A minimalist phone case is a great choice to keep your smartphone’s original look and feel while also protecting it in case you drop it.
New phones feature modern upgrades like AI capabilities and software additions that make them expensive investments. That’s why it makes sense to purchase a case.
But many people enjoy the look and feel of the phone itself and don’t want a bulky case covering it. The solution? A minimalist phone case that still lets you show off your phone’s features while protecting it at the same time.
Here are our tips for choosing a minimalist phone case and seven options that may work for you:
Tips for Choosing the Right Minimalist Phone Case
Below are some things to consider when shopping for a minimalist phone case:
What’s Your Phone’s Model?
Be sure to check your phone’s model before shopping to ensure you’re buying a case that will actually fit your phone.
What Material Do You Want?
There are many phone case materials to choose from, including:
- Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
- Glass
- Leather
- Plastic
- Silicone
- Metal
With all of these options, do some research on what the pros and cons of each material are before deciding.
If cost is a consideration, know that materials like leather and metal, are more expensive.
But maybe you care more about ergonomics. If so, consider that materials like TPU and silicone are more comfortable to hold.
You may also be thinking about a hard case versus a soft case. If you can’t decide, it’s worth noting that hard cases tend to be slim and lightweight over their softer counterparts, which are usually thicker and heavier.
Just be sure to think about what aspects of the phone case material are most important to you to help you narrow down your search.
What’s Your Style?
As you know, phone cases have multiple styles, with some sleeker and others more rugged. Often, the style of a phone case can dictate some of the the functional features of the case as well.
Do the buttons and camera get a protective layer? Is the phone case easily fitted to the phone, or is it a struggle? These are just some considerations when deciding on the case style you want.
Do You Need a Minimalist Phone Case With Raised Edges?
Raised edges are critical if your mobile phone has a camera lens or sections that stick out, because they’ll improve the protection of your cell phone. Cracked camera lenses and housing can spell disaster if you rely on your cell phone’s camera often. So, it pays to consider a case with raised edges while you shop.
Now that we’ve gone over several aspects to consider, you’re ready to start shopping. So, here are seven quality minimalist phone case choices that are great for any budget:
1. Pela, The World’s First Compostable Minimalist Phone Case
The Pela minimalist phone case is one of the first in the world that’s considered 100% compostable. The innovative phone cases are crafted with a plant-based polymer and flax shive, as well as straw waste and other recyclable materials. The combination of materials is sometimes called “flaxstic” as it also shares a similar look and feel to plastic.
Other features of Pela’s minimalist phone covers include:
- Strong resistance withstanding 20-ft. drop tests
- Soft to the touch and flexible
- Environmentally friendly, using earth-friendly materials
- An array of colors and prints to choose from
Pela phone cases are available for iPhones, Samsung phones, and other Android phones like Google Pixel.
2. Symmetry Series by Otterbox Is Slim & Sleek
Though Ottorbox is known for its rugged cases, the company does have a minimalist phone case line that has the same quality as the other cases, called The Symmetry Series.
The Symmetry Series can protect your phone, and thanks to the minimal design, it doesn’t take up too much space inside pockets and handbags.
Besides the eco-friendly materials, these phone cases include a MagSafe feature. MagSafe means you can charge your phone wirelessly without cables. It also enables you to store your credit cards near your MagSafe phone case, preventing magnetic interference.
When it comes to protection, all Otterbox cases undergo a series of drop tests, earning them the DROP+ certification. This way, you know that your phone will be well protected, even though the case has a minimalist design.
The Otterbox Symmetry Series phone cover features:
- A snug-fit that reduces bulkiness
- DROP+ approval
- Button coverage to protect against dust and damage
- MagSafe and antimicrobial properties on select cases
The Symmetry Series also features an ultra-sleek texture that could increase slip on surfaces. Still, that doesn’t mean these cases fall short on strength.
The Otterbox Symmetry Series is available for selected phone brands like:
- Samsung
- Apple
3. The HardCase by PanzerGlass Is Earth-Friendly
The PanzaGlass phone cases feature 60% recycled glass and a plastic frame made from 100% recycled materials, so if you want a minimalist phone case that’s environmentally friendly, this could be the case for you.
And when it comes to durability, PanzaGlass includes several layers of protection. Additionally, the material is scratchproof, which is perfect for when you’re storing your phone with keys. Keys can wreak havoc by imprinting scratches on a bare cell phone surface.
Features of the PanzerGlass HardCase include:
- Unique anti-yellowing that ensures your case always looks as good as new
- Rigid back design with softer edges to reduce shock and impact from a fall
- Special antibacterial properties that kill up to 99.99% of common bacteria on contact surfaces
- Clear and minimalist phone case design with a contrasting black border
It’s worth noting that due to the sleek shine of the PanzerGlass HardCase, it’s also prone to fingerprints and smudges, but the material is easy to clean with a microfiber cloth.
The PanzerGlass phone cases are available for the Samsung S23 models and the iPhone 14 series.
4. Totallee Minimalist Phone Case Is Super Thin
The Totallee Super Thin Case has a slim and strong design. But although the case is minimal and slim, it protects your phone without bulk.
A unique feature of the Totallee phone cover range is that it doesn’t add manufacturer branding, unlike most other phone cases. Surprisingly, Totallee believes in zero branding and zero bulk for the ultimate sleekness to complement your phone.
Totallee also has a range of edge-to-edge tempered glass screen protectors in their line of products that you can use along with the case.
The Totallee Super Thin phone case could be a good option because:
- There’s no branding to spoil the look of your iPhone
- It’s an ultra-thin is a space saving case
- It’s strong enough to absorb shock upon impact
Unfortunately, the Super Thin cases aren’t available for all phone brands, only for:
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 15
5. Luxury & Grip With the MagSafe Leather Case by Bullstrap
The Bullstrap MagSafe Minimalist Phone Case is not only made with genuine leather but is also durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Using genuine leather (sourced locally in the United States and Europe) gives each phone case a distinctive grain texture. And in terms of strength, leather is a naturally strong material that can last very long. So, it’s a natural choice for phone cases.
Other features of the MagSafe leather phone case include:
- An anti-smudge and anti-fingerprint leather material
- Unique colors due to a light water-base dying process
- Treatment for the leather to enhance the natural textures
- 100% leather that ensures natural strength and is shockproof
- An eye-catching Bullstrap logo embossed into the leather
- A soft microfiber lining
The Bullstrap MagSafe case is available for various iPhone models.
6. Handcrafted Earth-Friendly Phone Case Made With Wood
The Slim Resin & Wood phone cases by WUDN are handcrafted using real wood and TPU. They feature a slim, beautiful design and are available in various distinctive prints.
You may not have considered a wooden minimalist phone case as eco-friendly, but all WUDN iPhone cases are made with sustainable wood, including:
- Black Walnut
- Aromatic Cedar
- Purple Heart
- Mahogany
- American Cherry
Other notable attributes of the WUDN phone cases include:
- Lightweight design
- MagSafe on select covers
- A unique wood grain design for each case
- Impact-resistant bumpers
- Easy snap-on application with a snug fit
- SureGrip ensures your phone doesn’t slip through your fingers
7. Possibly The Thinnest Phone Case Around by Bare
Bare’s Bare Naked cases are specially designed for people who prefer their phone’s original look without the case. The phone case is super-thin and fits the cell phone like a glove. But while it is a minimalist phone case and seems like it isn’t there, it still protects the phone.
Other features of the Bare Naked case includes:
- Button covers to provide a shield from dust on specific models
- Scratch protection for the rear of the phone
- Select clear cases in the range that have a non-yellowing polymer coating
- Optional MagSafe detachable magnets
The Bare Naked case is also available for select iPhones and Android phones like the Google Pixel 8 Pro and the S24 Ultra.
Now It’s Your Turn To Choose Your Ideal Minimalist Phone Case
It’s been proven that phone cases really do protect your device from drops and other damage. But using a case doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the sleek design of your phone. That’s why it makes sense to go for a minimalist phone case, and now there are many to choose from. Just be sure to think about what is most important to you before you buy. Then, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your phone is secure and protected.
