For the first time in a long time, I can say that iPhone cases are fun again! The introduction of the iPhone Duo has brought us a new era of cases in all shapes, sizes, functions, and form factors. We are still in the infancy of this new ecosystem of iPhone Duo-compatible cases, so manufacturers are experimenting with different designs, materials, and features to figure out what works best for Apple’s first foldable. From ultra-thin cases and hinge protection to built-in wallets, kickstands, and origami-style folios. I have tested several new iPhone Duo cases, and these have been my favorite so far.
Be sure to check out our hands-on with all of these cases and more in the video below!
This was actually the very first case that I tried on when I got the iPhone Duo. I thought it looked great, was well-priced at just $29, and had a way to ensure the hinge was covered. Its standout feature is the rotating magnetic kickstand, which allows you to prop up your iPhone Duo in a ton of different orientations. You get:
- Built-in rotating kickstand
- Full hinge protection
- Raised camera lip
- Cutouts for Camera Control, Touch ID, and speakers
One thing to note here is that there is zero protection for the outer display. Personally, I was not a fan of the front display being covered by a flap, so I liked that there was nothing on the front of the iPhone Duo. Lastly, this is one of the few cases that does not rely on adhesive strips to stay on the Duo.
You can get the Baseus iPhone Duo case on Amazon for $29.
This one has been my go-to since the dust has settled. I’m someone who has always enjoyed having the thinnest cases possible that still offer some rigidity and protection. That’s exactly what this Aulumu case offers for the iPhone Duo. You get:
- Made of aramid fiber and aluminum alloy
- Weighs just 30g and is 1.4mm thin
- Raised camera guard
- Two-piece construction for rear and edge protection
- Adds MagSafe magnets
As I said, this has been my favorite because of its thin, lightweight nature. It also uses adhesive on the front of the iPhone Duo to ensure it doesn’t fall off. The good news is that it leaves no residue. But it does not have any additional features, such as a built-in stand or wallet, nor does it have any hinge protection. So that is something to consider.
The Aulumu ADOU is available in two colors: Black and Blue. You can get it from Aulumu’s website for $89.
The Smartish Wallet case takes a completely different approach by combining a protective case with a built-in wallet. If you have noticed, while the iPhone Duo does have MagSafe, many current MagSafe accessories do not fit it. They also have a portion of it sticking out of the bottom; this includes MagSafe wallets. So Smartish built the wallet directly into the case, and it’s genius. You get:
- A wallet that holds one to four cards or even cash
- Just 3mm thick with a flexible TPU build
- Full hinge protection, no adhesive, and six magnets for added protection
- Textured sides, finger grooves, and precise button cutouts.
- Protects the front rails of the iPhone Duo without covering the outer display
So this case covers every aspect of the iPhone Duo while remaining relatively thin and allowing you to carry up to 4 cards. But because there is a built-in wallet, you lose access to the MagSafe portion of the iPhone, so you cannot wirelessly charge the iPhone Duo when the case is on. If you are ok with that trade-off, then you will love this case.
The Smartish Wallet Slayer case comes in five different colors and designs. You can get these cases on Amazon starting at $39.
If you are looking for something a little more rugged, the UAG Mouve case is worth looking into. UAG has always focused on protective cases, and this one brings the same philosophy and design language while adding an adjustable built-in kickstand. You get:
- Two-piece construction with PC backplate, TPU frame, and soft-touch finish
- Military-grade drop protection
- Built-in rotating hexagonal kickstand for multiple viewing angles
- Still lightweight at just 59g
What impressed me the most was the stability of the kickstand, especially compared to some other cases I’ve tested. Since the kickstand has a hexagonal design, it has flat sides. This is what gives it the additional stability. Combine that with protective corners, raised camera and screen edges, and a premium feel, and you have a great option for people who want that extra protection.
You can get the UAG Mouve case from Amazon for $84. It comes in two colors: White and Ash(grey).
MOFT is one of my favorite and most used brands. They are known for creating clever, origami-inspired accessories, so they decided to bring that to the iPhone Duo. They created a magnetic folding cover that doubles as a folding, versatile stand with multiple viewing angles. This is the most different of the bunch; you get:
- Origami-inspired folding design with three different stand configurations
- Attaches via magnets
- Front Display completely covered when folded up
- Raised camera lip for added protection
I really like the simplicty and creativity behind this one. It is just one panel that slaps onto the iPhone via magnets. One thing to note about this is that there is no rail protection. This is very similar to Apple’s own folio case for iPhone. With the MOFT case, while the rails are exposed, there is also a raised lip to it, so if you do place it on a surface rail side down, it technically will not touch because of the raised lip of the MOFT folio. So if you are ok with that slight compromise and you like the simplicity of this case, then I recommend checking it out.
You can pre order this case on Amazon for $69 and deliveries start November 27th. It comes in two color matching variats: white and Navy blue.
Final thoughts
As we all know, cases are a subjective thing. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to getting a case for your iPhone. That is even more true with iPhone Duo cases. These cases are all so new that manufacturers can have fun again seeing what works with the iPhone Duo form factor. Consumers can also see what they like, what they dont like, what can be improved. This is just the beginning and I am so excited to see where these cases end up evolving. But for now, these have been the best ones that I have tested and in my video I even try a few more, so I highly recommend see that in action.
What cases have you tried? Are there any I should try out? I will 100% do a round 2 of this a few months down the road, once ore cases become available!
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