for a clear, transparent case that keeps the iPhone’s looks as wonderful as they were straight out of the box. Why pick out a Sky Blue iPhone Air or Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro Max, only to cover it up in a black plastic case or something with badly drawn flowers on it? With a Clear case, you get decent protection without ruining the look of the phone—although Apple has rather mucked this up with its own version; see review below.
If you want a plain black case or flowery pattern instead of Apple’s small palette of colors, we have plenty for you to choose from further down this feature.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: All iPhone 17 models
Amazon UK: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
This simple, rigid iPhone 17 protective case from Apple is thin and light. By design, clear cases shouldn’t disguise the color of your iPhone that you chose when you purchased it.
The Apple Clear Case is made from a blend of optically clear polycarbonate and other flexible materials, with a scratch-resistant coating on both the inside and outside. While it’s more protective than silicone cases and features a robust-looking 2mm camera lip, you can find tougher cases, which we have reviewed below.
While the Clear Case for the basic iPhone 17 is as you’d expect, Apple has somewhat ruined the idea of a “clear” case for its Pro and Pro Mac versions of the iPhone 17, which feature a slab of white plastic at the back under the camera area. It’s white whatever color of iPhone 17 Pro or Max that you own.
This is because Apple added its second-generation Ceramic Shield glass as a separate panel on the back of the Pro models—it’s on only the front of all the 17 family. To keep the back design visually balanced, the Apple logo was repositioned slightly lower. The white slab on Apple’s clear case is related to this adjustment and the alignment of the MagSafe magnets. Customers are already complaining that Apple should have created cases with a block in the color of the phone. If your iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max is orange or deep blue that slab of white is, well I’ll say it, ugly.
The bottom of the Clear Case is nearly fully open, which reduces the level protection.
For the iPhone Air Apple has another not really clear solution: the iPhone Air Bumper. This protects the edges of the phone and matches the Air’s color but leaves the back exposed. With a raised bezel it will also stop the screen touching the surface when laid flat. You can choose the bumper color to match your iPhone Air or select another color if you are feeling adventurous.
Apple also sells the iPhone Air Case with MagSafe in Frost or Shadow, with a 0.9mm back panel that’s reinforced with a polycarbonate frame. The inside is lightly frosted, while the exterior is finished to a high gloss.
At 29g it’s super light, and while the rigid case adds a little bulk, it’s worth a little compromise for that layer of protection. All materials and coatings are optimized to prevent yellowing over time.
There are also cheaper clear cases, which we have also tested for you. But the Apple badge is a sure sign of quality, as you’d expect.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: All iPhone 17 models
If you want see-through protection for your new iPhone 17 ESR’s Classic Hybrid Case—with 1.5mm back—features shock-absorbing Air Guard corners that can protect from drops up to 11ft. ESR claims its clear plastic resists yellowing for longer than cheaper cases.
ESR also makes a version of the clear Classic Hybrid Case that features a handy built-in kickstand for stable viewing. The $25.99 ESR Classic Hybrid Magnetic Case with Stash Stand hides its pull-out stand in the zinc alloy camera guard. It supports 15-85° viewing angles in both portrait and landscape orientations. With its 2mm camera edge it’s more protective than the basic model.
Unlike Apple’s ugly Pro and Pro Max clear cases, ESR’s design ensures that the Apple logo remains fully visible without obstruction, while still providing strong magnetic performance. That means you can see Apple’s original iPhone color through the clear case, and the bottom section has cutouts where necessary compared to the fully open section on the Apple Clear Case.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Made of polypropylene, a hard yet flexible plastic, the Totallee Scarf is the slimmest (0.5mm) iPhone 17 case available and—by a long way—the lightest. Even at this weight, there are button covers, and a cutout for the Camera Control. The lip around the camera and at the front are smaller than on other cases but the emphasis is on thinness rather than chunky protection. It offers protection from bumps, scratches, dirt, and minor drops (3 feet).
There is a clear version and a similar Frosted Clear model, plus a bunch of other frosted colors to choose from, but only Clear, Frosted and Black options for the MagSafe-compatible versions. Note that you have to pay a little more ($4) for the MagSafe-compatible versions, which we think is worth it but for a pure clear look the non-MagSafe version is the way to go.
The Totallee Spy case isn’t as thin but is still pretty marginal at 1mm thick, and has been tested with a 6-foot drop so you may thank yourself next time your new phone slips from your grasp. It is available only in only a Clear version for iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro.
As with the ESR clear case reviewed above the Totallee clear cases don’t obstruct the phone’s true color like the ugly Apple case. This is achieved in the same way by having a small break in the magnet ring—without loss of functionality—so that Apple’s lower logo on the Pro models isn’t obscured.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Offering a selection of protection levels, Casetify’s Impact and Bounce cases are available for all models of the iPhone 17 family. It is solidly built and feels robust, offering a minimum of 6.6ft (2m) drop protection up to 32.8ft (10m) if you choose the Ultra Bounce Case with its standout corner bumpers.
The case edges aren’t clear because they feature extra-protective EcoShock or TesseLock designs. On one side there are sockets to easily attach phone charms. The more protection, sadly the less of the original phone can be seen even in a clear case, but most of the shock absorption on the Bounce case family protrudes from the corners.
For a little extra outlay, the Impact Case can be ordered with an integrated stand, otherwise cleverly hidden in the camera ring in a similar design to the ESR Stash Stand reviewed above.
Available for: Clear: All iPhone 17 models | Grip: All iPhone 17 models
Amazon: Clear: All iPhone 17 models | Grip: All iPhone 17 models
Belkin is a trustworthy name for Apple accessories and its iPhone cases carry on this tradition. There’s nothing flashy about the SheerForce Clear Case aside from its action-packed name, and clear cases really shouldn’t be flashy. It doesn’t add a big white block under the MagSafe logo but still shows off the Apple logo—as such it’s superior to Apple’s own-brand clear case, reviewed above. The Clear Case has a claimed 13ft (4m) drop protection, and side grooves for added grip.
You can add a sheen of color with the translucent SheerForce Grip Case—oddly there were more colors on offer in the U.K. than U.S.—as well as textured sides to make it, as the name suggests, a little more grippy than its clear sibling. Being not as hard as the Clear Case, the Grip Case offers a lower 6.6ft (2m) drop defense.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: All iPhone 17 models
Rokform is one of the most trusted market leaders in iPhone protection.
For those who want to see and show off at least some of their iPhone’s original coloring, but still gain maximum protection, Rokform offers its Crystal Case for the iPhone 17 family. This is more solid looking than even the Casetify Ultra Bounce reviewed above.
As you’d expect, that protection comes at the price of some bulk and heft. The case is not fully clear because its dual-construction black sides, textured-grip edges and corners are made from a military-grade polycarbonate and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) combination to absorb shocks from drops and falls of up to 6 feet.
Magnetic itself you can securely clamp it onto any magnetic surface.
At present, the Rokform cases are too thick to work with all MagSafe chargers—it didn’t work with all the chargers we tested it with—so you will likely need to remove your phone from the case to charge it wirelessly.
The case also features the Rokform’s famous twist-lock and magnetic mounting system for bike, motorcycle and car mounts. If you’re going biking with iPhone on your handlebars, a super-protective case is a must.
Rokform does ship internationally, but you’ll need to check the fees depending on your region, and remember that customs charges also vary by country.
More quality clear cases for iPhone 17 family:
While some will prefer a clear case to keep their iPhone’s natural color, others are more gregarious and want a splash of difference, from plain new colors, through pretty, cool or sometimes hideous patterns, to fully customizable designs. We’ve counted hundreds of designs on offer, so there must be something here for you and your iPhone 17.
Apple: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: All iPhone 17 models
Amazon UK: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
The smooth Apple Silicone case is a classic, popular protective iPhone covering—available in the widest range of colors with eight to choose from depending on which model you are buying for. There’s enough choice here to satisfy most people, but if you prefer to see the color of the iPhone itself, look to a clear case; see above.
It is as protective as you need for everyday calamities except big falls—if you want ultra protection, look to our best protective cases reviewed further down. If you are prone to letting your phone slip out of your hand, look for cases made from TPU, Kevlar or Graphene.
It is made with a soft-touch, almost silky 45% recycled silicone material. Inside, the lining is soft microfiber to protect the iPhone itself from scratches.
Aside from the colors and the attention to detail, people flock to this Apple case apart because it’s made by Apple and has the famous logo on the back. You can’t go wrong buying an Apple-made case, but you can find more options elsewhere.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: All iPhone 17
Amazon UK: All iPhone 17
With nearly 5,000 designs to choose from, the Casetify range gives you almost too many choices—and some of the designs are pretty out there. Each to their own! To add some fun you need a non-clear case, and if you want to impose your own personality then look for customization options.
The most customizable range of iPhone 17 cases we’ve seen are from Casetify, where you can mix and match colors, patterns, prints, artists, and personalization options, as well as several levels of protection. There’s a smaller selection of the company’s case designs on Amazon.
Prices vary and rise depending on the protection levels, but for most you get a wide range of design options, including character-led designs such as Disney, Smurfs, SpongeBob and Peanuts.
You can add a name or short word, plus add hearts and stars, fonts, and text colors if you desire. Some cases feature a pull-out stand, which is otherwise hidden in the camera ring.
Casetify also offers a range of protection levels: Impact (8.2ft drop protection, 4x MIL-STD-810G or 6.6ft and 3x with a ring stand), Bounce (21.3ft drop protection, 6x MIL-STD-810G), Ultra Bounce (Bounce corners, 32.8 ft. drop protection, 10x MIL-STD-810G) and, for the 17 Pro and Pro Max, Ultra (Ultra Bounce corners, 32.8 ft. drop protection, 10x MIL-STD-810G, 6-layered rugged protection).
The raised bezel to protect the screen can be either 1.4mm or 1.6mm, and the protective camera ring from 2mm to 3.8mm. The Impact Ring case features the tallest camera-protecting lip at 3.6mm, the biggest we’ve seen in our tests.
A new customizable Glaze case offers an inner printing method, where designs are printed underneath a protective inner layer, preventing them from fading and losing quality over time.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
While not as customizable as the Casetify iPhone 17 cases, the range of Casely design options is almost overwhelming, including designs based on works by Impressionists Van Gogh and Monet.
Aside from the 240+ designs, you can choose between the Classic and Bold case models for each type of iPhone 17. The Classic Collection is lighter and more flexible with a glossy finish, while the Bold Collection is more protective and comes with a matte finish.
The Bold models have ribbed sides, which adds real grip, making it less likely that you’ll drop your iPhone in the first place—but if you do there’s impressive 8-foot drop protection and a 3mm raised screen lip (only 1.3mm on the Classic), the highest we’ve tested. The camera edge could be a little higher, but we are big fans nonetheless.
Casely adds small shipping fees if bought direct—these are calculated at final checkout. Uniquely Casely offers club membership where subscribers receive a new phone case every month, with exclusive members-only styles released each month. Users choose a style or Casely can send a surprise case.
Available for: iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max
Amazon: Nomad Modern / Nomad Rugged
Nomad has a range of cooly colored cases for the iPhone 17, although none for the plain 17 model. The slim, minimalist Modern Case features a satin-smooth matte backplate, grippy bumpers and metal buttons. It claims 8ft drop protection with a shock-absorbing TPU bumper.
As you’d expect from its name, the equally matte Rugged Case is more robust with 15ft drop protection, as its polycarbonate frame boasts fortified corner bumpers. Its bumpers are grooved bumpers for a better grip. There’s also a leather version of the Rugged Case; see the Nomad leather case reviews further down this roundup.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
We love the 2mm-thin dbrand Grip Case for several reasons. First, as the name suggests, it is supremely grippy but still slides from a pocket with ease. The sides feature gripped stripes on a textured frame and further ridged, easy-to-locate buttons. This should mean you are less likely to drop your iPhone unless you or someone else is really trying to make it happen.
Second, the screen has a tapered edge, allowing for easy edge-swipes along the center of the display with just a 0.4mm raised lip but a much more protective 1.5mm lip on the top and bottom. The camera lenses are protected with a 0.5mm lip but also features a “hooded” design around the entire camera housing, tapering both the rubberized rim and the rigid frame of the case to protect the cameras. This symmetrical design ensures that the camera protrusions don’t rock back-and-forth while sitting flat on a table surface.
dbrand also offers a thinner 0.25mm textured and scratch-proof $24.95 Skin Case for the Pro iPhones in a similar wide range of techy and weird designs, from Area 51, X-Ray, Toxic Waste and Solar Flare among many others.
Available for: All iPhone 17 models
Amazon: All iPhone 17 models
If you want to customize your own case Rhinoshield offers a “Design Your Own” service where you upload your own photos, add text, choose fonts and colors, etc.
It also has a range of fun choices from its Design Studio, including a roster of hip Japanese and Far Eastern characters as well as major movie and TV franchises (Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Batman, Smurfs, Lord of the Rings), and a special collection of women designers.
Almost uniquely, it lets you customize elements of its SolidX and Mod NX cases, swapping out button colors. In the first example pictured above I went for the Neon Orange buttons ($1) and Graphite bumper. Using the Design Your Own option you can add stickers and photos plus a whole lot more. SolidX with reinforced corners and stronger drop protection
Following up on behalf of our client RHINOSHIELD with a new update that may be useful for any iPhone 17 coverage you are working on. Since launch, RHINOSHIELD’s engineering team has been monitoring how legacy cases are performing on the new hardware. Early tests are already showing higher failure rates due to Apple’s internal redesign, specifically the repositioned battery tray, expanded vapor chamber cooling system, and the shifted logic board.
This is the challenge RHINOSHIELD designed the new AirX case to solve. AirX redirects impact away from the rigid battery tray, reduces torsional stress around the logic board area, and supports the updated thermal system. The case has performed significantly better in early drop and stress tests compared with cases that were simply adapted from prior models.
AirX with its cushioned Air Isolation Chamber and Compression Skeleton; and Mod NX system with an interchangeable backplate design that you can switch to match your mood.
Available for: iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon UK: All iPhone models
Always one for a confusingly named but quality iPhone case, Torras has maybe outdone itself by naming one of its iPhone 17 cases the Q3 Air, especially as it is available for only the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max and not the actual iPhone Air. It features shock-absorbing Air-Max airbag technology that’s good for drops of up to 12 feet, Dot-Matrix anti-slip buttons and a secure grip.
Made with 55% Recycled Silicone, the Torras Q3 Silicone Case offers the same 360 degree rotating Spin stand, and boasts a luxurious velvety interior. While it is smooth enough to slip in and out of a pocket with ease, the textured grip feels secure.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
The Apple Silicone cases include some vibrant colors, but for the widest range and some delightful flourishes we prefer the Decoded range of Silicone cases. There’s a range of vibrant and cool colors, including True Navy, Retro Blue, Future Dusk, Rosette, Soft Taupe, Yuma Yellow, Phantom Black, and Lavender.
Unlike on most back cases there is a metal camera ring that fully encloses the iPhone’s camera array and gives complete edge protection without blocking image. The cases boast metal buttons and a lovely silky soft touch that will have you stroking the case like the seats of a new car.
Drop resistance up to 1.2 meters is claimed, although we’d have preferred a little more screen and camera edge height.
Available for: All iPhone 17 models
Amazon: All iPhone 17 models (Active Case)
Amazon: All iPhone 17 models (ReClassic Case)
Available for the whole iPhone 17 lineup, including the slim iPhone Air, Native Union has two colored and one clear case in eco-friendly materials.
The textured (Re)Classic Case for iPhone 17 is the most elegant of the range with contrasting smooth and cross-grained plant-based leather in Tan, Navy, Black and Slate Green colors. It features drop protection of up to 6 feet (1.8m).
The Active Case for iPhone 17 has a more durable and rugged recycled iPhone case with 10ft (3m) drop protection. It is offered in cool Sandstone and softer Apricot Crush colors, as well as Black and Slate Green.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
There’s an interesting choice of colors and patterns in the Milan Snap range of iPhone 17 cases from Zagg. There are sparkly iridescent, glitter and pretty flower designs. The slim, lightweight profile ensures a comfortable fit in your pocket or hand, while up to 93% post-consumer recycled materials underscores a commitment to sustainability
Zagg’s Sedona range has impact-absorbing corner bumpers and an integrated kickstand.
Both are strengthened with Graphene, a flexible material that boasts of being 200x stronger than steel, and claim 13-foot (4m) drop protection
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
The Limitless is a range of iPhone 17 cases that excellently mimics various materials, such as wood, pearl and leather on to its polycarbonate and TPE shell plus TPU sides and shock-absorbing bumpers. If you’re into your phone case looking a little different, we think this adds a certain gravity to the iPhone’s looks.
Protection level is high without making the case too bulky and the reinforced AiroShock impact-absorbing corner bumps are reasonably subtle. It has rippled grip ribs and side eyelets for wrist straps and phone slings.
There is also a range of Mous mounts for bikes, cars and motorbikes that work with the company’s Interlock Case.
The screen and camera edge height is a little lower than on most cases.
Available for: All iPhone models
There are over 500 bright and bold design and case-protection options to choose from Burga’s eclectic iPhone 17 family collection. It’s certainly not all pink and leopard skin but this is the place to come for some great girly selections. You can also pick up many stripped, tartan, marble and even sardine patterns.
We like that after choosing your style you then have the option to choose from two different protections levels: Elite and Tough. The Elite Case features an impact-absorbing CloudGuard technology plus dot-pattern grip for more confident handling, and a choice of Gold or Gunmetal case accents, plus a mirrored option. Burga claims that its anti-fade printing keeps designs vibrant day after day. The slimmer Tough Case has a dual-layer build with. a silicone interior and+ hard shell exterior.
Apple fans of a certain age are likely to swoon at the sight of this retro-look iPhone 17 Pro case, kitted out like 1984’s original Macintosh 128K. In the past, we’ve seen Spigen iPhone cases that mimic the iMac (in Bondi Blue, Graphite, Ruby and Tangerine) but this is the company’s best gimmick yet.
The side buttons are styled after the vintage Mac’s keyboard keys, with “Hello” engraved on the power button—just as the Mac used to introduce itself. Even the Spigen logo has been redesigned and inspired by the classic Apple logo.
It has caught up with newer Apple technologies, being compatible with MagSafe and with a touch-sensitive capacitive T cover for the Camera Control.
Spigen is also offering a matching phone strap that fits in with the vintage Mac theme.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Much nicer than the rather lame Beats case line-up for the previous iPhone 16 family, there’s some real imagination pout into the Beats iPhone 17 range of polycarbonate cases. One model boasts a removable lanyard loop that doubles up as a stand for hands-free viewing in landscape mode. Just open the adapter at the end of the lanyard loop and attach it to a magnetic point on the edge of the case.
For $14 less you can get the same case but without the multi-purpose lanyard. This is the only version of the Beats case made for the iPhone Air.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
This is not a case in the normal definition but the stylish metal shells offer protection where it matters most, leaving the rest of your iPhone as naked as Apple intended. They look like futuristic Gaudi-esque jewelry made from molten metal.
The Arc Pulse is a two-part design, with a top section protecting the corners, camera lens and screen, and a bottom section covering the corners. Both are made from aluminum with an anti-scratch coating—or aerospace-grade 5 titanium coated with our Onyx Black Tungsten Carbide if you have deep pockets. The uncovered phone parts are protected from falls by the shells stopping the phone itself from touching the surface it is dropped on. Arc describes it as like a bikini for your phone.
They fit, adhesive-free, by simply—although firmly—sliding on. You need to apply some force at this stage but it feels robust and won’t slip off, even when repeatedly dragged from your pocket. Arc says it will protect from drops of up to 10 feet. As an iPhone case nerd it did feel strange leaving so much of the phone exposed but I still felt secure that a drop would be covered by the chunky metal shells.
One drawback is that you will most likely have to remove the lower part to clamp on a magnetic power bank, leaving the bottom the phone exposed while charging.
Available for: iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max
The Atomic range of cases for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max is available in a wide range of colors, including a rather lovely Prismatic hue.
Drop protection is 12 feet, with the case boasting an aluminum alloy frame, shock-absorbing corners, clear back design, and non-slip grip.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon (Symmetry Cactus): All iPhone 17
OtterBox is a well-known accessory maker, particularly in its protective phone cases. It has a wide ranges of iPhone 17 case models, and has introduced a new one for the iPhone 17 family.
The Sole Case is about the grip, with a high-ridge tread around the case edge that should mean fewer drops. The removable lanyard loop is another reason the Sole means the new iPhone should stay with you. Even if the iPhone does slip from your grasp OtterBox claims its 5x military-grade protection should come into play. The color choices might not be to your preference but that grip should make up for it.
The Symmetry Cactus Leather Case is made from an ethical leather substitute by Desserto, crafted from organic nopal cactus that are sustainably grown and harvested sustainably without the need for irrigation. Inside the case there’s a soft felt backing. There are plain color cases and also more fancy versions with stitched thread embroidery.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
With the Wave range of biodegradable iPhone cases, you can protect your phone and the planet, reducing your plastic consumption. The plant-based phone cases are made from two commonly used biodegradable polymers. Known for its rigid and transparent properties PLA (Polylactic Acid) is derived from renewable resources such as wheat straw. PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) is a biodegradable copolyester that offers flexibility and durability. Together they make an eco-friendly material that works well for phone protection.
Despite being plastic-free the smooth but grippy Wave cases have “been “military grade” (MIL-STD 810) drop protection, shock-absorbing corners and feature a generous protective 2mm lip around the screen and camera—one of the tallest we have seen.
Not all sustainable products are boring—the Wave cases come in a wide range of bright colors and printed designs. The case material adds a natural fleck to the design. You can also add a recycled glass screen protector.
The standard and Etched case designs aren’t MagSafe compatible but will charge wirelessly. However, you can pay a little more for an integrated magnet that makes the case MagSafe compatible, which we would recommend.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: All iPhone 17 models
Amazon UK: All iPhone 17 models
Tech21 has a range of Evo cases for the iPhone 17 family, including the iPhone Air.
Most protective is the EvoPro that offers 32.8ft (10m) impact protection and a textured grip. The EvoCheck has 16ft (4.9m) drop protection and interchangeable buttons so you can mod the look at the sides. EvoCrystal is even more fun with the same level of protection but a glow-in-the-dark MagSafe ring in green, gold, silver and iridescent. If you want to stick with what Apple gave you, there’s the EvoClear with 12ft (3.6m) impact protection. None offera cover for Apple’s Camera Control if that matters to you.
All are made with the addition of what Tech21 calls “Bio-Spice” designed to boost microbial activity in oxygen-free environments that helps to break down the plastic casing, although it’s not certified as compostable.
A case isn’t there just to make your iPhone look pretty. The best cases offer reasonable protection while adding as little bulk as possible by using the latest, strongest materials.
Kevlar is the material used to make bulletproof vests—it’s also known as Aramid Fiber. Graphene is even stronger. Zagg claims the graphene used in its Denali Snap case is “harder than a diamond, yet more elastic than rubber, and up to 200x stronger than steel”. That suggests a fall onto the pavement—or indeed off a cliff—might not be fatal for your phone.
Some protective iPhone cases go full out and don’t care about their bulk as long as they protect your iPhone from the biggest disasters that can befall it. We’ve tested protective iPhone 17 cases from the thin to the very thick.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon UK: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
UAG cases look formidable, like military vehicles lined up to cross deserts and battlefields without getting a single dent when the artillary starts raining down. There’s huge range to choose from: we counted 16 different types but here are our favorites.
The Monarch Pro ($84.95) and Monarch Pro Kevlar ($99.95) are UAG’s flagship and most popular protective cases with the Kevlar model. They boast sculpted corners for reinforced drop protection (25 feet) and textured edges for enhanced grip. This is the phone case that Judge Dredd might carry in his holster. The 2-piece PC/TPU co-mold Trooper ($64.95) is the most durable case in the USG lineup—an Ultra protective case with a covered charging port providing a protective defense against the elements plus 30-foot drop protection.
The thinner-profile Civilian ($64.95) has a special-edition orange version for 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max owners. A HyperCush impact protection system offers 20-foot drop protection, and there’s an anti-slip traction grip to stop you dropping it in the first place. UAG’s Pathfinder cases ($59.95) has the widest choice of colours and an ultra-light PC impact frame that still offers 18-foot drop defence. If you want to show some pride in the flag there are some patriotic Stars and Stripes versions to chhose.
The lighter weight Plasma XTE ($74.95) with integrated ring kickstand has a wide range of colour choices, and still distresses with 20-foot drop protection. The solid Metropolis ($69.95) is a crowd pleaser with Kevlar and color options, plus 18-foot drop defensive features.
UAG’s thinnest protective iPhone 17 case is the sleek and lightweight Fibr Armr Case ($99.95), made with Kevlar 30-foot drop protection fiber in either Graphite/Bronze or Orange/Charcoal, which offers 15-foot drop protection
There’s also a clear case, the $54.95 Pylo, that has a decent grip plus air-soft cushioned corners that give it 16-foot drop protection that still beats most other cases. If the 16 Pro version proves true for the 17, it will offer reliable anti-yellowing protection. You can choose the edge colours and there’s also a version with a purple and pink glow.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: All iPhone 17
Named after an active volcano near Seattle and boasting a claimed 22-foot (6.7m) drop protection (the highest we’ve seen), the dual-material Zagg Rainier Snap is an ultra-protective iPhone 17 case that, surprisingly, is not as bulky as a boulder.
This is down to its Graphene-infused back plate and shock-absorbing corner bumpers. Graphene is the strongest material known to man—supposedly up to 200x stronger than steel, which might be useful if you do drop this phone case into a volcano. The case’s border features TPU.
Its rugged, textured finish adds a good grip, and when it’s not in your hand there’s an integrated metal kickstand that works in both landscape and portrait modes. The Rainier is constructed with up to 80% post-consumer recycled materials.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: All iPhone 17 models
There’s nothing colorful about this super-shielding iPhone case. If you want your iPhone case to shout “Protection!”, market leader Rokform’s aptly named Rugged Case looks the business and is built like a tank but still looks sleek.
Rokform claims the case can withstand drops of up to 6 feet (1.8m) due to its construction from a combination of high-impact polycarbonate and rugged TPU for impact resistance and cushioning.
Like its clear-ish Crystal Case reviewed in our clear case section higher up, the Rugged Case features MAGMAX magnets that mean you can very securely clamp your encased iPhone onto any metal surface, plus Rokform’s RokLock twist-lock mounting system for twist-lock bike mounts, motorcycle mounts and car and golf-cart mounts.
The impact-resistant polycarbonate protective shell features reinforced corners and extra camera protection that makes it a little chunkier than standard cases but reassuringly so, and not ridiculous. It is more rigid than the Zagg Ranier Snap case, reviewed above, which also features a slightly more raised lip around the camera.
In its current form it is sadly not 100% compatible with MagSafe wireless charging, with the exception of Rokform’s own power banks and accessories.
The Rugged Case comes in black only, while the Crystal Case will show off the iPhone’s true body color.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon (ArmorPro): iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro & 17 Pro Max
Amazon (ArmorAir): iPhone 17 Pro & 17 Pro Max
The Benks ArmorPro offers great protection via its “3X military standard aerospace-grade 600D DuPont Kevlar fiber”—the same material that’s used in body armor and bulletproof vests, so it should be up to the job of protecting your phone when you drop it onto the pavement. It’s a woven fiber, giving it a slightly textured grippy feel, to keep the iPhone from falling out of your hand in the first place. With some cases that sometimes leads to a struggle to pull it quickly from a pocket but we didn’t find this to be a problem with the Benks Kevlar cases.
The metal frame on the back gives raised protection around the camera lenses—one of the best we’ve seen. The buttons on the sides are nicely solid in the TPU frame that offers superior shock resistance.
Benks also sells a lighter ArmorAir model that has exposed buttons and no TPU frame. The ArmorPro can withstand a 6-foot drop; the ArmorAir just 4ft. It is one of the lightest iPhone 17 cases we have tested, at just 20g. Even the ArmorPro weighs just 32g.
Add a touch of personality with the Aurora version that features stripes of color meant to resemble the etherial northern lights. An all-new AmorGrid version is based on the Chinese traditional Jiaoluo weaving technique.
All are MagSafe compatible, and priced around the same—although there are slight price differences with the back pattern options.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: All iPhone 17
Along with the clear ESR cases reviewed above, the company sells a more protective Cyber Tough Case with Stash Stand for iPhone 17. Air, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max.
It looks the part, quite solid and slab-like but more flexible on the sides than the Rokform Rugged Case, see below. The integrated metal kickstand pulls out from the camera ring.
It is constructed with a three-layer design (TPU soft shell, TPE hard shell, and shock-absorbing Poron lining) that ESR claims can withstand drops from as high as 23 feet. The 2.4mm raised edge is one of the highest we’ve tested.
Unlike most macho protective cases, it’s available in a range of colors depending on the model of iPhone 17, including one in a fetching pink.
Available for: iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
iPhone Air users in particular won’t want to add a big bulky case to their ultra-thin phone. Otherwise they’d just buy sone of the other iPhone 17 models. Thinborne makes cases so thin that even Air owners will think again and consider protecting their slim phone.
At only 0.04 inches thin and weighing under 18g, the 600D Aramid Fiber iPhone Air minimalist case offers scratch protection without spoiling the Air experience.
Fully MagSafe compatible, the case features a textured finish for an enhanced grip, which adds anti-slip protection. To maintain the case-less feel, there are button cutouts rather than protective covers and there’s no lip on the front to protect the screen—instead there’s a screen protector included with each case, although there’s no easy-application tray as you’d get with a separate premium screen protector. Oxidized black aluminum is used for the raised lip around the camera lenses.
iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max owners can also enjoy the benefits of a super-thin 0.04-inch case. Thinborne’s cases for these phones weigh a little more at 22g but are otherwise very similar.
Available for: iPhone 17 Pro & 17 Pro Max
Amazon: All iPhone 17 Pro & 17 Pro Max
The sleek and good-looking A17 Slim Shockproof Case (from $59.98) is available for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, featuring what Aulumu calls “CoolHyper Superconductive Cooling Technology” that integrates a silicone cooling pad and aluminum plate to reduce device temperature “by up to 46%”.
Unique among the iPhone cases reviewed here is a color-changing smart sensor that monitors the iPhone’s CPU temperature and in real-time visually alerts users as the heat increases: red for 25° and yellow for 45°. Heat can be the enemy of the phone’s battery so this could prove to be a secondary level of iPhone protection. Around the flash and Lidar Scanner the rear camera section is part covered for further defense.
There are also Vegan Leather CoolHyper cases for iPhone 17 Pro and Max with the same cooling tech and temperature sensor as the Shockproof Case. Also available on Amazon.
Aulumu also sells the A17 Frosted Case (available in translucent gray or white from $39.98), which is constructed from 100% TPU with a dual-sided IMD process that includes patterns that remain intact without fading. Most notable are futuristic glow-in-the-dark accents that softly illuminate at night. Also available on Amazon.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: All iPhone 17 models
Beats has come up trumps with its cases for the iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, although it’s less bothered by the Air.
This extra-durable case guards against drops and scratches with a rugged polymer backing boosted by impact-absorbing sidewalls and corners and an enclosed bottom. There’s extra grip via its textured matte exterior that Beats claims reduces signs of scratches, smudges and fingerprints.
But what we really like about the Beats Rugged Case is that it gives you the opportunity to spurn Apple’s limited color choices. If you love the iPhone 17 Pro’s Cosmic Orange but can afford only the plain iPhone 17, then the Sierra Orange Beats Rugged Case transforms the cheaper iPhone into something resembling the pricey Pro. Want a black 17 Pro Max, just slip on the Everest Black Beats Rugged Case. Even the insides are rather dashing.
That said, Beats being from the Apple stable means you pay a premium for its wares, too.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: All iPhone 17
While most cases protect from drops and falls, none is as grippy as the Smartish Gripzilla iPhone case that features special finger grooves along the textured sides that make it less likely for you to drop the phone from your hand in the first place. If you drop it, Smartish claims its air-pocket corners can withstand a drop from 6 feet, which should account for most non-giant-related accidents.
Slightly less grippy but still grippier than most cases, the Smartish Gripmunk case has the same textured sides for a firmer hold than you’ll get with a glossy case. It also has more color and pattern options.
Colors: Black, Blue Sentiment, Purple Mystery, Camo, Green Intrigue, Dusk Reverie
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon (Defender Pro): All iPhone 17
Amazon (Defender Pro XT): All iPhone 17
This OtterBox Defender Pro cases for the whole iPhone 17 family is constructed (by you) from either two or three protective pieces. OtterBox claims it has been tested to 7x military-grade protection levels. The slimmer two-part Defender Pro XT case remains reasonably thin but lacks the grippier sides of the three-part non-XT model. Its back is clear, although some versions have a pattern on top.
Both feature shock-absorbing corners that don’t stick out too much like on some ultra-protective cases. The final third layer provides grippy sides and back to help prevent phone drops in the first place.
One feature lacking from most cases is a protective port cover to stop fluff and other debris entering the USB-C opening. I’ve had to make a couple of trips to the Apple Store to remove dust and dirt that I couldn’t find myself, so appreciate this feature.
Both models can be bought with a free holster that clips to belts or bags and can double as a kickstand.
Slimmer still and still a two-part build with grippy sides, the OtterBox Commuter boasts 3x military-grade protection, and is an easier slide in and out of your pocket.
Available for: All iPhone 17 models
Pitaka has a range of cases for the iPhone 17 family, but in terms of protection we prefer the 2mm-thick Cairn and Summa Cases (from $59.99) that meet military-grade drop test standards. Unlike many of the cases reviewed here it boasts metal side buttons.
As with the other Pitaka cases, it is constructed from robust aerospace-grade aramid fiber (aromatic polyamide) blended with shockproof TPU sides. This tough material resists scratches, abrasions and exposure to chemicals. An added benefit is that this weave gives the case textured patterns that stand out from the crowd. Inside it is lined with soft Nappa leather to provide cushioning for the back of the phone.
The Summa case also boasts an extra Orca Resin layer.
It is also slim and lightweight unlike chunkier protective cases and slides in and out of a pocket with ease. At present, the Cairn and Summa cases are available for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max only. Owners of the iPhone 17 and iPhone Air can buy the 0.88mm-thin Ultra-Slim Case (17 / Air) that is also made from Aramid fiber, which barely feels like it’s there.
To distinguish: the Ultra-Slim offers basic scratch resistance, Cairn has military grade drop protection, and Summa has full body shock absorption as well as the military-grade protection.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: All iPhone 17 models
Amazon UK: All iPhone 17 models
Speck offers a range of cases for the iPhone 17 family, including the Presidio2 Grip with anti-slip texturing, the Presidio Lux with glittery color options, and clear options. There are various options, with and without grippy sides or a special ClickLock system that promises enhanced MagSafe locking.
Drop protection is up to 13 feet (4m) with shock-absorbing corner cushions. The iPhone’s Camera Control is a cutout rather than a capacitive cover as found on most cases reviewed here.
Despite its protection levels and no-slip grippiness, alongside the dark blue and black options there’s space for the Presidio Lux in Ibis Pink and Magic Purple colors.
Amazon: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
The Unicorn Beetle cases from Supcase look the part with military-style looks, textured sides and a thick 1.64mm backplate. Drop protection of 15-20 feet (4.5-6m) is promised, with the company even claiming a real-life case of a user’s life saved when the case absorbed the impact of a stray bullet, although we’d still wear a protective vest in those situations.
There are various shiny colors depending on your model of iPhone, and two types of case: UB Grip and UB Grip Pro, with the Pro case offering the higher drop protection plus an included screen protector. Each features a pull-down kickstand.
Apple made a deliberate move away from leather with its accessories at the launch of the iPhone 15 and has stuck to its vegan ways ever since. Apple’s alternative was a micro twill called FineWoven that unfortunately customers were quick to complain about as it easily picked up stains from just about anything it come into contact with. While it was not available for the iPhone 16 it is back for the 17, and we presume the old weaknesses have been fixed.
If you want a leather alternative we recommend the vegan leather MOFT MOVAS case, reviewed below.
But if you are happier with the real animal skin thing, there are some great leather cases to choose from, as you’ll find by reading on.
Available for: All iPhone 17 models
Amazon: All iPhone 17 models
You can choose between Nomad’s Modern Leather and Traditional Leather cases, each of which is available in either Standard or Horween leather. The Modern Leather Case is more robust, featuring a 360-deegree TPU bumper that protects against drops up to 8 feet. The Traditional Case offers a more sophisticated look and luxurious feel.
Nomad sources its leather from two tanneries: Chicago’s preeminent Horween Leather Company and Danish tannery Ecco for its standard Leather cases. Horween is a vegetable-tanned, aniline dyed leather, which means that it’s as untreated and natural a finish as you can get. The leather builds character and patina over time, as the surface shows natural wear from use (scratches, knocks, and other impacts) but also allows the leather to accept and erase wear with its natural waxes. Nomad’s Modern leather shows wear at a slower rate.
A Rugged Leather Case with thicker TPU bumpers has 15-foot impact absorption. At the other end of the scale, the ultra-thin Horween Magnetic Leather Back keeps your iPhone Air, 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max sleek by attaching to just the back of the phone via microsuction patches and an integrated magnet array.
The company also makes a range of leather wallet cases, reviewed below.
Available for: All iPhone 17 models
Amazon: All iPhone 17 models
Amazon UK: All iPhone 17 models
Premium designer Mujjo, from the luxury bag maker Troubadour, has been making some of our favorite leather Apple accessories for many years. In a fine-grain Danish calfskin the Full Leather Case is available in five colors for each model of the iPhone 17 family.
Owners of the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max get an extra option, the Full Leather Wallet Case that can hold two or three bank, ID or travel cards. You’ll need to remove the cards to wirelessly charge the iPhone within. This version is available in only Black and Tan.
Eager to win some green points, the company points out that sustainable “DriTan water-free leather tanning” is involved—this uses the moisture already present in the hides. The buttons, camera bump, soft microfiber lining, and polycarbonate inner shell are made from recycled plastic. All the cases feature machined-metal buttons, 1mm raised bezel and a metal rear camera bump for superior protection.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: All iPhone 17
If you desire something from a more monochromatic palette, the minimalist MOFT Snap Case MOVAS for iPhone 17 offers a range of cool, muted color options, plus some real splashes of color for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max.
The lightweight Snap Case is made from MOFT’s own MOVAS-P, a four-layer soft-touch vegan leather that the company claims is non-fading and fingerprint, scratch and stain resistant.
The side buttons are metal for better responsiveness and durability, with a capacitive Camera Control cover. The raised front edge is 1.3mm, offering excellent screen protection, and the camera cutout is elevated by 1mm.
There is a special version that is compatible with a Phone Lanyard in four colors for hands-free use, priced separately at $29.99.
Available for: iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max
Amazon UK: iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
After a disastrous stain-complaint launch with the iPhone 15 Apple is back with an iPhone 17 TechWoven Case after retiring its own designed fabric for the iPhone 16.
The tactile material is made from 100% recycled polyester—multicolored yarns are woven on a jacquard loom. The edges of the case are coated with lightly textured TPU for added grip. The keys are made of elegant anodized aluminum.
In his review of the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Macworld’s Roman Loyola noted that USB-C cables with wider plug casings won’t plug in with the TechWoven Case on as the case gets in the way. Apple’s USB-C cable (included with the phone) has a narrower plug that fits fine.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
We’ve long been fans of the simple, minimalist but luxury accessories from Swedish firm Woolnut. You’ll find them in our roundups of the best laptop sleeves and in previous collections of the best iPhone cases.
Woolnut hasn’t moved far with its Leather Case for iPhone 17, which looks much like the same for all the other iPhones since the 12. And why stray from a classic case?
The full-grain leather cover the slim polycarbonate and TPU frame is from Scandinavia, of course, and the interior features soft microfiber. The buttons are made from aluminum, not plastic as used on most cases. One new feature: a capacitive button for the Camera Control.
Available for: iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max
Grams(28) is a high-end luxury brand specializing in aesthetic but functional accessories made from high-quality leather sourced from Italy. It has Pebbled and Snowflake models of case for the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max only. Non-Pro iPhone owners look elsewhere.
The Pebbled Leather Case has that classic textured leather grain pattern, made from Italian Pebbled Bovine Leather in Black, Navy and Dark Green.
The Snowflake Leather Case is made from Italian Vegetable Tanned Snowflake Leather—also known as pueblo leather—with a glossier rugged surface coming through after 90 days usage. It’s available in Black, Jeans and Tabacco colors.
Each of these iPhone 17 cases are MagSafe compatible and feature a robust 360-degree TPE bumper and 1mm raised ridge above the screen and camera lenses—with 5-foot drop protection.
Uniquely, the company can personalize the case with a hand-debossing service that stamps your initials deeply into the leather’s surface.
Available for: All iPhone models
Available in both premium leather and leather alternative , this iPhone 17 case features anodized aluminum buttons. We are as much fans of the color options as we are the Moft Snap MOVAS case.
The leather alternative material INNOVERA is meant to not just feel like leather, but even smell like it too. It is made with plant protein and post-consumer recycled nylon.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Amazon: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Available in a wide range of colors, including a vibrant Solar Orange and classy Racing Green, this range of slim leather cases is made from either full-grain Italian nappa leather or vegetable-tanned full-grain leather.
You can personalise your case with custom embossing of up to 4 characters in gold, silver, or blind emboss.
The precision-milled metal camera frame and a bespoke Camera Control Button are color-matched to the case.
There are several great choices for iPhone 17 cases that feature built-in wallets. Scan the reviews above for some examples, such as:
Some include wallets that attach to the case magnetically and other have the wallet built in. Note that built-in wallets usually affect wireless charging, especially with cards inside. You’d need to remove the Smartish Wallet Slayer case to use wireless charging, for example, but not the Decoded Detachable cases reviewed below.
Available for: All iPhone models
Amazon UK: All iPhone 17
Most wallet iPhone cases place the card slots at the back, which can hamper wireless MagSafe charging. The Decoded Leather Detachable Wallet Case and Textured Silicone Detachable Wallet are more flexible. It’s actually two cases in one as the standard case magnetically clamps onto a wraparound that features the wallet card slots behind the front panel.
The detachable wallet includes three card slots, plus storage for banknotes. The Silicone version can fold to create a handy stand but is available in just two colors compared top the full-grain Ecco leather case’s four.
This lightweight front part offers double protection for the screen aside from the raised edge found on the case. There’s further magnetic magic on the folding closure. The case promises 1.2m drop protection, and the button covers are metal for further robustness and precise control.
The whole package is surprisingly slim for a full wraparound wallet. You could place the bare phone straight onto the wraparound cover, but you’d lose the 360-degree protection should the phone be dropped.
Available for: iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max
Horween leather inside and out, the Nomad Modern Leather Folio Case can hold three cards and a small number of banknotes or receipts. It encloses the iPhone—17 Pro and 17 Pro Max only—so all your valuables are protected within, and held in place with a magnetic clasp.
The buttons are metal in a polycarbonate frame with 360-degree grippy TPU bumper. With the wallet at the front, the back remains fully MagSafe compatible.
If you are less of a leather purist, there’s a standard leather version available for $75, down from $109 for the more premium Horween.
Available for: All iPhone 17 models
Amazon: All iPhone 17 models
Claiming fans from Taylor Swift to Martha Stewart, accessory maker Bandolier’s iPhone cases are aimed very much at the women’s fashion market, and they look like no other with crossbody designs that match leather, gold, silver and chrome.
The Hailey is an ultra-stylish adjustable and detachable crossbody grain leather phone case with adjustable strap and expandable side-slot wallet to keep cash or cards. The Emma’s wallet is instead top-loading, and the Mila is a bi-fold.
If you love the Bandolier look but want to keep your wallet in your handbag, Bandolier does offer glamorous iPhone cases without the wallet, although most—such as the Rayna—allow you to accessorise later. Some feature an integrated D-ring on the strap for attaching accessories such as AirPods, keys, or the wallet itself.
Not just good-looking, the Bandolier cases offer 4-foot drop protection.
Available for: iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max
The Bullstrap full-grain leather cases are made from hides sourced from Europe and northern United States, and are lightly buffed and dyed, sprayed with oils and waxes, and then polished to achieve a two-tone color effect.
The Minimalist Portfolio Case features two card slots, and an open bottom section.
Bullstrap also offers a Minimalist leather case without the card slots, Contemporary with a closed bottom and cutouts, and Flex with a protective TPU rim along the edges.
Available for: All iPhone 17 models
Australian company Bellroy is perhaps more famous for its wallets than its phone cases, so it’s appropriate that we feature it here for its iPhone 17 cases that feature wallets, either built-in or attached magnetically.
The premium leather Bellroy Phone Case – 3 Cards has an integrated but hidden wallet that cleverly and magnetically unfolds to create a landscape phone kickstand. Inside the case there’s a spot for a spare SIM and pin.
You’ll need to remove the phone to wirelessly charge it.
Available for: iPhone 17 | iPhone 17e | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
What distinguishes the Vena vCommute from similar tough cases also reviewed here is its hidden 3-card wallet that doubles up as a stand. Vena claims it can withstand fairly vicious attacks with its 2x military-grade protection. You need to open the leather flap to enable wireless charging. Cards feel more secure here than sticking out of the back of the case or stored in a separate accessory that magnetically clamps to the back of the phone.
It is made with dual-layer polycarbonate and TPU with corner guards that Vena claims can survive drops from above 8 feet.
Available for: All iPhone 17 models
The unique Flex Pouch from Ninja Labs is for people who want to store more than three credit cards in their iPhone case wallet. Super stretchable, the silicone pouch can firmly hold as many objects as some of us have in our backpack pockets! It can keep a robust grip on your ID cards, cash, AirPods, pens, lighter and lipstick and not blink or tear—it is not recommended to store your keys or any other sharp objects in the pouch. Stuffed full the Flex Pouch might just about fit in a coat pocket.
Even if you just want to store a few cards, we found the Flex Pouch a tight hold. It is slightly wider at the top and tighter on the bottom. Once emptied, it pings back to its original flat form. With an AirPods case inside, you can use the case as a landscape stand.
The case itself feels robust and is available in three colors. Each of these can then have either an opaque or similarly colored pouch on the back.
Shipping is free $50 within the U.S. and worldwide shipping costs are calculated per country.
An iPhone case with a wallet or stand is all very useful but sometimes not as urgent a need as a battery recharge. While battery cases for iPhones were once commonplace—even Apple made one—they are rarer today with the advent of magnetic power banks. Power banks are great but offer little-to-no drop protection like you’ll get from a case. The best mixture of the two is a battery case, and we’ve tested the latest from the iPhone battery case pioneer, Mophie. Also read: Best iPhone Battery Cases.
Available for: iPhone Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max
Mophie has long been the go-to for iPhone battery cases, and often it’s the only game in town except for a bunch online from companies we haven’t heard of and so are reluctant to trust with a potentially dangerous battery so close to our precious iPhone.
The battery inside the Juice Pack battery case (3000mAh for the 17 Pro and 3600mAh for 17 Pro Max) isn’t as capacious as those you’ll find in a power bank (5000mAh to 10000mAh) but it still recharged our empty iPhone 17 Pro to 55%—enough to get most of us to the next available charger and power socket. The smaller battery means the battery case is much slimmer than older iPhone battery packs used to be.
Drop protection is claimed at 6 feet. There are raised corners at the front to save the screen from impacts, and a little raised protection for the cameras at the back. The design is a two piece construction but it feels robust and won’t come apart while being pulled from your pocket.
Read our full Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 17 Pro review
A case will protect your iPhone from harm not only from drops but the constant to and fro from your pocket, rubbing it up this way and that. Sometimes a pocket isn’t the best place for tech, and you need something more substantial to hold it in—especially if your pockets are full or your outfit doesn’t have any! A secure pocket within a bag should make it harder for thieves to snatch your phone, especially in crowded areas, and keeps it further from rain should you be caught outside at the wrong time.
Some experts also warn against keeping a phone too close to your body due to the radio-frequency radiation that can cause heat build up that’s bad not just for your phone but those rather vital organs near your pockets—think about it for a second. Keeping it in a bag, rather than directly in a pocket, increases the distance between the phone and your body. We have reviewed and tested the best bags for Mac but there are smaller carriers for phones that should be considered.
The Herschel Cloud Sling for iPhone is an exclusive on the Apple Store. It’s a classic minimalist Herschel design made with a padded, lightweight fabric, protected with a zippered closure and adjustable strap.
Available in Pink or Black, there’s space for your AirPods case and charging cable, plus a padded slot for AirTag.
Fitting any iPhone, the Alpaka Modular Phone Sling V2 allows hands-free phone carrying, and can be worn either as a crossbody sling or a waist belt-loop attachment.
As with the Waterfield Hudson, reviewed below, a magnetic closure mechanism and buckle strap system allow for easy access while keeping the phone secure. At the front is an RFID-blocking front pocket for your cards and cash. And at the side there’s a pen slot.
Available for: Grammercy: All iPhone 17 models Hudson: All iPhone 17 models
Handcrafted from full-grain leather in San Francisco Waterfield’s range includes super-premium bags such as the Gramercy Leather Sling and Hudson Leather Crossbody.
The 2L Gramercy Leather Sling ($309) carries an iPhone, wallet, keys, glasses, cards, and a few daily items. The key differentiator is the pocket layout: two Ultrasuede-lined exterior pockets that help protect an iPhone and glasses from scratches, including a rear quick-access pocket that sits close to the body. A front pocket with an authentic paragliding buckle adds a modern accent, while three interior pockets and a key tether organize small essentials. An alternative is the Grams(28) Essential Pouch, reviewed below.
The larger 3.5L Hudson Leather Crossbody ($329) is a crossbody bag that features a dedicated iPhone pocket, which you can access one-handed via the clever magnetic closure that eliminates the need for fumbling with zippers. An extra layer of protection, the self-finding magnetic Fidlock buckle secures the flap in place. There’s also a more open slip pocket at the back.
These bags will suit the style-conscious iPhone user who doesn’t want to stuff their device in their back pocket
The black leather models are the most dressy of these beautiful if pricey bags, with the Chocolate and Grizzly colorways a little more casual but still very smart. Of course it fits any iPhone, not just the 17.
You can buy only direct from Waterfield Designs. For international orders add $19 shipping plus applicable duties.
Another luxury product for your luxury iPhone—just as you don’t but a $10 case for your new $1,000 phone why buy the cheapest bag from the market stall to carry around all your possessions—but worth it for the joy of owning such a gorgeous and practical fine full-grain Italian leather crossbody.
There’s only 1L of capacity but you can fit a lot into this bag as well as your iPhone. On a recent trip to Valencia I carried my phone, guidebook and some case in mine, and it felt safe from pickpockets as long as I kept it at my front—and I didn’t have to keep patting my pockets to check they weren’t invaded.
There are specialized camera grips for the iPhone that sometimes require a custom case. These can make using the iPhone more versatile as a camera and therefore faster to grab that perfect picture.
The retro-inspired Master Grip, from camera-accessory maker Telesin, has been designed exclusively for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, and features precision cooling, AI-powered filters and a built-in 3200mAh power bank and wireless charging support so your phone shouldn’t fade during even the longest photoshoot.
The one-handed ergonomic grip will be familiar to owners of traditional camera and is wrapped in soft but grippy sweat-resistant silicone-based synthetic, adding comfort and stability.
Its thermal dissipation system features a graphene heat sink and MagSafe cooling backplate that prevents overheating during extended 4K or HDR shooting sessions.
The Master Grip retains a two-stage shutter for half-press autofocus and full-press capture, with the tactile feel of a mechanical shutter that old-school and new photographers love. Within easy reach are shooting button and zoom rocker, plus wake button and mode dial. A customizable Fn button, via the AI-trained Telesin Reef Color app, enables quick access to functions such as filter switching, intensity adjustment, exposure control, white balance, shutter speed, and ISO — just like you’d find on a pro camera.
There are two bundles available for the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max: Standard with iPhone case, wrist strap and charging cable, and Creator, which also includes a UV filter and magnetic fill light.
The most common results of drops and knocks cause cracked and scratched screens, followed by chipped corners and sides. Even a basic phone case offers some protection against such everyday drops and knocks, and some are built to withstand more catastrophic accidents. Modern materials mean that protective cases are relatively slim and light. Clever design and tough-but-thin materials such as Kevlar and Graphene are key to the levels of robustness—but it remains the case that the bulkier the case, the more protection it will likely offer as long as it is also clever and made of the right stuff.
Let’s face it the iPhone is basically made front and back of glass—even if it is a new version of Ceramic Shield that Apple claims is three to four times tougher than any smartphone glass—and glass dropped on the floor usually ends in tears.
Look for raised edges (known as a bezel) around the screen that will protect it from drop cracks and scratches—it lands on these edges and not the fragile screen. Another point of obvious weakness is the camera lens area, and you should go for a case with a raised edge around that part, too, in case the phone lands that side down. Where we have the exact dimensions, we have included this information in our case reviews below.
Look for button covers—in metal or plastic. Some cases prefer cutouts but may offer less protection as a result. The Camera Control on the right side of all the iPhone 17 models is capacitive so it can’t be covered using standard materials in the same way as the other iPhone buttons can. Instead the best utilize a piece of sapphire crystal coupled with a conductive layer to communicate finger movements—including taps, slides and swipes—to the button below.
If you want to keep the original Apple colors while still protecting the phone, choose a clear case. If you want to add more personality—if only to distinguish your iPhone from those of your family and friends—there are thousands of designs to choose from. Some are quite beautiful, some fine art, and some I wouldn’t want to be seen with in a dark room.
And iPhone 17 cases come in many forms: wallet cases, cases that support bike and car mounts, phone pouches, sleeves, slings and cases with belt-clips. Here we keep adding the best we can find as they come in for testing.
Ensure you choose the right case for your exact model so that it fits correctly over the buttons and camera lenses for uninterrupted use. Where possible we have linked to the buying pages for each model: iPhone 17e (6.1 inch), iPhone 17 (6.3 inch), Air (6.5 inch), iPhone 17 Pro (6.3 inch) and iPhone 17 Pro Max (6.9 inch).
Don’t think you can squeeze your new 17 model iPhone into a case for an older model. Sometimes a new iPhone is the same size as the previous model, but not the 17 unfortunately, which also has a whole new camera section at the top. Upgraders need a new case. That said, I have used an iPhone 17 Pro case on my iPhone 16 Pro. The buttons work but the flashlight is covered on some cases.
Also make sure that the case is MagSafe compatible so that you can charge wirelessly with a MagSafe charger while your iPhone 17 stays in its case. So-called “clear” cases sadly require a huge white ring on their back to be compatible with MagSafe charging. Colored, patterned or leather cases hide their magnets better.
On the 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max Apple has placed its logo further down the back so the circle of magnets would cut through it. On its own clear case Apple tries to not spoil its logo or reduce the number of magnets and ends up with an ugly solution for the 17 Pro and Pro Max clear cases. Third-party clear case manufacturers have decided to remove a few magnets to allow the logo to show, and claim this doesn’t affect the magnetic fit.
You can, of course, still charge via a USB-C cable—which will always be the fastest way to charge an iPhone—and an iPhone charger.
If you still own an iPhone 16 Pro and fancy one of the iPhone 17 Pro cases reviewed here, you might be in luck. Our test iPhone 16 Pro fit most of the iPhone 17 Pro cases here, although some may cover the 16 Pro’s flashlight. It’s not the case the other way round as an iPhone 16 Pro case will cover the 17 Pro’s Flash and the LiDAR Scanner that uses lasers to measure distances and create a 3D map of the environment.
You can’t swap iPhone 16 and 17 cases on models other than the Pro due to size and cutout differences.
Current information suggests Apple will keep a very similar chassis for the iPhone 18 Pro: near-identical dimensions, similar button placement, comparable thickness, the same overall form factor, and MagSafe carried over. On that basis, most iPhone 17 Pro cases should physically fit the iPhone 18 Pro. The one caveat is the camera. Recent reports point to a slight redesign of the camera module. The change is not expected to be dramatic, but even small shifts matter around the lens area, so you could see imperfect camera alignment, visible gaps around the module, reduced protection at the lenses, and issues with precision-fit cases in particular.
In short: for basic protection many 17 Pro cases will likely still do the job. For proper fit and finish, a dedicated iPhone 18 Pro case will remain the better option.
The ROG Strix OLED XG32UQWMS gaming monitor is planned for release in September 2026. ASUS provided a sample, but the company had no input on the article nor saw its contents before publishing.
OLED gaming monitors have been around for a while, but concerns about text clarity and burn-in left me less excited to buy something like the ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG32UQWMS. Given the chance to test an upcoming model from its range shown at Computex earlier this year, I couldn't resist, and my review could be the moment that helps me overcome my apprehension. Here's what I learned.
The ROG Strix XG32UQWMS is targeting a September launch for $899, with specific US retailers to be confirmed. In the United Kingdom, that converts to £819, with planned third-party resellers including Amazon UK, Currys, and Very. In the meantime, you can sign up for availability notifications on the monitor's official ASUS listing for your region.
Component | Spec |
|---|---|
Display type | WOLED |
Resolution | UHD (3840 x 2160) |
Refresh rate | 240 Hz (UHD) |
Brightness | 330 cd/m² (typical) |
Viewing angle | 178°/ 178° (vertical/horizontal) |
Response | 0.03 ms (Gray-to-Gray) |
Dimensions | 28.27" x 22.13" x 7.40" (71.8 x 56.2 x 18.8 cm) |
Weight | 10.64 – 14.46 lbs |
Originally announced at Computex 2026, ASUS targets a September launch in the United States at $899, with sign-ups offered for availability notifications.View Deal
I'm a big fan of toolless setups wherever they appear, and ASUS ROG wins points for delivering a straightforward process here. Everything hinged on a push-button release mechanism that either gripped the stand or the VESA mount; I used the former and attached the footplate with a simple thumbscrew.
I'm a big fan of toolless setups wherever they appear, and ASUS ROG wins points for delivering a straightforward process here.
The display alone weighs 9.92 lbs (4.5 kg), and adding the VESA mount brings the total to 10.64 lbs (4.83 kg) in a mounted setup. Otherwise, the foot plate and strut together weigh 4.54 lbs (2.06 kg), controlling height with a sturdy but not overly stiff response. On my desk, the monitor is 14.46 lbs (6.56 kg) overall.
Attaching the stand gave me a clear view of the ports and navigation via the multi-function button (MFB) located behind the bottom-mounted ASUS ROG logo and its accompanying "Neo" proximity sensor. It's a pretty standard affair that matches rival brands, and its controls should feel familiar to most people.
While there are two HDMI 2.1 ports, a pair of USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 with a hub port, and a headphone jack, there's only a single DisplayPort cable in the box for its matching DP 1.4 port, along with the AC cord. Bundling a free USB-B cable shouldn't be too expensive, and I'm disappointed to see it missing here.
Moving from a 27-inch IPS Alienware monitor to an OLED panel made its benefits immediately obvious, with an experience similar to the one I get from my LG C2 TV in the living room. High contrast, deep blacks, and crisp visuals come with its 4K resolution and that smooth 240Hz refresh rate. Windows 11 adjusted my settings accordingly, and the monitor looks great out of the box.
The UHD @ 240Hz mode looks fantastic, and I'm left wondering who would ever want to switch to 1080p for the sake of 480Hz on a 32-inch display.
In motion, the UHD @ 240Hz mode looks fantastic, and I'm left wondering who would ever want to switch to 1080p for the sake of 480Hz on a 32-inch display. I know it has its place in ultra-competitive shooters like Counter-Strike 2 and its many rivals, but 240Hz still feels like plenty to me. If you're the target audience, I think you'll be happy, because FHD gameplay still looks quite good.
Up close, the clarity of on-screen text looks fine; nothing particularly groundbreaking, but nothing looks noticeably fringed when I sit at a comfortable distance in UHD mode. Adjusting ClearType in Windows 11 might give results that better suit you, but I didn't feel like anything looked out of place during my usual daily work and gaming.
The OSD is at least easy to navigate, and I could install the DisplayWidget Center if I really wanted to use a mouse to tweak several settings at once. Otherwise, the "TrueBlack Glossy" panel looks significantly darker at a glance than the other screens in my office, which certainly helps with the deep blacks OLED is famous for, and I found the visible room reflections were tolerable.
Out of the box, the XG32UQWMS defaults to "Racing mode", hitting 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut as advertised, and sRGB accuracy earns a perfect score, while Adobe RGB maxes out at 93%. Without changing settings, a 100% brightness level reached around 306 to 311 nits, so getting it to 330 nits will require a bit of tweaking. On the whole, I'm satisfied with its stock settings.
✅ You want an OLED monitor built for preventing burn-in
✅ You're a competitive gamer who thrives on high refresh rates
❌ You want an out-of-the-box USB hub monitor
A built-in presence sensor probably sets off alarm bells for some gamers, but the proximity detection is literally there to help protect this OLED panel by switching off when you walk away. That, along with adjustments to uniform brightness and pixel-cleaning settings, helps prevent burn-in, which was my biggest concern with monitors like these. ASUS definitely could have thrown in a free upstream USB cable for its hub, but the display itself is solid, so it still wins praise.
Due for release in September 2026, this OLED gaming monitor should be at the top of your considerations if you're shopping around.
Last night I surprised myself by working an extra hour at my desk. I occasionally work late, but what surprised me is that it happened by accident. I believe the blame falls on GUNNAR and a pair of glasses the company sent me to try out.
Like many people, I sit at a desk for the majority of my workday and stare at a screen for hours on end. I often get headaches or eye strain after working for too long without a break. I've spent years building up an ergonomic workstation to help my back, knees, and wrists, but I've neglected my eyes.
GUNNAR glasses are designed to block blue light. I've been aware of the company for years, in part due to their various gaming partnerships, but I had never used a pair myself. Gunnar and I got in touch to let me try a pair.
The Novato pair of glasses I was sent has the amber tint that's available in many frames from GUNNAR. This particular pair has a slight magnification as well, though it's available with a neutral focus.
When I slipped on the glasses, I felt my face relax almost instantly. I then continued to work throughout the afternoon.
Later in the evening, I noticed that I had worked an hour later than usual.
I got to the end of my normal day and just kept working because I didn't realize how late it was. I usually need breaks every once in a while to rest my eyes, but since my eyes didn't hurt I lost track of time.
These glasses filter out blue light to reduce eye strain caused by staring at a screen. They're made with a lightweight titanium frame and have anti-reflective coating.View Deal
I've used apps like f.lux and Windows 11 features such as Night Light to filter out blue light from my PC screen. I still recommend those apps to anyone who wants to reduce eye strain or who works late at night.
I was, however, surprised how much the GUNNAR glasses felt different than using software to reduce blue light.
I'm not an eye doctor or any type of medical professional, so please take my experience as simply a hands-on with the GUNNAR glasses. When I put them on, it felt like the entirety of my eyes could relax rather than just having a specific screen filtered.
While apps like f.lux are great, they don't do anything to filter out blue light from overhead lighting or any other light sources in your room. Slipping on a pair of GUNNAR glasses came much closer to filtering blue light out of the entire room.
This particular model of GUNNAR glasses rests quite close to my face, though they have models that wrap around even more.
I'm sure that part of the improved experience is mental. My mind feels like it can relax my eyes, so my face follows. With the glasses on, I caught myself squinting or flexing my face less.
I'm not sure if accidentally working an extra hour is a good thing or a bad thing, but if I can harness the experience for my normal working hours, I'll be very excited. I plan to use these GUNNAR glasses and some other frames over the coming weeks and will follow up with how things go.
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So, you need a pair of ANC earbuds. Recommendations usually start with the pairs that match your smartphone: AirPods, Pixel Buds, Galaxy Buds, OnePlus Buds, or Moto Buds. If you opt for a pair of ANC earbuds from a trusted audio brand instead, you're likely choosing between Sony and Bose. I've used both the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) for months, and they're the best of the best when it comes to active noise-cancellation power.
But there can only be one best. So, I decided to take the flagship Sony and Bose earbuds to three noisy places to see how each one cancels out unwanted sound. This isn't a lab test or a benchmark — it's a real-world showdown that reflects how the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) perform in everyday scenarios. While it was close, there was one pair of ANC earbuds I consistently preferred for its ANC power.
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) use eight onboard microphones — four per earbud — to cancel out sound. Bose is using new AI-powered algorithms for active noise cancellation, but we don't know the specifics. The Sony WF-1000XM6 also has eight microphones split evenly between the two earbuds. Sony uses a custom QN3e processor for noise cancelation, and it's said to be 3x faster than its predecessor.
For this test, I took the Bose and Sony earbuds to loud places and tested their ANC performance. I placed the earbuds in my ears and listened for active noise cancellation without any music playing. Then, I raised the volume to a modest 50% and started playing music to see how environmental noise is perceived at a comfortable listening level.
This test is purely gauging the earbuds' ANC chops. It ignores sound quality, battery life, call quality, and other features, but every detail is covered in our full reviews of the Sony WF-1000XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2).
The first place I took the Sony and Bose earbuds to was my local coffee shop. I'm regularly working from a cafe, and it's a great environment. Good vibes, superb lattes, and free Wi-Fi. The one problem every digital nomad has run into is the noise. Loud espresso machines, constant chatter, and noisy foot traffic can quickly lead to distractions. The obvious solution to this issue is a pair of ANC earbuds, and that's why I brought the WF-1000XM6 and the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) along with me.
Active noise cancellation works best with consistent noise, which is why environments like a coffee shop can trip up ANC earbuds. Sudden bursts of loud conversation or intermittent machinery can pierce the ANC barrier. When I wore the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) without music playing, most background noise and the radio music turned to silence. However, I could still hear laughter, the espresso machine screeching, and chairs sliding around.
I then switched to the WF-1000XM6, but Sony's earbuds struggled to cancel out the mid-frequency environmental noise. Without music playing through my earbuds, I could still hear the music from the overhead radio speakers and make out nearby conversations. Interestingly, the high-pitched sounds that broke through Bose's ANC bubble were suppressed by the Sony earbuds.
Starting to play music through each pair of earbuds at 50% volume made their flaws virtually indistinguishable. With music playing, the Sony WF-1000XM6 blocked out nearly all audible background noise. The same was mostly true of the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2), except for lighter tracks with strong vocals and minimal production.
In this test, I preferred the ANC power of the Bose earbuds. I really didn't like that the Sony earbuds did little to block out the chatter and background music in the coffee shop, which can be distracting.
Your air conditioning unit might be producing the loudest sound in your home. I live in the Arizona desert, so my AC is running almost nonstop this time of year. Using a sound measurement tool, I recorded my AC's noise level to be 60 decibels. That's quite loud, so I sat right underneath my air conditioner and put the Bose and Sony earbuds in my ears. These low-frequency hums and rumbles coming from your AC unit pose a challenge for even the best ANC earbuds.
Both earbuds nearly canceled out the AC unit's loud noise, but the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) did a better job. While the Sony WF-1000XM6 made the noise less irritating, it was still there. The Bose earbuds, by comparison, made the AC unit sound silent — even without music playing. After choosing a song and setting the volume at 50%, neither pair of earbuds had a problem blocking out the annoying rumble of my air conditioner.
In this test, the win goes to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2). Based on the results of the first two tests, it seems like the Sony WF-1000XM6 isn't quite as good at negating low- and mid-frequency sounds.
For the final test, I took the Bose and Sony earbuds to the loudest place I could think of: a crowded shopping mall on a Friday night. I walked through a supermarket, a food court, and the concourse to get a feel for how each pair of earbuds responded to the noisy environments. Unlike the first two tests, which relied heavily on low- and mid-frequency background noise, the most challenging sounds to cancel out here were in the high-frequency range.
Sony's WF-1000XM6 earbuds actually did a better job blocking out the conversations and chatter around me in the wall, and I have a hunch as to why. There was so much talking going on that all the voices blended together into a kind of white noise the Sony buds easily canceled out. This could be why the WF-1000XM6 stopped voices in their tracks here, but didn't perform as well in the less-crowded coffee shop.
In the food court, the Sony earbuds' ability to block out higher-end sounds shined. The sizzle of frying pans and the clanking of utensils were mitigated by the WF-1000XM6, whereas they were much easier to hear through the Bose earbuds. Even at 50% volume, I could still hear some of those high-pitched noises while wearing the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2).
The two pairs of earbuds didn't stand a chance at canceling out the infrequent PA announcements in the food court, but this isn't surprising. Overall, the Sony earbuds won in the mall. The chatter all blending together, paired with the high-pitched nuisance sounds, gave the WF-1000XM6 the perfect environment to put its ANC strengths on display.
Looking back on my week of ANC testing both the Bose and Sony earbuds, the winner on paper seems clear. More often than not, the Bose earbuds canceled out noise better than the Sony earbuds. Still, I'm not ready to write off the Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds. I actually enjoyed wearing them for active noise cancellation more than the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2), because the Sony earbuds are decidedly more comfortable.
They're smaller, and don't make as tight of a seal in your ear as the Bose earbuds. Perceived ANC power has as much to do with passive sound isolation as it does active algorithmic cancellation. The very reason the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds (Gen 2) performed well might also be the reason I wanted to pull them out of my ears during longer listening sessions. While I found the Bose earbuds canceled out more noise on most tests, I'd reach for the Sony earbuds for their comfort anyway.
Best for comfort
The Sony WF-1000XM6 are excellent ANC earbuds, and cancel out a whole lot of noise. Their supreme comfort helps you enjoy long listening sessions with ANC active. However, the fit may not be as secure as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2).
Most secure fit
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2) do an excellent job of staying securely in your ears, creating a seal that helps with sound isolation. This improves ANC quality, but some users may find the characteristic uncomfortable after a while.
As I leaned over the railing, heart pounding and hands shaking, I questioned how I ended up here. A flagship $699 phone in hand, ready to be hurled to its death. Let me explain.
I'm big on phone cases and test them for a living. One of the most common business tactics employed by case makers is to advertise their drop protection. Buzzwords like "impact absorption," "heavy-duty," and even "military grade" are thrown around all the time.
Do they actually mean anything? And what even is military grade? I decided to use my Pixel 8 as the sacrificial lamb and put four incredibly well-known and reputable brands to the test.
I wanted to bump these cases around and fling them from the heights the brands claim they can survive, going as far as driving over the toughest case that I found.
The four cases I chose for this drop test are the Poetic Revolution, Dbrand Grip Case, Quad Lock MAG Case, and BURGA Tough Case. These cases range from mid-range to expensive pricing.
Poetic guarantees 20ft military-grade drop protection and full-body rugged defenses.
BURGA promises reliable, everyday protection against drops, bumps, and daily wear, which I'd say should be your average accidental phone drops from your hands.
Quad Lock promises the same everyday protection from its MAG Case.
Lastly, Dbrand assures us that the Grip Case has military-grade impact resistance, but provides no exact figures in terms of drop or impact resistance.
To start off, I grabbed a few heavy objects, random things like my power bank and keys, and chucked them in a bag along with the Pixel 8. I shook the bag like it owed me money and repeated the process with each case.
I won't lie, I was a little nervous about the pointy keys and power bank as they are pretty solid metal objects and I usually keep them in separate compartments of my bag to be safe. I was happy to learn that the scratch-proof claims are accurate, but obviously only the back of the phone is protected. Poetic was the only exception to this rule, as it comes with a built-in screen guard. I had a screen protector on, so there were no scratches on the screen with any of the other cases either.
In fact, the only trouble I had during this part of the test was taking off the darn tough cases. Poetic gave me the most trouble, and I ended up cracking a nail taking it off.
Finally, the fun part arrived. I decided to drop the tough cases offering everyday protection from 5ft onto hard tiled floors. This is actually more than the typical "military standard" of drop protection.
Expert case maker SUPCASE detailed this standard, where "the phone case undergoes 26 drops from a height of 4 feet onto a plywood surface laid over a concrete base with a steel backing" to qualify.
Each one of the four cases survived unscathed, so for the next test, I moved on to the toughest contender: Poetic.
Unlike BURGA, Dbrand, and Quad Lock, Poetic takes things a lot further and promises heavy-duty 20ft drop resistance, which is about two floors of an average building.
With a mighty heave-ho, I hurled the Pixel 8 in the Poetic Revolution case from the second floor of my parents' house.
The built-in screen guard stayed glued to the top of the phone even after such a terrible drop, but the case itself came off from the impact. However, the Pixel 8 still worked perfectly afterward, with not even a scratch or crack to be found.
The only damage was a barely discernible dent in the camera bar in the front, but it did not interfere in the functional operation. The aesthetics of the phone were largely intact too.
Unbelievably, the phone was still working. The camera lenses didn't shatter. I could still take pictures and make calls.
I decided to test just how impregnable the Poetic Revolution phone case really is and maybe took things too far with the final challenge.
And for my last trick, I decided to literally run the Poetic Revolution case over with a car.
My heart was in my mouth as I watched my dad drive over the phone in his MPV that seats seven. I was hesitant before chucking the phone off the second floor, but this was even more frightening.
Once the deed was done, I picked up the phone and...
Hallelujah! The phone was still working! The touchscreen responded as it should, I took a few pictures, sent a voice note on WhatsApp, and watched some YouTube videos.
Sure, the phone was a little dusty, but I washed off the dirt. Everything was as it should be — until I took the case off and checked the backside of the Pixel.
It hurt to see the bottom part of the glass back with spiderweb-like cracks spreading up. Clearly, the Poetic Revolution case has its limits. One must not drive over it with a car, but that's on me. Poetic never said you could.
I am still impressed that this was after multiple back-to-back drop tests, that too in the searing hot 45°C (or 113°F) Arabian summer. I can still use the Pixel 8 to do everything it needs to do. I even washed it with water, though I do not recommend you to do that with a cracked glass back.
It charges fine, the screen works, the cameras are functional, the mic records properly, and the speakers sound as they should. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules are operating normally too.
All my ruthless drop testing proved that a good case can save your phone from disaster. The bottom line is, always get a good quality phone case. Those drop protection numbers clearly are not marketing slop. Just make sure it's a reliable brand like Poetic, not some off brand knockoff, so you can trust that the brand actually drop tested their case.
As I write this, I have 78 devices connected to my home network, including phones, tablets, Windows machines, Android TVs, way too many Govee lights, and other smart home tech. The most important device, however, is my network-attached storage (NAS) system; it houses all my data, acts as my media and music server, and essentially runs my smart home.
So when it comes to selecting a new NAS, I'm exacting in my needs. I'm still using the 100TB home server I set up two years ago with the DiskStation DS1823xs+, but I wanted a new NAS solely as a media server, and there was an obvious choice: UGREEN's DXP4800 Pro.
I tested the DXP4800 Pro when it came out, and it became clear to me that it is a powerful Plex NAS. After the review, I slotted in two 24TB Seagate Exos X24 along with two 22TB IronWolf Pro NAS HDDs, and began transferring media and installing all the utilities and services I rely on every day.
After three and a half months of extensive testing — totaling well over 2,500 hours of use — streaming 4K Plex content on well over a dozen devices, and writing 54TB of data to the drives, I can state with confidence that the DXP4800 Pro is the best all-round media server you can buy in 2026. I'll go into plenty of detail about how I tested the NAS over the last three months, but before I get started, here's a high-level overview of the hardware.
The DXP4800 Pro is a 4-bay NAS with the best internals in its class. It's powered by an Intel Core i3-1315U and has hardware transcoding (ideal for Plex and Jellyfin), 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and a 2.5 Gigabit connection, 8GB of memory, a 128GB built-in SSD, and two NVMe M.2 SSD slots. The Intel Core i3-1315U platform is a solid choice for NAS servers, and it's no surprise that most manufacturers are using it in their enthusiast models. The DXP4800 Pro is available for $719 on Amazon, and you can also buy it on UGREEN's site.
I started testing the DXP4800 Pro by installing UGOS Pro, UGREEN's web-based software. It has come a long way in the last 12 months and is now at a point where you don’t feel like you’re missing out on any of the basics. After installation, I created a storage pool with the four drives; I recommend using a mirrored configuration if you’re looking to set up a NAS, as that way you’ll maintain data integrity should a drive fail. As I had this data in at least two other locations (I’m obsessive about storage), I just went with JBOD.
Then came setting up all the services I use, and this constituted the bulk of the testing. I installed Plex and Jellyfin to manage media, an instance of Roon to manage my music library, Immich to handle photos, and Tailscale to access the NAS remotely. While Jellyfin and Home Assistant are listed in UGREEN’s app store, they’re installed as containers anyway, so I just relied on Docker to install everything. It’s easier to manage, and I get better insights into how much system resources each service is using.
I prefer installing utilities like Plex and Jellyfin via Docker. I find these instances more stable, and I get the flexibility to make any configuration changes I need. On that note, the 8GB of pre-installed memory makes a big difference. Even with eight services running 24/7 within containers, I had 3.2GB of usable RAM left, with enough headroom to run a VM by allocating 2GB of memory.
That said, I subsequently installed a 16GB DRAM module, boosting the memory to 24GB and giving me much better headroom to work with VMs and other containers. Even if you don't want to go this route, know that the built-in 8GB of memory is more than adequate for most homelab hobby projects.
I took ten days to move the data to the DXP4800 Pro, transferring over 54TB in that time. I was conservative in this regard, as I didn’t want to transfer the entire dataset in one go, and I used rsync to move each category — photos, music, documents, and media — individually. A big chunk of that was my music production library that includes VST instruments and their associated media.
I connected the DS1823xs+ to the DXP4800 Pro using a 10GbE switch to take full advantage of the 10GbE connectivity available on both servers, and I was able to saturate the NAS HDDs' bandwidth quite easily. I got close to the 280MB/s maximum bandwidth of the Exos X24 and IronWolf Pro drives, and I saw aggregate transfers hit as high as 580MB/s — both NAS systems could easily handle six times that bandwidth, so this wasn't a problem at all. This was while moving bigger files; images and documents generally transferred at a much more modest average of around 120MB/s.
Thermal management can become an issue with sustained file transfers, and thankfully, it didn’t prove to be a problem on the DXP4800 Pro. The 140mm fan was effective at moving heat away from the internals, and the drives didn’t exceed 48 degrees Celsius.
What I like about Seagate's NAS HDDs is that they’re designed to run 24/7, and they come with unique features like vibration resistance, which is necessary in a NAS system.
But more than anything else, it’s long-term reliability that matters. While the drives I used in the DXP4800 Pro have now clocked just under 3,000 hours (I still count that as almost new), I've had several IronWolf Pro HDDs in the last decade that have clocked over 50,000 hours of usage, and I haven’t run into any issues with any of these drives yet (thankfully).
After the data transfer came the real test: media streaming. I used Plex predominantly, and the DXP4800 Pro delivered three high-bitrate 4K transcodes simultaneously, which is no small feat. Hardware-assisted transcoding via the built-in Intel Quick Sync platform is limited to Plex Pass users, and if you have older client devices like an early-gen iPad, this feature will come in handy.
However, most newer devices have the requisite media containers and codecs to play media files, so you don't actually need to transcode content most of the time — outside of testing how the NAS holds up in this area, I only had to rely on direct play. That said, if your video is encoded using H.265 and you have a TV or streamer that can't handle the codec, it will need to be transcoded to H.264 to play on the client device, and all of this is done automatically.
After playing dozens of hours of footage via Plex and Jellyfin over the last three months, it became clear that the DXP4800 Pro is the best 4-bay Plex NAS.
I did notice higher-than-usual power draw in general, with the NAS idling at 24—28W, going up to 60W when the drives are in use, and exceeding 85W under load. There is plenty of headroom, though, given that you get a 150W power brick, so this is not a problem as such. Averaged over three months, the power usage was well within the limits of a powerful 4-bay server, so I didn't worry about it too much.
Overall, the DXP4800 Pro is without a doubt one of the best 4-bay NAS servers around. The combination of powerful hardware and UGREEN's sensible software choices gives it a leg up over its rivals, and after extensive testing, it has consistently proven to be reliable, which is what I look for the most in a media server.
The DXP4800 Pro does everything I want in a Plex NAS, and if you need a new media server, this is the one I recommend.
Best answer: No you cannot use Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 cases on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra. Though they might look very similar in shape and size, minor differences in the camera module and hinge make this impossible.
When you hold the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra and the last-gen Galaxy Z Fold 7 in your hand, or look at pictures of them next to each other, it is very reasonable to think they could share cases. After all, their dimensions are nearly identical, even on paper.
Here's a comparison of the measurements of the two large-form foldable devices.
Dimensions | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 |
|---|---|---|
Folded | 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm | 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9mm |
Unfolded | 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm | 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm |
Looking at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, the numbers hint at potential backward compatibility of cases. After all, the measurements match almost perfectly.
When folded, both the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Z Fold 8 Ultra measure 158.4 x 72.8 x 8.9 mm, and when unfolded, they're almost identical too, 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.2mm and 158.4 x 143.2 x 4.1 mm. Even their displays have the same sizes, 8 inches internally and 6.5 inches externally.
So what gives? Why can't you use the phone cases for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 on the Z Fold 8 Ultra? Well, if you can't tell from the pictures, the raised unit housing the camera lenses does not match, differing in sizing and placement.
The second difference hindering backward compatibility of cases between the two Z Fold models is the hinge. Because of these two small but important discrepancies between the two Z Fold devices, you cannot use cases for either foldable on the other.
It's hard to say whether these were functional design changes, or alterations that were made to warrant purchasing new phone cases so Samsung could make more money. Regardless, if you've taken advantage of the excellent Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra preorder deals and are waiting for your new foldable, be sure to check out the best Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra cases to go with it too.
The true Z Fold successor
Unlike its wider counterpart, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra is the true successor to the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It has similar dimensions, a robust IP rating, incredibly powerful hardware under the hood, and almost no crease to speak of. If you want a slim and tall foldable, this is the one to get. Just don't forget to buy device specific cases for it, since older Fold 7 cases are incompatible with it.
A rumor taking us into the weekend suggests Google is working on a tracker to finally enter competition with some big-name brands.
A render of the alleged "Google Pixel Tag" was posted by 9to5Google, who state the name has started circulating across various online sources. According to the publication, the Pixel Tag could feature an oblong shape (rounded corners, not quite like a football), and Google's classic "G" icon in the center. What's more, the post claims there aren't any "mounting mechanisms" on the tag.
This gives the impression that consumers would pop this into their bag and go. One of the sources where the Pixel Tag has leaked is a Slovenian retailer. The folks at 9to5 snagged the tag's alleged description, which says the Pixel Tag is a "smart tracker that helps you quickly and reliably locate your lost items." As you might expect, this would work over the Find My Device (Find Hub) network.
The tag's description highlights items we're used to attaching smart trackers to: wallets, keys, and luggage. What's more, the Pixel Tag will reportedly feature a "loud speaker" to help users quickly pinpoint its location.
As far as trackers go, it doesn't look too bad. It's simple. That's pretty much all you can expect from a device like this. If, as the rumors say, this is preparing to launch alongside the Pixel 11, it'd be smart. "Here's the new Pixel 11 series! Grab a tracker so you don't lose you stuff, too!" I feel like I can already hear the keynote.
One of the immediate comparisons we can make with the Pixel Tag is the Moto Tag 2 or even Apple's alternative. The Moto Tag 2 debuted at the end of June, and it was probably the biggest upgrade Motorola's announcements had to offer. The Tag 2 offers Bluetooth 6.0 and UWB support. Additionally, Google Find Hub was fully integrated with the tracker, alongside a whopping 500 days of battery life on a replaceable CR2032 battery.
Seeing how the Moto Tag 2 shapes up has us wondering about the true form of the Pixel Tag 2. There's still a lot that's under wraps. Rumors assume Google could have a reveal on the way that lines up with the Pixel 11, but nothing's certain. If true, then that means we'll have the Pixel Glow and this Pixel Tag to wow us during the Made by Google event on August 12. Google teased the Pixel 11 Pro recently, showing off Pixel Glow: an LED indicator that sits beside the phone's cameras in the camera bar.
Rumors suggest Gemini would have a heavy presence here, offering bright indicators for various happenings from alerts to order tracking.
The teasers continue for CMF's next product, but now there's a date we can attach to it.
This morning (July 31), CMF by Nothing shared the details of its next product launch: the Clip Pro. The company states the Clip Pro will be its first "OWS" earbuds. These are open-wearable stereo earbuds for the "open" market. Devices like this will sit outside of your ear canal. Traditionally, devices will have a silicone tip that you slide in, but these, since they're outside, might feel more comfortable while you're outside or exercising.
CMF states the Clip Pro will launch on August 4 at 9 AM EDT (6 am PDT). We can expect these buds to clip onto our ears, funneling high-quality sound into our ears. CMF is still keeping the full design under wraps; however, its announcement teaser shows off a bit of its body.
The company says anyone who wants to be kept up-to-date about the launch can sign up.
Clip Pro. 4 August. pic.twitter.com/ig2yi2xfJiJuly 31, 2026
CMF had a bit of interesting news last year when Nothing spun it off as an independent entity. Headquartered in India, a joint venture with Optiemus saw a $100 million investment and the creation of 1,800 jobs. As always, CMF will continue to focus on budget devices under $200. The company's Clip Pro will likely sit under that line, too. Also, CMF is used to developing audio devices, though OWS will be its first.
The company announced the Headphones Pro a few days after its spin-off was announced. These are over-ear headphones for $99 with a roller for ANC/volume, an Energy Slider to control bass and treble, and a shortcut button. CMF highlighted the Headphone Pro's strong battery with 100 hours of life with ANC disabled. What's more, it claims users can get four hours of audio after five minutes of charging.
If you're looking for a more "traditional" earbud, there's the CMF Buds 2 Plus.
Open earbuds sound interesting, but never interesting enough for me to grab a pair. I' sure it's probably easier on your ears. There's always been that thing growing up about not leaving earbuds in for too long. So, I can see comfortability with open buds, as well as better ear health. Nothing's launches are always good to keep an eye on, and CMF is no different.
As part of its back-to-school sale, Best Buy has launched a $150 discount on the Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones, marking a certified good deal for those who don't mind going last-gen.
Despite being older than the top-rated Sony WH-1000XM6, the WH-1000XM5 headphones include nearly identical hardware, albeit at a substantially lower price and with regular price drops like this. They feature a powerful sound profile with advanced active noise cancellation (ANC), impressively long battery life with fast charging, as well as a range of other features like multi-point connection. The current deal is available for all four of the device's colors, which include Black, Blue, Silver, and Smoky Pink.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones: $398.00 $248.00 at Best Buy
End of summer back-to-school deals are going live left and right, including a $150 discount on these powerful last-gen wireless headphones at Best Buy. While they may not be the latest-gen version of Sony's top noise-cancelling headphones, they still hold up in 2026, offering plenty of high-quality listening modes that most casual users will find mind-blowing.View Deal
✅Recommended if: you're looking for a powerful pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones with comfortable ear cups and a battery life that can handle long periods of listening; you're looking for headphones for around $250 but you still want to get a high-quality pair with access to high-res listening codecs; you're looking for headphones with high-quality microphones for video conferencing, phone calls, and easy-to-use voice commands.
❌Skip this deal if: you need headphones with a dust and water resistance rating for concern-free outdoor excursions in a variety of weather conditions; you're not looking for industry-leading audio quality and you'd prefer to go with something even more affordable than these, even at this discounted rate; you'd prefer a smaller overall design that's easy to stow for optimal portability.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 may be our top pick for the best headphones on the market today, but they're not that different from their predecessor. The Sony XM5 offer super comfortable speaker cups, up to 30 hours of battery life, and fast charging that can replenish up to 3 hours' worth of battery life in just 3 minutes. Built with eight different mics, these sport a powerful ANC suite, and crystal-clear audio for phone and video calls.
While they aren't known for being very collapsible or easy to stow, the WH-1000XM5 headphones do still come with a carrying case that can at least protect them when transported in a backpack or other bag.
This certainly wasn't on our bingo card. A leak has surfaced online, offering a glimpse of what could be Samsung's companion app UI for its smart home assistant, Ballie.
Earlier today (July 30), SammyGuru posted a series of alleged "UI design sketches" for what would be Samsung Ballie's companion app. The illustrations give us a good look at the app's main screen. Taking up the center is Ballie's circular frame with its battery percentage, location, and an "Error"/"Ready" icon. There's a chance this could be used in scenarios when the device gets stuck, since it rolls around. If everything's all green, users can likely launch Ballie.
There is a hard-to-miss "Streaming" button. Earlier info about Ballie suggested it would feature a camera. There's a chance this app could let users see what Ballie sees in real-time. "Home Monitoring" seems to be quite an important aspect of this app and of Ballie as a smart home assistant. According to the post, the "monitoring" aspect could involve a setup process in which Ballie maps out its routes, maps out your home for navigational purposes.
Taking another look at the initial icons: battery, location, Error/Ready icon, Home Monitoring might play more of a role than we think. This app could give users every ounce of information they need to view their home, understand where Ballie is, and handle any scenarios that might occur.
I never would've thought that Ballie would make a "return" via app design drawings. This isn't even a real app (yet?). Ballie looked cool. By that, I mean it reminds me of sci-fi movies where there's a robot that rolls around, quips, and beeps. I know that sounds like R2-D2. Maybe Samsung delaying it was the right call. You see that suspected price? A $2,000 price tag? I don't think I know anyone who would splurge on something like that for a little yellow ball.
This is quite surprising. The last time we heard anything about Ballie was when a report suggested Samsung delayed it to "find its place in the home." It gave the impression that Samsung was questioning the right place for Ballie within the home. The company reportedly expressed "caution" about the AI companion. Other concerns, such as a potential high price point and whether consumers would truly engage with Ballie or not, ranked high on its list of worries.
Speculation claimed Ballie could cost consumers ~$2,000, and with everything going on in the world, that might've been too steep a price. Samsung hadn't officially said anything about Ballie. This report was in July, and nothing more has come of the little rolling robot. However, if we want to get real, Ballie was first introduced at CES 2020. Samsung was said to have a "human-centric vision" for robots, and Ballie was the start of it. The company said Ballie "understands you, supports you, and reacts to your needs."
Its built-in camera would be its "eye" into your life, your home, and your needs. There was an announcement that saw Google and Samsung working together to bring Gemini into Ballie for enhanced AI support.
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