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iyiyi

macrumors member
Original poster
Jan 13, 2013
82
17
I'm really confused why more cases aren't designed with the camera in mind, especially with the much larger cameras on the iPhone 14.
I have a pro max and use the Tech21 Evo Max case. I like the camera protection but absolutely hate everything else about the case and there are really no other cases on the market with a camera cover (Spigen makes one but I tried it and it's the lowest quality case I've ever seen)

Anyway, is there a specific reason that Apple does not make any camera protection or other big companies like Otterbox don't either?

I understand the camera glass is strong, but my phone cost twice as much as my DSLR camera and no photographer would every think twice about a lens cover on their lenses, and that's keeping a camera in a bag all the time, where your phone is constantly in your pocket, sitting on all kinds of surfaces camera down, etc.

Anyway...just curious and frustrated there isn't an easy way to protect my camera.
 
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Simtect Designed for iPhone 14 Pro Max Case with Sliding Camera Cover, Shockproof & Military-Grade Protective Silicone Phone Case for iPhone 14 Pro Max 6.7 inch - Black https://a.co/d/8OcRryI


Nillkin for iPhone 14 Pro Max Case with Sliding Camera Cover, [Full Around Protection], [Anti-Fingerprint], [Carbon Fiber Texture Anti-Scratch], Slim Shockproof Protective 6.7", Black https://a.co/d/fPViSrG

I honestly run a minimal case with this.

Ringke Camera Styling [Stylish Aluminum Frame] Compatible with iPhone 14 Pro Max Camera Lens Protector and iPhone 14 Pro Camera Lens Protector, Protective Metal Cover - Black https://a.co/d/ebLMYxx
 
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ac026-zero-halliburton-special-edition-q4-ps.jpg
 
Simtect Designed for iPhone 14 Pro Max Case with Sliding Camera Cover, Shockproof & Military-Grade Protective Silicone Phone Case for iPhone 14 Pro Max 6.7 inch - Black https://a.co/d/8OcRryI


Nillkin for iPhone 14 Pro Max Case with Sliding Camera Cover, [Full Around Protection], [Anti-Fingerprint], [Carbon Fiber Texture Anti-Scratch], Slim Shockproof Protective 6.7", Black https://a.co/d/fPViSrG

I honestly run a minimal case with this.

Ringke Camera Styling [Stylish Aluminum Frame] Compatible with iPhone 14 Pro Max Camera Lens Protector and iPhone 14 Pro Camera Lens Protector, Protective Metal Cover - Black https://a.co/d/ebLMYxx

Thanks for the reply. These are all really cheap, unknown brands. Is there a reason that none of the many higher quality brands that have been making Apple cases for years (or Apple themselves) don't have any camera cover options?

Just curious! Maybe I'm the only one
 
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Thanks for the reply. These are all really cheap, unknown brands. Is there a reason that none of the many higher quality brands that have been making Apple cases for years (or Apple themselves) don't have any camera cover options?

Just curious! Maybe I'm the only one
Because they’re really not needed or wanted enough to justify them?. I had the tech21 version and it was a hassle. The camera ring I use feels like it’s enough. What do you do that requires it? I’m just curious.

Edit:
And also, what makes them cheap? The cost? I’ve used nillkinin the past and they’re decent. I have spigen, speck, catalyst and several other cases for my 14 pro max that cost $50+. Guess what? I use an $8 case and the rest sit in a drawer. Price doesn’t matter. The case matters.
 

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Because they’re really not needed or wanted enough to justify them?. I had the tech21 version and it was a hassle. The camera ring I use feels like it’s enough. What do you do that requires it? I’m just curious.

Edit:
And also, what makes them cheap? The cost? I’ve used nillkinin the past and they’re decent. I have spigen, speck, catalyst and several other cases for my 14 pro max that cost $50+. Guess what? I use an $8 case and the rest sit in a drawer. Price doesn’t matter. The case matters.

I'm a photographer and bought the 14 pro max mainly for the camera. Dust, scratches, etc. all effect photo quality. That's why all regular cameras and lenses use lens caps and why I find it strange that it isn't standard for the iPhone cameras when these phones cost more than some professional photography setups.

I shoot a lot outside and have to set my phone down a lot when shooting so it is super inconvenient to have to try and be incredibly careful where I set the camera, which is why more standard camera covers would be nice.

Simtect and similar brands don't even have websites. They are imported cases with no real customer support or backed up warranties like bigger companies like otterbox, Uag, mous, nomad, etc. I've never had one of those cheap Amazon cases that was even decent quality, especially for a $2k phone, but I could have just gotten unlucky.

I agree about the tech21 case, but I've tried a couple of the cheaper ones with camera covers and they are much worse. Which is why I was hoping somebody maybe had a better option.
 
Speaking for myself, by the time I uncovered the lenses I would have missed most of my photos

Personally I typically treat my phone camera like a traditional camera where taking photos is more intentional and less spontaneous. On a regular camera you have to take it out, remove the lens cap, adjust the settings\s for the lighting, etc. I've never really been a situation where I missed a photo due to needing a few seconds to slide the camera cover. But again, I can see how I would be in the minority and most people don't use their phones like me.
 
I'm pretty sure the objective lenses are sapphire, so they're pretty scratch resistant compared to your much larger SLR lens. Not indestructible, mind you, but probably at least as durable as a top quality analog watch.
 
Last edited:
Simtect Designed for iPhone 14 Pro Max Case with Sliding Camera Cover, Shockproof & Military-Grade Protective Silicone Phone Case for iPhone 14 Pro Max 6.7 inch - Black https://a.co/d/8OcRryI


Nillkin for iPhone 14 Pro Max Case with Sliding Camera Cover, [Full Around Protection], [Anti-Fingerprint], [Carbon Fiber Texture Anti-Scratch], Slim Shockproof Protective 6.7", Black https://a.co/d/fPViSrG

I honestly run a minimal case with this.

Ringke Camera Styling [Stylish Aluminum Frame] Compatible with iPhone 14 Pro Max Camera Lens Protector and iPhone 14 Pro Camera Lens Protector, Protective Metal Cover - Black https://a.co/d/ebLMYxx
I do the same. I can’t stand cases it takes away the feel of the device. Metal and glass For me. Everyone is different.
 
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I do the same. I can’t stand cases it takes away the feel of the device. Metal and glass For me. Everyone is different.
Yup, I do it every time. I spend $300 on cases and end up using the thinner ones that feel best. The one I posted a picture of is sweet. The pure gear ones are decent too for clear cases.
 
the camera is protected when the rim gets higher than the case, so I don’t see any use of a layer that wraps around the camera.
 
Personally I typically treat my phone camera like a traditional camera where taking photos is more intentional and less spontaneous. On a regular camera you have to take it out, remove the lens cap, adjust the settings\s for the lighting, etc. I've never really been a situation where I missed a photo due to needing a few seconds to slide the camera cover. But again, I can see how I would be in the minority and most people don't use their phones like me.

As you’ve highlighted, this is a personal problem and not one experienced by the majority.

I worked at  Retail for years and this was never an ask or a request. Even from the die hard users.

I’ve had many iPhones and their cameras have been just fine with me going to festivals, travelling and tossing my phone around.
 
I have wondered this too. I always liked when Nokia had camera covers, and opening it would automatically start the camera
 
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