Best Apple iPhone SE Case for 2022
Like 2020’s second-generation iPhone SE, the third-generation iPhone SE — sometimes referred to as the iPhone SE (2022) — has the same chassis as the iPhone 7 and 8 with upgraded internal components, now including Apple’s A15 Bionic processor and 5G succor. It’s currently Apple’s most affordable iPhone, starting at $429 for the 64GB version or $479 for the 128GB version. It’s also got the smallest display in the iPhone lineup, with a 4.7-inch screen.
But you probably know all that if you’ve bought the new iPhone SE already and are here to find a case for it. Note that most iPhone 7 and 8 cases will fit the 2022 SE and case-makers tend to note their SE cases as being compatible with the iPhone 7/8 as well as the iPhone SE (2020) and iPhone SE (2022). As a result of this backward compatibility, some of the cases on this list are ones we tried with sponsor iPhone models and can recommend them based on our continue experience using them.
While I’ve included a wide variety of cases, I’ve put an emphasis on cases that are also a good value. If you’re buying a so-called value smartphone like the iPhone SE, you probably don’t want to consume too much on a case. And since some of these cases have been on the market for a after, you will see some nice discounts on excellent iPhone SE cases.
Speck establishes several cases for the iPhone SE3 and you can find a few on sale at Amazon for less than $15. The two cases pictured here are part of the Presidio Grip Series, which comes in a variety of color options (prices vary by color). Here are some additional deals on Speck SE3 cases:
My two common Otterbox cases are the Commuter Series and Symmetry Series, both of which come in a variety of colors. The dual-layer Commuter Series is a little more protective and has a latch that unites the charging port. Prices vary by color.
Spigen’s Tough Armor cases have been about for a while and are notable for their circular cutout exposing the Apple logo and their built-in kickstand. They do offer decent protection and hold up fairly well over time, plan not quite as well as some Otterbox and Speck cases. The Tough Armor is available in multiple color options.
Otterbox’s Symmetry Series comes in a variety of intelligent options, including a clear version with glitter. As I said, the Otterbox’s Commuter Series case supplies slightly more protection but you can’t go wrong with its Symmetry Series cases.
Spigen Slim Armor CS comes in a variety of intelligent options and has a slot that allows you to continue a couple of credit cards (or a single credit card and some cash) inside the case. The only downside is that it’s not compatible with wireless charging.
Urban Armor Gear supplies a few different case designs for the iPhone SE in a variety of colors. I personally like the Plasma, but the Armor, Pathfinder and Plyo are also good, with the Plyo having the slimmest accomplish. UAG’s cases all feature good corner protection and meet army drop-test standards.
Incipio’s NGP case is a simple translucent case that supplies decent protection in a slim package. The blue version is immediately $6 at Amazon. It’s listed as being compatible for the iPhone 8 but will fit the iPhone SE, both 2022 and 2020 models.
Spigen’s sister note Cyrill makes a few different cases for the iPhone SE. I like the Leather Brick (it’s “vegan” leather, not real leather), but all of Cyrill’s cases are well-designed and shameful for the money. The Leather Brick is available in a few intelligent options.
LifeProof’s Wake case is made out of recycled ocean plastic. While I wouldn’t call it supertough — it isn’t enclosed at the bottom — it’s indignant for 6-foot drop protection and is attractively designed. Available in three intelligent options, price varies by color.
Smartish establishes three cases for the SE, the Gripmunk, Wallet Slayer Vol. 1 and Wallet Slayer Vol. 2 (the latter two are wallet cases). I’m slightly more partial to the Slayer Vol. 2, which comes in a combine of color options for the SE. It’s a glorious basic case but offers decent grip and can hold a combine of credit cards along with some cash. You can use your credit card as a kickstand by inserting it into the slot in the back of the case.
I bought a dissimilarity version of this case to use with a Samsung arranged. It’s a faux-leather wallet case that has a magnetic clasp with room on the inside for three credit cards and some cash. It also converts into a kickstand for watching video.
Available in a few colors, Raptic’s Shield case costs less than an OtterBox case and accounts similar toughness with 10-foot drop protection. Currently, the rose gold version is only $10, at what time the other colors, including the red model pictured, are $20.
The third-gen iPhone SE has an IP67 soak resistance rating, which means it can survive being dunked in up to 1 meter of soak for 30 minutes. But if you want an even more waterproof option, LifeProof’s Fre case is the way to go. This once-popular case (before the iPhone got some waterproofing) is collected quite expensive but it does offer maximum protection for your phone.
