Luxury Cases

An expensive look for everyday

A luxury case gives the phone a richer finish: a plated edge that shines like metal, a metal-coloured shell, or a raised pattern that catches the light. It suits anyone who wants the phone to look smart on a desk, in a meeting or on a night out, and it makes a good present for someone who already has everything else. Under the finish, each case is an everyday or protective case that guards against knocks and scratches.

What the luxury cases here are like

The luxury cases here today include a clear shockproof case with a soft silicone bumper and a plated edge trim, which keeps the phone's own colour on show with a metal-look frame; a hard shell with a plated, metal-coloured finish and a large window round the camera, with magnets for MagSafe-compatible chargers and accessories; and a soft silicone case with an electroplated finish and a raised 3D pearl pattern. They are made for iPhones, and each lists the models it fits, so choose yours from the list on the product page.

How to choose

• Plated trim or full finish. A plated edge round a clear back keeps the phone's design visible. A full metal-coloured shell changes the phone's look completely.
• Charging. A plated finish is a coating on the case rather than solid metal, but Apple says a thick or metal case can stop or slow wireless charging. If you charge on a pad, a case with built-in magnets is made to line up with magnetic chargers.
• Grip. Glossy plated finishes are smooth. A soft silicone bumper or a textured pattern holds better in the hand.
• Protection. Check whether the case is described as shockproof, and look for raised edges round the screen and camera.

For a natural, rich material instead of a plated one, see leather cases. For more sparkle, see glitter cases.

Questions people ask about luxury cases

Are the plated cases real metal?

No. The plating is a thin metal-coloured coating on a plastic or silicone case, which keeps the case light and gives the look of metal without the weight or the cold feel of a metal case.

Will the plating wear?

Like any finish, it lasts longest away from keys and coins. Clean it with a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Apple's cleaning advice warns against household cleaners, solvents and abrasive cloths.

What goes with a luxury case?

A chain charm or a pearl charm suits the look, and luxury style gathers the rest of it.

More to look at

• Leather cases
• Glitter cases
• Mirror cases
• Magnetic phone cases
• Luxury style
• Gold and silver phone accessories
• Guide: How to choose a phone case: the UK buying guide