Gift Ideas 2014: Best Cases for the New iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
What do you get the iPerson who already iHas iEverything? How about the perfect case for her new phone?
Whether it’s for protection, convenience, or just style, the options can seem innumerable when it comes to finding that “just right” housing for your Apple phone. So, to help out, here is our rundown of some of the best and most unique cases for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, just in time for you to grab one as a stocking stuffer.
iLeatherStore iPhone 6 and 6 Plus sleeve
$24-$26
The next-best thing to hand-crafting a gift yourself: Commission someone else to make it for you. At the online artisan and vintage item shop Etsy, you’ll find many custom-made iPhone cases, including this latching leather carrier. The makers of this item can actually fit the design to any iPhone, old or new, as well as other popular Android phones.
But do note, as each order is made on demand, you’ll want to place yours well in advance to make sure it arrives in time for the holidays.
OtterBox Symmetry Series case for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
$34.95-$54.95
OtterBox is famous for manufacturing tank-like cases capable of safeguarding smartphones from nasty mishaps or long-term wear and tear. But if you’re not so keen on the level of girth and weight that, say, the OtterBox Defender case brings, you’ll want to check out the company’s sleeker Symmetry series. This one-piece, easy-to-install case brings great protection and also comes in a plethora of color and design options.
Incipio Stowaway for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
$34.99
It’s all in the name. Incipio’s Stowaway and Stowaway Advanced provide not only a secure hard shell for your phone, but also a place to stash credit cards and cash inside the back of the case. The Stowaway’s door can also act as a kickstand, which would of course be especially useful for hands-free viewing of the iPhone 6 Plus’s super-large screen.
Alto cases for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
$52-$54
Deemed not-so-subtly by our friends at BGR “the most beautiful iPhone 6 cases you’ve never heard of,” Alto’s denim and leather wrappings are, admittedly, pretty much exactly that. Instead of aiming for the type of hard-nosed protection that the more robust OtterBox or LifeProof housings offer, Alto has more or less augmented Apple’s stylish and simplistic leather cases with different textures, colors, and, on some makes, a pocket for valuables.
Mod-3’s Radius V2 for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
$79.99-$99.99
As sort of the anti-case case for iPhone, the Radius V2 makes an effort to provide substantial security from drops and bumps while still leaving exposed as much of your phone’s beautiful body as possible. And if you’re skeptical that putting a titanium bikini on your iPhone would actually protect it from a fall, watch this drop test video to see for yourself.
Incase sport armband for iPhone 6
$39.95
Gym rats and trail runners love their smartphones, too. And among the many sweat-resistant sport armband cases available for the iPhone 6, Incase’s is possibly the best looking and best fitting. Though the Incase doesn’t make a version of this band for iPhone 6 Plus, we wouldn’t encourage jogging down the street with that mammoth of a phone strapped your arm, anyhow.
i-Blason UnityPower battery case for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
$79.99-$89.99
i-Blason’s are currently the slickest of the few battery cases available for Apple’s new iPhones. And by touting a reservoir of extra juice that’s nearly double what these iPhones already pack, you’ll be giving the gift of more than an extra day’s worth of battery life this holiday season.
Pad & Quill luxury book cases for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus
$89.99-$99.99
Let’s face it: Apple’s newest handsets aren’t exactly what one would consider “easily pocketable.” So we say embrace that venerable “little black book” feel with Pad & Quill’s foldable book cases for iPhone. The crafted leather and wood framing in these cases is complemented by a group of wallet-like pockets, great for replacing whatever it is you usually carry your cards and money in. For something similar, but with a slightly lower profile, check out Pad & Quill’s less-expensive Bella Fino line.
Vysk Privacy Case for iPhone 6
$39.99
Shopping for your best tinfoil hat-wearing buddy? We suggest taking a look at the Vysk Privacy Case. It’s built with secure camera shutters that keep remote hackers from spying in, and comes packaged with a suite of privacy apps that better encrypt texts and photos. Peace of mind: Now, that’s a great gift.
By Atelier Orange Calfskin Leather case for iPhone 6
$2,079
If diamonds aren’t your sweetheart’s thing, there’s always this $2,000 leather and orange sapphire iPhone 6 case, crafted with passion by the Parisian company By Atelier. Because nothing says “I love you” like spending several weeks’ pay to royally pamper your darling’s iPhone. You can also up the ante with the alligator skin version, ringing in at an impressive $2,400.
Email me at danbean@yahoo-inc.com. Follow me on Twitter at @danielwbean.
