While it’s possible to use iPhone 5/5s cases for iPhone SE — check out our top iPhone 5/5s cases here — that certainly isn’t stopping companies from introducing new cases for Apple’s newest 4″ iPhone. VRS Design recently shipped us Crystal Bumper ($33), High Pro Shield ($33), Layered Dandy ($35), and Thor ($28) for iPhone SE. We’ve seen all of these cases already for iPhone 6/6s and iPhone 6/6s Plus, so although we had a pretty good idea what to expect from the shrunken version of the cases, we still gave them a close look.
Crystal Bumper is a clear soft shell case with a plastic bumper that goes around the sides. Again, these aren’t our favorite cases — we have concerns about the long-term durability of these thin plastic bumpers — but they’re thin, light, and provide proper button coverage. Unlike its 6/6s cousin, the SE Crystal Bumper makes it easy to access the ringer switch.
High Pro Shield is an extremely similar case, with a faux brushed metal back. If you want a clear back to show off your iPhone, pick Crystal Bumper. If you prefer High Pro Shield’s look, go in that direction.
Layered Dandy is a faux leather wallet folio case. It has two card slots that can fit one card each, and a small pocket for cash. The interior shell offers no protection for the volume buttons or sleep/wake button, and a magnetic strap keeps the case closed.
Thor — also known as Hard Drop — is the most protective of the bunch, pairing an inner TPU shell with a hard plastic back. The case’s hourglass figure make it feel a bit odd in the hand, though, and the ringer switch is tough to access.
All of these SE cases from VRS Design get the job done, but they don’t really stand out in price or functionality. We consider them all good cases with a few minor issues, and as such, they all receive our general recommendation.
Our Rating
Company and Price
Company: VRS Design
Model: Crystal Bumper, High Pro Shield, Layered Dandy, Thor
MSRP: $28-$35
Compatibility: iPhone 5/5s/SE
