$800 iPhone 17 deserves better than a brick: best cases tested for 2026

The iPhone 17 is Apple's most affordable model in the latest generation, but at $800 (roughly 62,000 rubles), it's still a serious investment. After unboxing the sleek device, owners often rush to hide it in a plastic case, sacrificing style for protection. However, hands-on testing reveals that there are accessories that shield the phone without turning it into an awkward brick.

Apple's own cases are pricey and, frankly, boring. Third-party manufacturers, on the other hand, offer much more creativity. The list below is a personal top pick of tested cases for the base iPhone 17, with most brands also offering versions for the Air, Pro, and Pro Max models.

The best premium case is the Mujjo leather case. It supports MagSafe but lacks protection for the Camera Control button. Available in three colors. Pros include a luxurious leather texture and membership in a large ecosystem of accessories. The con is that buying the full set of accessories can get expensive. Nothing screams status quite like real leather, the author notes.