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Best TPU case for iPhone XR?

dmk1974

dmk1974

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Sep 16, 2008
2,477
537
For all of my iPhones through the years, I have always preferred a clear all-TPU case. Black TPU sometimes as well, but with the XR, was thinking clear probably. What I want is:

  • Thin as possible
  • Light as possible
  • Enough screen lip so when tempered glass protector is added, the lip contacts the table and not the glass when face down

What's the best one out there? This Spigen good with the XR? Thanks!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GHR12XH/
 
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That spiegen is great but its not ‘thin as possible’

Adds a little bit of thickness
 
I'd consider a clear acrylic back with TPU bumper. No worries about yellowing.

Here are a few

Ringke [Fusion] Compatible with iPhone XR Case, Clear Transparent PC Back TPU Bumper [Drop Defense] Raised Bezels Scratch Protection Natural Form Cover for Apple iPhone XR 6.1" (2018) - Smoke Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H4CR64N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7cW3BbN4HBQCQ

Spigen Ultra Hybrid Designed Apple iPhone XR Case (2018) - Matte Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GHQX532/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DdW3Bb7WWSWZA

ESR Bumper Hoop Case iPhone XR, Heavy Duty Armor Flexible Inner Cushion [Reinforced Camera Protection] [Glass-Back Safe] 6.1" iPhone XR, Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GF6M9ZG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_oeW3BbRS90HPR


If you want a really thin black TPU go for the Spigen Liquid Armor. Lightest TPU I have run across.

Spigen Liquid Air Armor Designed Apple iPhone XR Case (2018) - Matte Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GJKQD4Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nfW3BbE2K44BF
 
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I’m wondering what case to get after my Liquid Crystal Spigen

maybe I can be conservative about case purchases for once but I doubt it,
 
thadoggfather said:
I’m wondering what case to get after my Liquid Crystal Spigen

maybe I can be conservative about case purchases for once but I doubt it,
Click to expand...

Same every time I get a new phone I think I’m only getting one case. That never happens. I have the same spigen case. And a speck presidio grip. I want a blue TPU case and a clear back case too. I know I’ll end up with 8-10 cases.
 
Thanks. How many grams exactly is the Spigen Liquid Crystal? The ones I've had for my 6s and 7+/8+ are pretty light, but when I had one briefly for last year's X, it was a lot thicker on the back wall and added some heft. Thanks.
 
dmk1974 said:
Thanks. How many grams exactly is the Spigen Liquid Crystal? The ones I've had for my 6s and 7+/8+ are pretty light, but when I had one briefly for last year's X, it was a lot thicker on the back wall and added some heft. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Yeah it’s more on the side of x. And I agree the 8+ one is slim! Something like that is more what I’m looking for when feeling less heavy duty
 
I ordered a couple from amazon, the Spigen Liquid Air Armor and also ordered one called Ringke Onyx.

I’ve always liked Spigen but I prefer the Ringke case. It feels very premium, tight, great grip and fits perfectly with a tempered glass screen protector.
 
ATC said:
I ordered a couple from amazon, the Spigen Liquid Air Armor and also ordered one called Ringke Onyx.

I’ve always liked Spigen but I prefer the Ringke case. It feels very premium, tight, great grip and fits perfectly with a tempered glass screen protector.
Click to expand...

I had the Ringke Onyx for my 8. There were ridges at the side which gave great grip. Are they there on the Xr version?
 
https://www.totalleecase.com/products/thin-iphone-xr-case?variant=12347698315326

I ordered but have not received it yet. it is the thinnest and possibly the lightest i could find. not sure about the lip though. by the way, it is not made with tpu, but polypropylene (PP), which is i quote from their website "a highly durable plastic with a brushed finish for extra grip. Although PP is a moderately flexible substance, the case has a sturdy spine that lends itself to its structural support. Also, PP doesn’t discolor over time, so there’s no need to stress about your case yellowing (or worse) with age. The Scarf weighs in at a negligible 0.1 ounces--compared to others on the market that can weigh up to four ounces--and is 0.02” thin."
 
Allright, here's my long-winded report out :) I bought 4 different TPU cases from Amazon over the past couple weeks. Here they are and my assessment of each.

Left to Right in the photo:
  1. Luvvitt Clarity TPU https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H28F23D
  2. Spigen Liquid Crystal TPU https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GHR12XH
  3. ESR Essential Zero Clear TPU https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FLS9NJZ
  4. RIngke Smoke Black TPU https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H4CQDG6
Main factors for me are:
  • Screen Protection
  • Overall Phone Protection
  • Weight

Luvvitt:
  • 0.72 oz - Nice and light
  • No lip at all for screen protection despite listing says it does
  • Returning for sure
Spigen:
  • 1.16 oz - Chunkier than it should be
  • Good screen lip
  • Lays flat due to very thick back (leads to higher weight)
  • Feels like it would give very good protection
  • Measures a little on the wider side though
ESR:
  • 0.65 oz - lightest of the bunch
  • Small amount of screen lip, but definitely touches table before glass (which is good)
  • Rocks a bit laying on back due to extended camera lens protection and thin back
  • Feels very good in hand
  • Not so sure about drop protection
Ringke:
  • 0.86 oz
  • Very tall screen lip for screen protection. Maybe a little too tall in hand.
  • Rocks very little as well when laying on back due to camera lens protection
  • Feels like it would give very good protection
  • Like the smoke black tint since I have a black XR

Obviously we know which one i like the least.

I’m disappointed that Spigen has gone to the thick back which adds a lot of weight compared to the same model case I had for my 7+ which had little bumpers on the back in the corners. Kept it think and light with ample protection and laying flat on a desk or table. They must have felt thicker walls on back and edges are more important overall. Probably sending back.

So, I think I’m teetering between the ESR and the Ringke. ESR is if I’m a little riskier with some protection and great feel in hand. Ringke looks better with the tint but little thicker with the very tall screen protection (and likely overall better protection).
 

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It is odd the liquid crystal went the way of thick

Not the case with 7/8 but is with x/Xr

I still like it around when I want more protective but my dynex has been nice and ultra slim. Really almost no front lip or drop protection but slim and grippier than the bare aluminum sides
 
IMO the Caudabe Sheath is better than any of the others mentioned. Also they have a 35% off sale right now. Great deal for a very good case.
 
kingston73 said:
It's on their home page, just enter the code and it gives you 35% discount
Click to expand...

In for one thanks! Always wanted to try a caudabe. $19 shipped will do it. Slim and protective and grippy supposedly.

Will be a good switch up from my clear cases
 
thadoggfather said:
In for one thanks! Always wanted to try a caudabe. $19 shipped will do it. Slim and protective and grippy supposedly.

Will be a good switch up from my clear cases
Click to expand...

Lol..I also picked up a Caudabe Sheath too. Been wanting to try since iPhone 6+ days..but couldn't justify buying another case. ;)
But I'm really hoping the grip is as from the comments.
 
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I also took advantage and got the Caudabe Sheath in Camo Green. I wanted something a bit different for my Black Xr.
 
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