LifeProof Fre Alternatives for standard (non-mini/non-Pro/non-Pro Max) iPhone 13

[Yebubbleman]

I currently have an iPhone XR. I'm about to pull the trigger on a standard (i.e. not "mini", "Pro", or "Pro Max") iPhone 13 to replace it. Before I do, I figured I'd go case-shopping since I typically get one of those right off the bat.

On my iPhone XR, I have a LifeProof Fre. I'm not the hugest fan of the Fre, in and of itself, but I do enjoy the protection it offers the phone. My XR is immaculate underneath it. Yes, sound quality is a mixed bag, but it's better than it was on the Fre I had on my iPhone 6s Plus and that sort of goes with the territory of waterproof cases. I'm not keen on the design and color options for the version of the Fre for the iPhone 13. And, if I'm being perfectly honest, for how expensive the Fre is, I wish it lasted longer before falling apart.

So, ideally, what I'm looking for is a case that

- Offers me similar protection to that of the LifeProof Fre (i.e. nothing exposed, built-in screen protection, etc.)

- Exists for the iPhone 13

- At least supports Qi charging (if not MagSafe as well)

- Has audio quality no worse than that of the Fre

- Either is translucent or offers color options other than Black and Purple (yes, those are my Fre options with the iPhone 13)


I'm cool with it falling apart within a year so long as it doesn't cost $90-100 to replace it like the Fre does. I've owned OtterBox cases (both Defender and Commuter) for other phones in the past and I'm similarly not a fan (plus, neither offers full body protection like the Fre does).

Given all of that, anyone have recommendations as to what I ought to buy for my forthcoming iPhone 13?

 

[Andeddu]

I picked up a regular 13 this week along with a Miracase which can be purchased on Amazon. It’s a great 2 piece case with a built in screen protector. I have used a camera protector also purchased on Amazon.

I don’t expect my phone to sustain any damage throughout its life as the big rubber bumpers appear very durable. It supports the MagSafe puck also as I have used a separate port cover on my lightning port as I plan on going 100% wireless with this phone.

The case cost me £15 which is around $18.

 

[Yebubbleman]

View attachment 2144719 View attachment 2144720

I picked up a regular 13 this week along with a Miracase which can be purchased on Amazon. It’s a great 2 piece case with a built in screen protector. I have used a camera protector also purchased on Amazon.

I don’t expect my phone to sustain any damage throughout its life as the big rubber bumpers appear very durable. It supports the MagSafe puck also as I have used a separate port cover on my lightning port as I plan on going 100% wireless with this phone.

The case cost me £15 which is around $18.

This does intrigue me. What's the likelihood of dirt/dust/water getting in through the edges of the camera? I guess I don't need a perfect seal there. More just worried about having to periodically wipe down the phone with the case off (an optional with the Fre, but a mandatory with something like the OtterBox Defender).

 

[Andeddu]

This does intrigue me. What's the likelihood of dirt/dust/water getting in through the edges of the camera? I guess I don't need a perfect seal there. More just worried about having to periodically wipe down the phone with the case off (an optional with the Fre, but a mandatory with something like the OtterBox Defender).

It’s probably similar to the Otterbox as it’s not a waterproof design. I reckon if you want your phone looking perfect, you’ll have to open it up every 1-2 months to clean the phone and inside of the case.

You could try a Punkcase if you’re wishing to have a completely sealed phone.

 

[Yebubbleman]

It’s probably similar to the Otterbox as it’s not a waterproof design. I reckon if you want your phone looking perfect, you’ll have to open it up every 1-2 months to clean the phone and inside of the case.

You could try a Punkcase if you’re wishing to have a completely sealed phone.

Oh man, I totally just ordered two different Punkcase models (so I'd have a choice)! Many many thanks for the recommendation!

 

[Andeddu]

Oh man, I totally just ordered two different Punkcase models (so I'd have a choice)! Many many thanks for the recommendation!

No problem! I’ll probably move onto a Punkcase myself after a year of using the Miracase. I love their designs.