Pelican has released three new cases for the latest iPhone models. I’ve had a chance to test all three with my iPhone Xs Max and can confidently say that one of these cases will almost certainly fit your needs for solid smartphone protection. They’re also available for the iPhone X, Xr, and Xs.
The Pelican Shield ($60-$70) is, arguably, the toughest of the three cases, shielding your Apple smartphone in five protective layer. It boasts 3x Military Grade Drop Protection, although, as I always say in my reviews, I’m not dropping an expensive iPhone that I paid for to test the protection level. However, the Shield seems plenty rugged thanks to the shock absorbing interior shell and reinforced corners that work together.
The case’s access port covers provide an integrated layer of extra protection against the elements while still allowing easy access to all your smartphone’s features. The case is available in, black and white (and gray for the Xr).
One really nice feature of the Shield is that it comes with a holster, something I always find useful. However, it doesn’t come with a screen protector, so you’ll have to shell out some extra cash for that.
Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★
If you want a case that has a holster and a screen protector, go with the Pelican Voyager ($50-$60). The holster has a swiveling belt clip and kickstand for media viewing. At the screen protector has a scratch resistant coating.
The Voyager is made of impact absorbing materials (elastomer inside a rigid polycarbonate shell). Despite its durability, it has a slim design with a soft-touch over-mold that makes it very “grippable” and helps prevents it from sliding off surfaces.
The Voyager is also tested to Military Specifications to survive multiple drops, but my previous disclaimer still applies. It’s available in, depending on your iPhone model, black, clear/dark purple, dark purple, clear gray, clear floral/gray, clear, or clear teal.
Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★★
If you want a case with all the aforementioned features (except for the holster) and which is also waterproof, there’s the $89.99, my favorite of the three. Available in a clear version only, it’s, again, constructed of impact absorbing materials (elastomer inside a rigid polycarbonate shell) and has a scratch resistant coated screen protector.
It has the same slim design with soft-touch over-mold as the Voyager and is also tested to Military Specifications to survive multiple drops.
The Marine’s defining feature is that it boasts IP68 protection for “complete and continuous submersion under water.” I’ve only tested it in the kitchen sink, but it seems to work well, and I’m looking forward to trying it in my sister’s swimming pool next summer. However, and I can’t stress this enough, watch the installation video (https://www.pelican.com/us/en/discover/videos/installation-instructions-for-marine-iphone-7-case/) before dunking your smartphone.
Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★★
