In a market of comically large phones, Apple fulfills the compact cravings with the powerful little iPhone 12 mini. The hype around the phone is understandable; the concept that it fits in the palm of the hand is as revolutionary as it’s life-changing. Measuring 5.2 x 2.5 x 0.3 inches (13 x 6.3 x 0.7 cm), the iPhone 12 Mini weighs all of 4.8 oz. (136 g). It’s the perfect phone for those who want to hold onto their phone without having to slip it into a PopSocket. But, even if your tiny new miracle is easy to hold onto, you’re still better off slapping a case onto it. The best and most durable and protective iPhone 12 Mini cases will not only provide protection against drops and bumps but lend longevity to the phone too.
If you think you’re going to be stuck with a boring phone case just because it’s a small phone, then you couldn’t be more wrong. A major chunk of the iPhone 12 Mini cases offer more than just protection and insurance against drops. For instance, they pack in a lot of extra perks like slots for holding cash and cards, and kickstands. Meanwhile, there are even others that are nothing short of a fashion statement. Plus, you even have a bunch that comes in bright color options that jazz up the look of your iPhone 12 Mini. So, deck out your diminutive device by choosing from one of the 13 most protective iPhone 12 Mini cases below.
How To Choose The Best Most Protective iPhone 12 Mini Cases?
You need to keep one important thing in mind when it comes to choosing the best iPhone 12 Mini case – it’s a smaller device than you might be used to. So, keeping it safe from tumbling around in the bag or pocket or from unexpected drops bumps should be a top priority.
Drop protection
The better the drop rating of the case, the more protection you can expect from it. What’s more, you even have choices for less rugged and thinner cases that make your iPhone 12 Mini appear more aesthetically pleasing. However, the best cases are those that protect it sans adding bulk or necessary embellishments. Whether it’s dropping them accidentally on the screen or dropping them vertically, the case should provide drop protection in every way possible.
MagSafe
Since the iPhone 12 Mini is a smaller phone, one thing to watch out for in its cases is whether they’re MagSafe compatible. MagSafe is Apple’s proprietary charging system that refers to both magnetic wireless accessories and chargers. In addition, they also refer to cases that come with in-built magnetic rings to support them. However, even cases that don’t come with magnetic rings could still be MagSafe compatible if they’re thin enough.
Raised front lip
Apple’s case guidelines detail that when the case is attached, the device’s exposed glass won’t come within 0.85 mm of the flat surface in any way. This is why you might want to look for raised lips around the phone’s display edges, which go a long way in preventing cracked screens. This is important because iPhone 12’s entire lineup, and not just the iPhone 12 Mini, features an all-glass build. Moreover, it also prevents the screen from suffering from scratches.
Does iPhone 12 Mini have MagSafe?
The iPhone 12 Mini does support MagSafe wireless charging, but only the 12W version. Its peers, the iPhone 12, 12 Pro, and 12 Pro Max support 15W MagSafe wireless charging.
Which is better for iPhone 12 Mini Spigen or Otterbox?
There’s no doubt that when it comes to good-looking cases with innovative construction, it’s Spigen that comes out on top. However, when you’re talking about the most durable iPhone 12 Mini cases, then Otterbox cases are, undoubtedly, better and win hands down.
ESR Cloud Soft Silicone Case
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Sometimes, you want not only the most protective iPhone 12 Mini case but also something that’s soft, less rigid, and feels good in the hand. That’s where the ESR Cloud Soft Silicone Case scores over the others, as it has everything going for it. It boasts slimline protection with raised bezels and a soft lining that protects both the camera array and the screen. What’s more, it fits snugly over the phone, ensuring the perfect fit every time. Plus, it even has a grippy texture, so you don’t have to worry about your Mini slipping through your fingers.
Available in three different colors, orange, blue, and black, the case is reasonably priced around $12-14. Overall, it’s an excellent and yet good-looking case to show off your iPhone 12 Mini.
Pros:
- Grippy texture.
- Available in three colors.
- Reasonably priced.
Cons:
- Some users say that the case attracts dust.
Mous Limitless 3.0 Case
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Looking for eye-catching and durable iPhone 12 Mini cases for protection? Behold the Mous Limitless 3.0 Case, which is one of the most attractive cases for your phone. At the same time, you can expect both a slim design and superior drop protection. Moreover, it even features face-down protection that keeps your phone safe even if it clatters to the floor. Rounding up its safety factor is the superior, impact-absorbing AiroShock technology that provides top-notch protection.
But, that’s not all. The case comes in five different colors – walnut, black leather, bamboo, speckled black leather, and aramid fiber. In fact, the speckled version boasts PU-coated fabric that lends it a one-of-a-kind, upscale look. There’s also space for an extra sim cardholder as well as a wrist strap attachment, in case you need one. The standout feature, however, is the integration with all of Mous’ magnetic accessories, including car mounts.
Pros:
- Integration with all of Mous’ magnetic accessories.
- Bonuses like wrist strap attachment and sim cardholder.
- Comes in five different colors.
- Offers solid protection.
Cons:
- Expensive.
Spigen Slim Armor Wallet
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Spigen is one dependable brand when it comes to not just the most protective iPhone 12 Mini cases, but iPhone cases in general. In fact, the Spigen Slim Armor Wallet not only looks slick on your phone but is inventively practical too. To begin with, the dual-layered and durable case is slim enough to preserve the integrity and sleek look of your iPhone 12 Mini. At the same time, it saves it from scratches, drops, bumps, cracks, and what-not. What’s more, you even have discrete slots to carry your cards and cash around, in case you’re not a fan of huge wallets and purses.
To add to that, the case even gives you the choice of four colors to choose from. Besides costing a relatively affordable $40 for a wallet-folio case, it remains slim enough to fit in your bag or your pocket.
Pros:
- Minimal design.
- Raised bezels keep the camera and screen safe.
- The card slot holds up to two cards.
- Shock-absorbing polycarbonate exterior and TPU interior.
Cons:
- Practically none.
Speck Presidio2 Armor Cloud
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If you’re looking for extremely durable iPhone 12 Mini cases for protection, then look no further than the Speck Presidio2 Armor Cloud. It offers the most complete and all-around protection for your beloved mini phone. The protective wonder remains attractive and slim, all while protecting your phone from drops as high as 16 feet (5 meters)! This is the highest measure we’ve come across in iPhone drop tests so far. This is all thanks to Apple’s proprietary Armor Cloud technology, which uses air capsules that compress and suspend the phone in a protective air cushion, just like a car’s airbag. It’s no surprise then that Speck’s clear cases also make an appearance on the lists of Best Protective iPhone 11 Cases and Best Protective iPhone 11 Pro Cases too.
Going further, the Presidio2 even uses raised bezels on the front and the back to protect both the screen and the camera. Rounding up everything is the Microban antibacterial and antimicrobial protection and the scratch-resistant coating.
Pros:
- The coating is scratch-resistant and antimicrobial.
- Drop test protection of up to 16 feet (5 meters).
- Armor Cloud technology.
Cons:
- Practically none.
OtterBox Commuter Series Case
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OtterBox’s Commuter Series remains one of the most trusted brand names in the world of iPhone cases, and it’s one of the most durable and protective iPhone 12 Mini cases. The iPhone 12 Mini version of the case comes in four different colors – pink, navy, black, and aqua, which is depicted below. All of them nicely complement the stature and structure of the new diminutive phone. Despite being a slim and sleek case, the Commuter Series is still protective enough to match military-grade standards of protection. Moreover, it even boasts raised edges on the front and back to protect the cameras and screen.
Besides, you’ll like the way that the case is built. It features a hard polycarbonate outer and a soft, inner TPU slipcover for additional safety. the entire case is then also infused with a silver-based additive that discourages microbial and bacterial growth. Finally, it’s even compatible with MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.
Pros:
- MagSafe compatible for charging.
- Raised bezels for camera and screen protection.
- Comes in four colors.
Cons:
- Some users found the grip slightly slippery.
Casetify Ultra Impact Case
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The Casetify Ultra Impact Case is one of the best customizable iPhone 12 Mini cases for protection. It’s the best case for flaunting off your iPhone 12 Mini’s personality while offering excellent protection all the time. The case is designed and crafted using Casetify’s signature shock-absorbing material and has been proved to work well even after being dropped from heights as much as 9.8 feet (3 meters). Apart from the drops that the case safeguards the phone against, it even features an antimicrobial coating to keep bacteria away.
So, where’s the customization that this case so proudly boasts of? Well, you can change not just the lettering and the color of the case, but even its design. The icing on the cake is that this Casetify clear case has one of the best side grips we’ve seen yet in clear cases.
Pros:
- Excellent side grip.
- Superior drop protection.
- Anti-microbial coating.
- Shock-absorbing structure.
Cons:
- Slightly on the expensive side.
Case-Mate Pelican Voyager
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Case-Mate Pelican Voyager is another of the most protective iPhone 12 Mini cases and offers the ultimate protection for your phone against sharp edges, dust, impact, and shocks. It’s designed from four layers of PU and TPR rubber, along with a hard polycarbonate outer. So, despite being thin for a rugged case, it can diffuse any impact from unexpected drops. Moreover, the tough exterior offers drop protection of 15 feet (4.5 meters), while the inner layer absorbs any remaining drop energy. It’s this military-grade drop protection that makes it an excellent choice.
Aside from offering a lifetime guarantee, the case also comes with an integrated holster. It even possesses a swiveling belt clip and a kickstand, allowing you to convert it into a portable screen. So, you can even watch movies and go on video calls hands-free.
Pros:
- Has drop protection of up to 15 feet (4.5 meters).
- Rugged and durable.
- Even comes with a kickstand.
Cons:
- None!
Totallee Thin Case
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The Totallee Thin Case is another of the best durable iPhone 12 Mini cases for protection. The brand is famous for making some of the thinnest and sleekest iPhone cases ever. Moreover, they offer superb protection from bumps, scrapes, and drops. Measuring just 0.02 mm in thickness, the case is made from ultra-thin transparent frosted polypropene or flexible TPU. It even features a raised lip around the invaluable camera to prevent lens damage.
What’s so great about this case is that it comes in five different colors – navy, clear (soft), frosted black, frosted clear, and green, as pictured below. Moreover, it perfectly fits your iPhone 12 Mini and doesn’t peel off or become loose from your phone. That’s exactly why the iPhone 12 version of the Totallee Thin Case is even counted amongst the Best iPhone 12 Protective Cases.
Pros:
- Comes in four colors, including a clear case.
- Very lightweight.
Cons:
- Some users found the case too thin, but that’s what is the case’s USP.
Apple Clear Case with MagSafe
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The Apple Clear Case with MagSafe is not just the most protective of iPhone 12 Mini cases, but also the best iPhone 12 mini case for charging. Straight from the able stable of the makers of the iPhone, the Apple Case is a lightweight case made from a blend of flexible materials and clear polycarbonate. What’s more, it also features a coating that’s both anti-yellowing and scratch-resistant. So, the case stays “crystal-clear” for the foreseeable future.
However, the best part about the case is that it comes with a MagSafe attachment, both for charging as well as accessories. So, you can add it onto a modular wallet, place it on a charging stand, and even attach it to a wireless charger. With in-built aligning perfectly your iPhone 12 Mini, the case offers an easy attach and detach process every time.
Pros:
- Made from a flexible material that’s both anti-yellowing and scratch-resistant.
- It’s MagSafe compatible for charging and accessories.
Cons:
- Some users found it slightly slippery.
Caseology Calin Wallet Case
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The Caseology Calin Wallet Case is one of the best iPhone 12 Mini cases for protection if you’re a fan of wallet-folio cases. This simple but elegant wallet case is perfect if you’re someone who likes traveling light and not with purses, wallets, and bags. To begin with, the faux leather outer keeps the phone scratch and dent-free/ Moreover, there are even two slots for you to stash your cards, ID, and cash. Meanwhile, the back features an in-built snap-on case too.
The case might be slightly bulkier than the others on this list, but the outer is snug, easy to clean, and stylish. At the same time, it’s slim enough to support wireless charging.
Pros:
- Compatible with wireless charging.
- Stylish folio cover.
- Holds cash and cards.
Cons:
- Limited color options.
- Slightly bulky design.
Ringke Fusion-X Case
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The hybrid Ringke Fusion-X Case is another excellent choice for the most protective iPhone 12 Mini cases. It strikes the perfect balance between protection and portability. It’s a great choice if you like to stash your phones into your pockets. Plus, it’s large enough to have a raised bezel on the front and the back to protect both the camera and the screen. So, the case’s thickness is durable enough to prevent scratches on your iPhone 12 Mini and slim enough to not hinder wireless charging.
Available in five colors, the Ringke Hybrid case even comes with separately-sold neck and hand straps with dual in-built QuikCatch lanyard holes. Overall, it’s one of the best cases you could ask for your delicate phone.
Pros:
- Compatible with wireless charging.
- Large raised bezel on front and back.
- Durable and slim.
Cons:
- Could be grippier.
ESR Metal Kickstand Case
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best iPhone 12 Mini cases for protection. If you want to protect your iPhone 12 Mini from scuffs, scratches, and dents sans covering up its charming colors and sleek curves, then go for the ESR Metal Kickstand Case. This hybrid, clear-colored case is designed from transparent and flexible TPU. So, you can show off your precious baby, while protecting its smooth aluminum finish from wear and tear. Additionally, it doesn’t hinder wireless charging either.
What’s more, the nifty case even has an in-built kickstand, making it easy to hold the phone for viewing videos or during Facetime calls. Plus, it’s a two-way stand, so it works both vertically and horizontally, unlike many of the other usual stands. Moreover, the kickstand made with ESR’s unique patented design is freely adjustable up to 60 degrees. So, you can place to at any angle that’s comfortable for you.
Pros:
- Compatible with wireless charging.
- In-built kickstand.
- Clear and slim design.
Cons:
- Some users found it slightly less grippy.
i-Blason Cosmo Wallet Case
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Coming to the top of the list, we have the i-Blason Cosmo Wallet Case, one of the most stylish and most protective iPhone 12 Mini cases. Besides protecting your iPhone 12 Mini, the case has the additional advantage of storing IDs, cards, and cash. So, if you’re not a fan of wallets, purses, and bags, then this might just be the phone case for you.
So, how does this case protect your phone? The case is made from hard polycarbonate with a high-quality, soft, and flexible TPU. The combined strength of both materials is what protects your phone. Moreover, the raised bezels on the front and back keep both the camera and the phone screen free from damage. Rounding up its features is the one-year warranty.
Pros:
- Raised bezels protect both camera and screen.
- Pockets for stashing cards and cash.
- One-year warranty.
- Available in two colors – marble and amethyst.
Cons:
- Not MagSafe compatible.
