For some, September 24th may have just been another sobering reminder of the year we’ve lost to the pandemic — but for hardcore Apple fans, this marks the release of the highly anticipated iPhone 13 here in Singapore! If you’re looking to dress up your new toy, here are the top-rated phone cases from Taobao for you to check out.
Several times each year, the world watches on with bated breath as Apple adds a new product or service to its arsenal. You’d think that after 12 iPhone series and 29 model variations, we’d experience some sort of tech fatigue. Evidently not. iPhone 13s have reportedly sold out online, and in many countries, pre-order demand has peaked too. The world simply can’t get enough of Apple, and we don’t blame them! As supply chains around the world continue to react to the demands of the new model, we figured that the one place we can count on for spanking new iPhone 13 cases would be none other than Taobao.
But before we share our pickings for the new Apple season, we thought we’d do a quick recap on what to expect from the new iPhone series, in case you aren’t up to speed yet!
Everything You Need To Know About The iPhone 13 Series — Your TL;DR Guide
Image credits: Tom’s Guide
1. The iPhone 13 comes in 4 models: The regular iPhone, the mini, the Pro, and the Pro Max.
2. All models come equipped with an A15 Bionic chip, an upgrade from last year’s A14. While the number of GPUs differs across the models (4-core for the regular and mini, and 5-core for the Pro series), we think it’s still impressive either way.
3. Expect better, more high-quality photos thanks to the neat camera upgrades. Plus, you get to enjoy the all-new Cinematic Mode across all models too! If you’re keen on the hyped-up night mode, do note it’s only available for the Pro series.
4. Battery life has gotten an upgrade too, with up to 2.5 hours more for the iPhone 13 and Pro Max, 1.5 hours for the mini and Pro.
5. All the base models start at 128GB, a decent upgrade from the 64GB days.
6. For the eco-conscious, you’d be pleased to know that all the iPhone 13 models use 100% recycled rare earth elements in their magnets, 100% recycled tin in the solder of its main logic board and battery management unit, 100% recycled gold in the logic board and camera wire plating, and more!
7. Onto the aesthetics, the iPhone 13 range comes in 5 colour options while the Pro series comes in 4 options — all gorgeous, by the way.
Now that you’re acquainted with the latest and greatest in tech, read on for our top iPhone 13 phone case picks! 👇
1. Classic Clear Case
Image credits: Taobao
Why We Like It: It’s called a classic for a reason! After spending so much on your smartphone, it’s only fair that you’d want to show off its curves and edges. With the iPhone 13 range available in so many gorgeous colourways, there’s no better reason to go back to the basics. In this case, less is definitely more!
Besides the aesthetics, we like this phone case for its thoughtful range of features. Expect a snug, slim-fit design that’ll protect your new phone and its camera from scratches and dents, without being too bulky. Despite its glossy sheen, it’s been specially designed to prevent pesky fingerprints and grease stains from showing up. And above all, it addresses a real consumer pain point: yellowing. Now, you won’t have to change your phone case every couple of months!
Price: ¥68 (~S$14.20)
Features: Scratch-resistant, shock-proof, anti-stain
Get yours here.
2. Old-school Nokia Case
Image credits: Taobao
Why We Like It: Who could forget the days of polyphonic ringtones, numpads, and Snake? If you’re feeling a little nostalgic and/or willing to let the world know how old you are, then this Nokia-silhouette phone case will do the trick!
Its silicone-like material gives it an anti-slip finish, and its raised lips offer a surprising amount of protection against falls and scratches too! But beyond the laundry list of protective features, what we appreciate the most is the hilariously self-deprecating text printed on the screen. Loosely translated from Chinese, it reads, ‘Hang in there, labourer / salaried worker!’ — a nod to the labourer meme that’s been trending in China. If you fancy yourself as a sardonic type, then this phone case is a great statement.
Price: From ¥19.80 (~S$4.10)
Features: Anti-slip, scratch-resistant
Get yours here.
3. Silicone CamShield Case
Image credits: Taobao
Why We Like It: Ever noticed how the iPhone’s camera bump has gotten bigger and bulgy-er over the past few generations? To Apple’s ex-Chief Design Officer Jony Ive, it was a ‘pragmatic optimisation’, a.k.a. a compromise they had to make for a high-quality camera. However, for many Apple purists, it was an unwelcomed industrial design blip.
We adapt anyway. A sure example is this CamShield case, designed to protect your iPhone 13’s cameras from dust, scratches, cracks, and the like — an important feature if you’re gonna be in Cinematic Mode! This liquid silicone phone case also has an anti-slip matte finish, is incredibly super lightweight, and comes in 4 super fun colours.
Price: From ¥75 (~S$15.70)
Features: Scratch-proof, dust-proof, anti-slip
Get yours here.
4. Mirror Case
Image credits: Taobao
Why We Like It: To be honest, this mirror case isn’t the most protective one out of the lot. But what it lacks in protection, it surely makes up for in functionality. Especially useful for those who do their makeup (and touch-ups) on the go, the mirror on this case is pretty high quality for its price range and its placement.
With the new range of camera features on the iPhone 13, we think this case is one to have for all the selfies and OOTDs you’re gonna be taking.
Price: From ¥21.80 (~S$4.60)
Features: High-quality mirror, slim-fit case
Get yours here.
5. Classic Silicone Case
Image credits: Taobao
Why We Like It: Here’s another great option for those in the market for a minimalist case. This silky soft liquid silicone case feels great in the hand and is pleasing to the eye. It’s surprisingly popular given that it doesn’t protect as well as the heavy-duty phone cases we’ve come to love, but we figure it’s because of the wide variety of colours available. Take your pick from 7 gorgeous shades, or maybe even purchase a couple at once and have some fun colour blocking. Case in point?
Image credits: Apple
This silicone case also boasts a slim-fit design (an added depth of just 0.7mm), and has slightly raised lips to help cushion your phone from falls.
Price: From ¥58 (~S$12.20)
Features: Wide variety of colours!
Get yours here.
6. MagSafe Leather Case
Image credits: Taobao
Why We Like It: First came Qi, then came MagSafe — the world of wireless charging has grown leaps and bounds, and we’re glad that the accompanying accessories are keeping up. Unlike many of the MagSafe covers on the market (ever seen those with a huge magnet in the middle?), this MagSafe-compatible leather case offers the best of both worlds: style and protection.
These come with built-in magnets that are meant to align perfectly with your new iPhone so that you can enjoy faster, more efficient charging on your MagSafe or Qi charger, all without having to remove your phone case. Available in 5 luxe colours, and is available for all models except the mini.
Price: From ¥88 (~S$18.50)
Features: MagSafe compatibility
Get yours here.
7. Privacy Screen Case
Image credits: Taobao
Why We Like It: Ever sat on a bus or a train and had the feeling that the person next to you was watching you browse your Instagram stories or worse — reading your private conversations? Now, you can purchase a phone case that comes with a built-in privacy screen!
We like this design for its all-around protection against scratches, dents, and cracks. It’s been designed to protect your camera from potential damages as well, all without compromising on the sensitivity of your touch screen, or the quality of your photos.
Price: From ¥108 (~S$22.70)
Features: Scratch-proof, anti-shock, dust-proof, privacy screen
Get yours here.
8. Graphic Phone Case
Image credits: Taobao
Why We Like It: Here’s a fun little number if you’re the type who sees their phone as an extension of themselves! This one features a cute little illustration of an angry man with bushy eyebrows exclaiming “what?!” Big, big mood.
This rubber cover feels great in the hand and offers ample protection even for the cameras. Available in 2 designs, you can decide whether you want to sound incredulous and annoyed in Japanese or English. You do you!
Price: From ¥12.80 (~S$2.68)
Features: Anti-slip, shock-proof
Get yours here.
9. Multi-Purpose Strap Case
Image credits: Taobao
Why We Like It: We know that the crossbody phone strap is all the rage these days, but this adjustable multi-purpose strap takes things to the next level. It’s made from a sturdy canvas material and comes with an adjustable buckle that allows you to create 6 different configurations. Wear it on your wrist like a giant Apple Watch, sling it across your chest, or maybe even wrap it around your waist like a fanny pack — so many looks!
The phone case that’s attached to the cover is pretty neat as well. It features the classic silicone case in 5 colours, is waterproof, and offers quite a decent protection compared to the other silicone cases on the market.
Price: From ¥58 (~S$12.20)
Features: Adjustable straps, waterproof, shatterproof
Get yours here.
Phone Covers Worthy For The iPhone 13
Image credits: Digital Trends
In the sea of iPhone covers, we know it can be hard to pick out the ones you like. We hope that this shortlist will help put your long-drawn search to an end. Even if it doesn’t, we hope the algorithms will take you on a nice little trip down the Taobao rabbit hole as you continue your search — our Ultimate Taobao Shopping Guide might come in handy.
Just remember to make use of your YouTrip card to lock in those favourable Wholesale Exchange Rates — whether it’s for the phone cases, or for the iPhone 13 itself!
If you’re looking to explore some of the best in tech, we’ve got you covered as well. Check out our guides on some of the best Dyson cordless vacuum alternatives on the market, and how to hack your way to a cheaper Kindle. On the lookout for Android phone cases too? This guide will do the trick.
If you still haven’t gotten your free YouTrip card, use our special promo code <TAOBAO5> to sign up and receive a free S$5 in your account!
For more great Taobao guides like this, subscribe ‘The Taobao Insider’, our free monthly newsletter, for the latest Taobao news, guides, and shopping inspirations delivered right to your inbox!
Stay on top of things by joining our Telegram Channel (@YouTripSG) or subscribing to our free weekly newsletter here or down below!
Related Articles
10 Best Free Online & Mobile Games To Curb Pandemic Fatigue
Clash Royale: Beginner’s Guide To Tower-Slaying (Basics & How To Win)
8 Best Languages To Learn (Other Than English) & Where To Learn Them
Top Banner Image credits: Good Housekeeping
*All currency conversion rates are accurate to the nearest 10 cents on 23 September 2021 SGT 18:30. Bank card prices are calculated based on 3.25% foreign currency transaction fee.
