This fall, Apple released the new iPhone 14. It comes with a host of upgrades, such as Bluetooth 5.3, a redesigned 5-core GPU, and crash detection. It can even send an emergency satellite SOS signal when you’re out of cell range. These features have made it incredibly popular, as Apple’s new phones usually are.
But Apple didn’t just release a single phone. They released four: the iPhone 14, the iPhone 14 Plus, the iPhone 14 Pro, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The Plus is an oversized version with a larger screen. The Pro has a 48-megapixel camera – four times the 12-megapixel standard camera. The Pro Max is both larger and comes with the upgraded camera. There are other differences, too, but that’s the gist of it.
Finding a case for the iPhone 14 Plus or Pro Max can be difficult. Since they’re oversized, an ordinary iPhone 14 case won’t fit. Thankfully, there are plenty of options. We’re about to review five of the best cases on the market for your “big” iPhone 14.
All of these choices are reasonably durable, and are easy to install on your phone. But they also have important differences we’ll need to explore. Let’s take a closer look, and see how they compare!
Mkeke Clear Case for iPhone 14 Pro Max
Key Features:
- Tough corner bumpers and built-in air pocket.
- Clear plastic is engineered to resist yellowing.
- Compatible with MagSafe mounts, Qi chargers.
The Mkeke Clear Case for iPhone 14 Pro Max is available in a few different versions. The standard case is 100% transparent, so you can see straight through to your cell phone on all sides.
Alternatively, you can order it with semi-transparent banded edges in several colors. If you have the iPhone 14 Plus, this is the version for you.
Your choices include a smoked black, along with two-tone purple/blue, purple/red, purple/green, and red/green. The material itself is a blend of TPU and acrylic, which has excellent sweat-resistance properties. It’s easy to keep clean, and the material is also UV-resistant, so it won’t turn yellow over time.
In terms of impact-resistance, the performance is very good. There’s a bumper on each corner, which increases the thickness by 3.1mm. These bumpers have built-in air pockets which provide an additional bit of cushioning.
This is important, since the corners of your phone are the most delicate part aside from the screen and cameras. Speaking of which, there’s a raised bezel around the edges of the screen that’s 1.9mm thick. And a fat 3.5mm bumper surrounds the camera lenses. Drop your phone from any angle, and it will be protected. On the downside, all the extra padding makes the case decidedly fat.
The Mkeke Clear Case is compatible with all wireless chargers as long as they’re Qi-certified. It also works with MagSafe mounts and accessories. The strong magnetic version has a pair of N52 magnets in the back actually enhance your phone’s gripping power. And on a magnetic charger, they’ll automatically center your phone.
What We Liked:
- Thick bezel around screen and camera.
- Built-in magnets are stronger than standard MagSafe magnets.
- Built-in air bags provide superior drop protection.
- Excellent clarity.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Relatively fat design.
Case-Mate Tough Plus iPhone 14 Pro Max Clear Case
Key Features:
- Multiple unique cosmetic choices.
- 15-foot drop protection.
- Made from recycled material.
The Case-Mate Tough Plus iPhone 14 Pro Max Clear Case is manufactured from recycled polymer. This is a very tough, ultra-clear material that you’d never guess was recycled. But because it’s recycled, it’s more environmentally friendly than your typical plastic case.
The clear version of the case looks great, but you can choose from six alternative options. One is a heavily-bejeweled pattern called “brilliance chandelier.” There are two other sparkly options, along with a beautiful white and gold floral pattern. The marble pattern has a futuristic gold dissolve pattern at the center, with a transparent top. And the “sheer crystal” has a smoked appearance with tiny sparkles that make it look like the night sky.
The Case-Mate case has an ultra-slim profile. The only bevels are at the corners and around the back camera. This makes your phone very easy to grip, as well as easy to slip into your pocket or phone stand. Furthermore, the button covers are flexible and provide good tactile feedback.
Despite its slim profile, this case offers top-tier drop protection. It’s rated to withstand a 15-foot drop, which is pretty impressive. This is in large part because of the combination of materials.
While the main body of the case is rock solid, the corners and bevels are a softer, rubbery material. And if for some reason the case fails, it’s backed by a lifetime warranty. The Case-Mate case supports Qi wireless charging, so you can keep on using your favorite charger. On the downside, it doesn’t allow use with MagSafe accessories.
As you’ll note, none of today’s options come with a screen protector. If you’re buying your own protector, you might as well buy one with a privacy filter. Check out our list of the best iPhone 14 Pro Max Privacy Screen Protectors for inspiration.
What We Liked:
- Superb drop protection.
- Slim profile.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Attractive cosmetic options.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not compatible with MagSafe accessories.
TORRAS Diamond Clear for iPhone 14 Pro Max
Key Features:
- Antioxidant coating to prevent yellowing.
- 10-foot drop protection.
- Available in clear or tinted versions.
The TORRAS Diamond Clear for iPhone 14 Pro Max is made from a number of different plastics. The back shell is engineered from rock-solid thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
The sides are made from silicone and other rubberized plastics to create a soft, shock-absorbent material that protects the sides of your phone. Aside from the clear version, you can order it with a translucent tint. The tinted version is available in black, blue, or purple.
TORRAS advertises this case as “military grade,” which is somewhat on the nose. In the military, the winning bidder makes the most affordable gear that meets the basic specifications. In this case, the TORRAS case is rated for 10-foot drop resistance. That’s pretty good, but it’s not absurdly impressive. Your lenses and screen remain well-protected, though, with a 2.5mm bezel on the back and a 1.5mm front bezel.
What did impress us was the nano antioxidant coating. This coating forms a powerful barrier against sweat and UV rays. As a result, it prevents virtually any yellowing, so the case should remain nice and clear for years. It also supports wireless charging, but not MagSafe accessories.
Even with a good case, you probably want to protect your iPhone’s camera lenses from scratches. If that’s what you need, take a look at our list of the best iPhone 14 Pro Max Camera Lens Protectors.
What We Liked:
- Slim design.
- Reasonably good drop protection.
- Resists yellowing and discoloration.
- Soft sides make buttons easy to operate.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Does not support MagSafe accessories.
CASEKOO ClearPrime Case for iPhone 14 Pro Max
Key Features:
- Anti-yellowing and anti-fingerprint protection films.
- Comes clear, tinted, or with sparkles.
- Compatible with MagSafe mounts and Qi chargers.
CASEKOO is a manufacturer we’ve reviewed in the past. Not long ago, we got the chance to look at their full line of new iPhone 14 cases. So it made sense to go back to the well and look more closely at one of their iPhone 14 Pro Max offerings.
The CASEKOO ClearPrime Case for iPhone 14 Pro Max is engineered from a blend of TPU and polycarbonate. The TPU frame is very durable, and provides a comfortable, secure gripping surface. Meanwhile, the PC backplate is tough enough to take a beating.
Best of all, it sports an anti-fingerprint coating to keep it nice and clear. Alternatively, you can order a tinted variant in purple, rose gold, or black. There’s also a “glitter clear” option which is what it sounds like; it’s clear, but with sparkles.
Your rear cameras will be protected by a 2.5mm bezel, with a 1.5mm bezel around the outside of the screen. The rest of the case is just 1mm thick. At that thickness, you’ll barely even notice it’s there.
The material is coated with a nano-diamond finish that virtually eliminates oxidation. You don’t have to worry about yellowing due to ultraviolet rays or sweat.
The CASEKOO case is compatible with MagSafe gear and Qi wireless chargers. It won’t interfere with the accessories you know and love.
What We Liked:
- Excellent fingerprint and anti-yellowing protection.
- Slim design is easy to carry, put in phone stands.
- MagSafe-compatible design.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Drop protection is only so-so.
Spigen Ultra Hybrid iPhone 14 Plus Case
Key Features:
- Designed for the iPhone 14 Plus.
- Clear TPU with optional banding.
- Air cushions for protection around rear cameras.
The Spigen Ultra Hybrid iPhone 14 Plus Case is the only case on our list exclusively for the iPhone 14 Plus. That said, it’s a very good one. It’s engineered from polycarbonate and TPU, with a TPU frame and a PC back panel. The finish is smooth and easy to clean, and provides a comfortable grip.
The standard version of the case is clear. However, you can also order it with tinted edges and a sharp-looking ring around the rear cam. These accents are available in gloss or matte black, navy blue, gloss red, beige, or a translucent pink tint. There’s also a clear frosted version that only slightly obscures the back of your phone.
A set of raised bezels protect both the front of your screen and the rear cameras. The rear bezel contains an air cushion that provides even more protection. Despite this, the Spigen case only adds 3mm of thickness to your phone.
The side buttons are easy to press and provide good responsiveness. You get support for Qi wireless charging, too. Our only serious gripe is that the case doesn’t support the usage of MagSafe accessories.
What We Liked:
- Powerful drop protection.
- Ultra-slim design.
- Very affordable.
What We Didn’t Like:
- Does not support MagSafe accessories.
Final Thoughts
If you want the best clear case for your “big” iPhone 14, there’s a good argument for each of these options. But which one is the optimal choice for you? Let’s go over what we’ve learned today.
The Mkeke Clear Case for iPhone 14 Pro Max is one of the more durable options. The air bag cushions provide excellent protection, albeit at the cost of a relatively fat profile. The TPU and acrylic material resists grease and UV rays, and it’s very clear. We also liked the banded options, which provide a more colorful touch.
The Case-Mate Tough Plus iPhone 14 Pro Max Clear Case is made from recycled plastic. Even so, it’s very clear, and the cosmetic options are all easy on the eyes. It also doesn’t hurt that it provides 15 feet of drop protection, even with a slim profile. The only real drawback is the lack of MagSafe compatibility.
The TORRAS Diamond Clear for iPhone 14 Pro Max provides a more moderate amount of protection. But with a 10-foot rating, it should be fine for most people. The multi-plastic engineering makes it easy to pop on and pop off, with soft edges and tactile buttons. And the back and bezels provide more than enough cushion where it matters.
The CASEKOO ClearPrime Case for iPhone 14 Pro Max is the thinnest of the bunch, at only 1mm thick. It’s also the least protective, but that’s a relative phrase. Under normal conditions, it will still withstand any ordinary drop. Besides which, it’s MagSafe-compatible, which makes it more versatile than most of the others.
The Spigen Ultra Hybrid iPhone 14 Plus Case is our top choice for the iPhone 14 Plus. Its slim design makes it easy to carry, while tough, impact-resistant bumpers protect your phone’s vital areas. As an added plus, it’s the most affordable phone case on our list.
Meet Derek, “TechGuru,” a 34-year-old technology enthusiast with a deep passion for tech innovations. With extensive experience, he specializes in gaming hardware and software, and has expertise in gadgets, custom PCs, and audio.
Besides writing about tech and reviewing new products, Derek enjoys traveling, hiking, and photography. Committed to keeping up with the latest industry trends, he aims to guide readers in making informed tech decisions.