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iPhone 16/Plus/Pro/Pro Max cases [MERGED]

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Here’s the Benks ArmorAir Aurora, another ultra-thin case that’s very similar to the Pitaka Tactile Woven. This one weighs 29 grams, while the Pitaka weighs 24 grams. Though it’s subjective, I find the Pitaka slightly more refined: the corners are a bit smoother (the Benks has slight wrinkles), and the finish on the camera ring and the interior is cleaner. The Benks has the advantage of subtly raised corners for laying the phone face down, while the Pitaka has zero lip. However, I’m not a fan of the black metal camera ring, which—if it’s like every other black metal ring I’ve had—will likely wear down and expose the metal underneath fairly quickly. The Benks is certainly the better deal, and both cases are equally nice overall, but if I had to choose, I’d probably go with the Pitaka.

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Zensō said:
Here’s the Benks ArmorAir Aurora, another ultra-thin case that’s very similar to the Pitaka Tactile Woven. This one weighs 29 grams, while the Pitaka weighs 24 grams. Though it’s subjective, I find the Pitaka slightly more refined: the corners are a bit smoother (the Benks has slight wrinkles), and the finish on the camera ring and the interior is cleaner. The Benks has the advantage of subtly raised corners for laying the phone face down, while the Pitaka has zero lip. However, I’m not a fan of the black metal camera ring, which—if it’s like every other black metal ring I’ve had—will likely wear down and expose the metal underneath fairly quickly. The Benks is certainly the better deal, and both cases are equally nice overall, but if I had to choose, I’d probably go with the Pitaka.

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Interesting I prefer the black camera ring with subtle branding on the Benks especially with a black iPhone (with no concerns of it having exposed metal showing in the future as you would have to really rough it up for that to even happen) over Pitaka’s sharp silver camera ring and large “PITAKA” branding on the bottom of the case.

My regular black aramid fiber Benks has no wrinkles as you mentioned. My comparison was black aramid fiber on both Pitaka and Benks though. I also prefer the lips on the Benks vs Pitaka and full coverage bottom vs cut charging port bottom with negative lip as I call it.

The price is also a clear winner on the Benks, better bang for your buck for sure. They’re both really nice for sure! For me personally though Benks is the winner. That’s why we all have opinions 😊
 
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For quality, Benks is absolutely solid. Their CC button cutout is well done with grooves letting you slide your finger over the CC button without accidental presses, I'd say for $35 or so on Amazon you're getting some of the best quality cases for the price since they're not yet established. I wouldn't be surprised if they begin to raise prices as their popularity goes up. People are catching onto the quality on Reddit now as well.
 
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JBlass421 said:
Interesting I prefer the black camera ring with subtle branding on the Benks especially with a black iPhone (with no concerns of it having exposed metal showing in the future as you would have to really rough it up for that to even happen) over Pitaka’s sharp silver camera ring and large “PITAKA” branding on the bottom of the case.

My regular black aramid fiber Benks has no wrinkles as you mentioned. My comparison was black aramid fiber on both Pitaka and Benks though. I also prefer the lips on the Benks vs Pitaka and full coverage bottom vs cut charging port bottom with negative lip as I call it.

The price is also a clear winner on the Benks, better bang for your buck for sure. They’re both really nice for sure! For me personally though Benks is the winner. That’s why we all have opinions 😊
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For sure! The differences are very subtle, and each of us are focusing on different details. The big question for me is whether I’m going to return one or both. I’m not sure yet if I can relax with a very nearly naked phone… 🤔
 
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Zensō said:
For sure! The differences are very subtle, and each of us are focusing on different details. The big question for me is whether I’m going to return one or both. I’m not sure yet if I can relax with a very nearly naked phone… 🤔
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lol true! This type of case isn’t for everyone for sure!
 
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And now for something completely different. This beast is the Spigen Tough Armor T AI (they need to work on their names). It’s Spigen’s other case that has a capacitive Camera Control cover. It weighs a whopping 57 grams, twice as much as the svelte Pitaka and Benks cases I posted earlier today. Of course, it’s also far more protective. It actually feels pretty good in the hand, though it makes the phone noticeably wider and heavier. The buttons are good, the fit is good, the edges are stiff, and the CC cover works as well as the cover on their Ultra Hybrid T. This case is proof that it’s possible to make a super beefy case that still has a comfortable, fully functioning Camera Control cover (Mous, are you listening?). It’ll be interesting to see how it compares to the Otterbox Defender Pro with Camera Control that comes out later this year.

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Zensō said:
Here’s the Benks ArmorAir Aurora, another ultra-thin case that’s very similar to the Pitaka Tactile Woven. This one weighs 29 grams, while the Pitaka weighs 24 grams. Though it’s subjective, I find the Pitaka slightly more refined: the corners are a bit smoother (the Benks has slight wrinkles), and the finish on the camera ring and the interior is cleaner. The Benks has the advantage of subtly raised corners for laying the phone face down, while the Pitaka has zero lip. However, I’m not a fan of the black metal camera ring, which—if it’s like every other black metal ring I’ve had—will likely wear down and expose the metal underneath fairly quickly. The Benks is certainly the better deal, and both cases are equally nice overall, but if I had to choose, I’d probably go with the Pitaka.

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This case is mighty good looking :p
 
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helloapple1 said:
I find this case pretty slippery despite people saying it has grip. It feels like smooth sandpaper.
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I tried it recently because of what I was seeing on here. I returned it the same day. It fits really loosely and the back barely has any grip at all. It felt like a cheap knockoff of the Sheath.
 
Just updating after a little while with the Beats case. I hate the stupid beats logo, but everything else about the case is flawless. Yes, this includes the open bottom. The case is tight to the phone so I’m not sure what a closed bottom would even do. Buttons are super responsive, click like the case isn’t on - and the sapphire button is a game changer. Don’t settle for cutouts. I am excited for third party sapphire leather cases in the future, but this is it for now. Cons? I guess it’s not a good case if you change often though, it really is tight.
 
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Zensō said:
And now for something completely different. This beast is the Spigen Tough Armor T AI (they need to work on their names). It’s Spigen’s other case that has a capacitive Camera Control cover. It weighs a whopping 57 grams, twice as much as the svelte Pitaka and Benks cases I posted earlier today. Of course, it’s also far more protective. It actually feels pretty good in the hand, though it makes the phone noticeably wider and heavier. The buttons are good, the fit is good, the edges are stiff, and the CC cover works as well as the cover on their Ultra Hybrid T. This case is proof that it’s possible to make a super beefy case that still has a comfortable, fully functioning Camera Control cover (Mous, are you listening?). It’ll be interesting to see how it compares to the Otterbox Defender Pro with Camera Control that comes out later this year.

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Got the same. Awful thing. Slippery, big and buttons are to flush.
 
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danb1979 said:
Spigen Tough Armor T magsafe case has landed via Amazon UK:

www.amazon.co.uk

Spigen Tough Armor T (AI) MagFit Case for iPhone 16 Pro Max [MagSafe Compatible] [Camera Control Button Embedded] - Black

Slim Protection Design
www.amazon.co.uk

A much better design with the full button coverage too...

Will sell the clear one on I think as never been keen on clear cases

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I can guarantee you will send it back.
 
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iphone 16pro….currently using OtterBox Lumen black: good, not slippery good lip protection ….

but I am used to Aramid fibre cases like Pitaka and Evutec earlier (previous case Pitaka pro for iPhone 14 Pro which was almost perfect for me) ….so naturally I preordered Pitaka Military-Grade Case black/grey …. delivered on 08 Oct returned on 09 Oct …no front lip protection and slippery (it is first case that I returned - with Pitaka process is so complicated)

BENKS Montage Art pro delivered today (6 days delivery time to Australia - amazing)
nice case, good lip protection, camera cutout is distraction when you are picking up iPhone but the most disappointing thing: it is so slippery in my hands (from all reviews that I watched only one mention how slippery it is)
 
danb1979 said:
Spigen Tough Armor T magsafe case has landed via Amazon UK:

www.amazon.co.uk

Spigen Tough Armor T (AI) MagFit Case for iPhone 16 Pro Max [MagSafe Compatible] [Camera Control Button Embedded] - Black

Slim Protection Design
www.amazon.co.uk

A much better design with the full button coverage too...

Will sell the clear one on I think as never been keen on clear cases

View attachment 2437572View attachment 2437569View attachment 2437568View attachment 2437570View attachment 2437571View attachment 2437573
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Personally I would think it’s ugly too bulky. I much prefer the clear Ultra Hybrid T but then I also prefer clear cases to solid colour ones too.
 
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