Mini-reviews: a look at Case•Mate’s new iPhone cases

Case•Mate has rolled out a new collection of cases for the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max. Case. All costs $40 and offer 10-foot drop protection.  I’ve had a chance to play around with several models.

My favorite is the Tough Groove. It has a one-piece raised groove design and a tactile feel that mades for good grippability. It also offers a three-dimensional effect, which is kinda cool, though the novelty quickly fades. 

The Tough Speckled has a “sporty, streetwear vibe” with flecks of contrasting paint splatter designed to give your iPhone an athletic look. That’s kinda cool, as is its frosted surface with satin finish that’s pleasant to the touch. 

Though I’m from the South, I’m not a hunter, but the Touch Camo ($39.99) may appeal to many of my family members and friends who are. It wraps your iPhone in a case that looks like, well, camouflage. It’s one-piece design and semi-transparent print and its satin matte camo finish are attractive without being garish.

I can’t say the same about the Tough Neon Yellow and Tough Neon Pink. Both offer good grip-ability and decent protection in a one-piece design. However, their “bold neon hues saturated onto a translucent platform” are so bright they make my eyes hurt (figuratively, not literally).

I feel the same way about the Confetti Waterfall and Twinkle Stardust. The former has jewel toned chunky pieces and contrasting colors. The latter boasts reflective iridescent glitter foil that changes at every angle. They’re protective and durable enough, but too frou-frou for me. On the other hand, my granddaughter thought they were “beautiful.”

All the Touch cases support wireless charging and have a lifetime warranty. Oh yes, the entire lineup is, per Case•Mate, made of eco-conscious materials, which is a good thing.

Tough Groove, Tough Speckled, Tough Camo: Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★★

Tough Neon Yellow, Tough Neon Pink, Confetti Waterfall, Twinkle Stardust: Apple World Today Rating (out of 5 stars): ★★★

Case•Mate’s new iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max collections range from $19.99 to $59.99 and are available for purchase at www.amazon.com/case-mate, www.case-mate.com, select retailers, and all major wireless carrier stores.