After I made a video showcasing my favorite iPhone X cases, I got a lot of feedback from readers wanting to know more. By far the most popular iPhone X case in that lineup — and the one I get asked about the most, even to this day — is the LuxArmor Classic.
The super-sleek $24 case bears no branding whatsoever. It’s extremely thin and light, but adds a surprising amount of protection. Now, LuxArmor has launched a new collection of iPhone X cases that keep that great, minimalist style but add extra protection.
In today’s video, I give you a quick hands-on look at the new LuxArmor Elite cases. Plus, we’ve got 10 of these to give away!
LuxArmor Elite collection
LuxArmor’s new Elite collection cases come in four different colors: onyx black, opal white, ruby red and sapphire blue. Just as with the LuxArmor Classic series, the Elite cases have zero branding to maintain the super-minimal look that has become the company’s trademark.
The back of the Elite case is where you find the biggest difference from the Classic line. The Classic cases have a matte finish and an all-in-one design. The Elite collection builds on that, adding a single pane of ballistic-grade tempered glass to better protect the iPhone.
The glass back looks great. At a distance, it almost looks like there’s no case on your phone. The glass on the back of the case is stronger than the glass in the iPhone X, too. You get a high-end look without the risk of damaging the body of your actual iPhone.
In the hand, the LuxArmor Elite case feels pretty much invisible. The only thing that makes it feel different is the slight silicone lip that wraps the edges of the Elite case. There’s enough there to help protect the screen in the event of a drop. However, the lip’s not so big that the phone becomes cumbersome to slide in and out of your pocket.
LuxArmor Elite iPhone X case adds protection
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac
I’ve not tried dropping my iPhone while in this case to test just how protective it is. I can’t afford to buy a new iPhone X with each case I review. But I did accidentally drop my iPhone X from just above waist height onto concrete while using the LuxArmor Classic. Despite dropping it facedown and making the fall worse by trying to catch my phone, all I suffered was a slight dent on the edge of the case. The super-slim LuxArmor Classic completely protected the iPhone.
I love the way the black onyx case looks on my space gray iPhone X. As I mentioned, from a distance, it really looks like the phone doesn’t have any case on. Even close up, the only real giveaway is the lack of the Apple logo and those shiny steel edges.
I prefer that cases cover my iPhone’s buttons. Thankfully, this case does that. The silicone edges provide enough protection to keep the buttons scratch-free. But the covers are thin enough that the buttons remain nice and tactile. There are all the usual cutouts for the iPhone X’s camera, Lightning port and speakers.
LuxArmor Elite vs. LuxArmor Classic
At $59, the LuxArmor Elite cases cost twice the price of the Classic case. Still, I think the case is priced extremely competitively for what you’re getting. It looks and feels really premium. Plus, it’s a bit different from the norm.
The best way to show off the iPhone’s design usually is to pick up a clear case. Personally, I’m not a fan of these. They tend to discolor quickly, giving the iPhone a lovely yellow hue. The styling is one of iPhone X’s best features (if you can look past the notch). The LuxArmor Elite manages to maintain the phone’s aesthetic and adds some protection at the same time.
Moreover, it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than the cost to replace the glass backing of the iPhone X. (Apple charges a ridiculous $549 to do that.)
Win 1 of 10 LuxArmor Elite cases!
LuxArmor is giving away 10 of these stunning cases to Cult of Mac readers. For your shot at winning, use the form below.
Cult of Mac x LuxArmor Elite iPhone X Case Giveaway!
The giveaway is open to residents of any country. LuxArmor will ship the cases directly to the winners anywhere in the world. The competition closes July 16 at 10 a.m. Pacific time.
If you just want to pick up one of these cases right away, head over to the LuxArmor store, where you can enter the code COM10 at checkout to receive 10 percent off your order.
Price: $59 (get 10 percent off with code “COM10”)
Buy from: LuxArmor
LuxArmor provided Cult of Mac with review units for this article. Seeour reviews policy and check out more stuff we recommend in our Best List reviews.
