Incipio Grip for MagSafe case review: Grippy, magnetic protection

When it comes to protecting your iPhone 12, there is absolutely no shortage of options out there to choose from. As much as I'd prefer to use my iPhone 12 Pro without a case, I just can't, not after I dropped my OG iPhone and watched the glass screen shatter before my eyes. So ever since, I've been an advocate for always using a case.

However, even though there are many cases out there, I'm rather picky with what I use. I prefer cases to be slim and lightweight, provide additional grip, and be super protective against whatever the iPhone is thrown against (not literally). Oh, and not to mention that I absolutely believe MagSafe is one of the best features of the new iPhones, so I also need a fully compatible case. As much as I love cute cases, they don't fit the bill most of the time. I need something practical — you get me?

That's where Incipio's Grip for MagSafe case comes in. It's the first case by Incipio that I've tried, and it's quite impressive for what it's worth.

Incipio Grip for MagSafe: Price and availability

The Incipio Grip for MagSafe case is available for the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max. Unfortunately, unlike the regular Grip case, it does not seem compatible with the iPhone 12 mini. The Grip for MagSafe seems to only be available directly from Incipio for now — while it shows up at Amazon, it appears to be unavailable to purchase. It only comes in two colors: Black and Midnight Navy, and costs $50.

Incipio Grip for MagSafe: Grippy, protective, and MagSafe

The Incipio Grip for MagSafe case is made from a hard and stiff plastic material that is flexible enough to easily get your iPhone in and out of the case when needed. It has a relatively slim profile and is lightweight, so it won't add too much bulk to your device once it is installed. In addition, since the plastic has a somewhat matte finish, you won't have to worry about fingerprints and smudges. The Incipio logo (the square) can be found along the bottom center of the case's back. Thankfully, it's quite subtle and not obnoxious. On the inside, you can clearly tell that there's the MagSafe ring, but on the outside, it's none the wiser — there is no visible MagSafe circle on the exterior. For all everyone else knows, this is just a regular case.

What makes the Incipio Grip for MagSafe case unique are the multidirectional grip enhancers (they look like a bunch of "y" symbols) that are found alongside the bumper edges. Personally, I'm not a big fan of how they look, but these are designed to give you additional grip when holding the phone, and they work quite well. As I carry my iPhone 12 Pro with the Incipio Grip for MagSafe, it does not feel slippery, and I have not dropped my device with this case on.

Speaking of drops, if you do have super butterfingers and drop your iPhone in the Grip for MagSafe case, Incipio claims that it has 14-foot drop protection. I personally haven't dropped my iPhone 12 Pro that high with this case on it yet, but it definitely feels like it can withstand a lot of abuse with its solid frame. Incipio also uses "Impact Struts Technology," derived from proven protection tech in the automotive and sports industries, to help reduce impact force. And if you're worried about other everyday wear and tear, the Incipio Grip for MagSafe is resistant to scratches and discoloration — this case will look as fresh as day one, even after a few weeks or months. I often tend to bump my devices around, but this case has shown no signs of it.

To add to the namesake, on the back of the Grip for MagSafe are little grips in each corner. These are there to prevent your phone from sliding around on slick surfaces, which I found to be handy, but only if you don't have anything on the back of your device, like a PopSockets PopGrip for MagSafe. If you tend to put your device face down on a flat surface, such as a table, the Incipio Grip for MagSafe has a 1.7mm raised edge bezel around the front glass, which should keep it safe from any tiny debris. I personally prefer cases that have more raised bezels around the screen, as I like to set it face down at the table, so I appreciate the Incipio Grip for MagSafe having this.

With the Incipio Grip for MagSafe, you get precise and accurate cutouts for the cameras, mute switch, as well as the charging port and speakers on the bottom. For the volume and side buttons, the case retains the clickiness and tactile feeling of the buttons when you press them down, which I love. Not every case that I've tested does, so I like that Incipio doesn't ruin that.

Overall, even though the case itself looks rather plain, this is one of the more practical cases I've tried out. I love slim and lightweight cases that still offer serious protection, and the Incipio Grip for MagSafe does the job wonderfully. Add in the fact that you have the extra grips around the edges and back, raised bezels and tactile buttons, full MagSafe compatibility, and this case is perfect.

Incipio Grip for MagSafe: Sorry, iPhone 12 mini users

My biggest issue with the Incipio Grip for MagSafe is that the color selection is very limited. You only have two colors to choose from, Black or Midnight Navy. I would have preferred Midnight Navy to go with my Pacific Blue iPhone 12 Pro, but alas, I must make do with what I got. I do wish that the black version had some contrast with the grip enhancers, which is one of the reasons why I would have preferred the blue version. I mean, would it have been so hard to make the grips a gray color to go with black?

Another important thing to note is that the Incipio Grip for MagSafe is unavailable for the iPhone 12 mini. So if you use a mini, then you're out of luck here. It's the same situation with the Kate Spade MagSafe cases too, unfortunately. I'm not sure why Incipio couldn't have made these for the mini size, but if there are plenty of other great MagSafe-compatible iPhone 12 mini cases to choose from.

Finally, as much as I love the Incipio Grip for MagSafe, it's also a bit up there in price compared to other case options. But for what it offers, it's worth it.

Incipio Grip for MagSafe: Competition

While there are plenty of fantastic MagSafe-compatible iPhone 12 Pro cases, there aren't as many to choose from if you are specifically looking for something grippy. There is, however, the Caseology Dual Grip case, which is similar. It has a grippy element incorporated on the sides, making it almost impossible for the device to fall out of your grasp. However, it's important to note that while this case works with MagSafe wireless charging, it's not an actual MagSafe case, so you won't be able to use it with other MagSafe accessories.

The Kate Spade MagSafe cases are another grippy option, also from Incipio. These are made with a clear plastic material with fashionable designs on the exterior, but they're fully compatible with MagSafe. I also found them to be quite grippy, even though they're not geared for that. It has six feet of drop protection, which is still plenty for most people, but it does have an exposed opening at the bottom for the charging port and speakers.

Incipio Grip for MagSafe: Should you buy it?

• You want a case that's slim, lightweight, and protective
• You need MagSafe compatibility
• You prefer to have additional grip

• You use an iPhone 12 mini
• You want more color options
• You don't care to have MagSafe

For those who want a practical case for their iPhone 12 that won't add much bulk but is highly protective at the same time, then the Incipio Grip for MagSafe does the job amazingly. The grip enhancers on the side make a difference when it comes to holding your phone, and it's honestly pretty comfortable. In addition, the tactile buttons, raised bezels, and even the grips on the back of the case make this a nice option for anyone who tends to have butterfingers. And the best part is that it is fully compatible with all of your MagSafe accessories.

The only drawbacks are the limited color choices, honestly. And if you use an iPhone 12 mini, then, unfortunately, you're out of luck with this case, as that's the only version that is not available. And if you're on a budget, then this case can be considered a little pricey. However, I believe that it's worth the price because it's a nice case. But your mileage may vary.