Spigen Tough Armor for iPhone 12 Mini: High Quality yet Affordable TPU Case
The iPhone 12 Mini is long time coming for iPhone users who has been clamoring for a smaller version of its ‘bezel-less’ phone ever since the iPhone X was unveiled. The iPhone 12 Mini is easily the most compact phone Apple has produced with modern edge to edge display. Some might find it -especially folks with smaller hands – the most ergonomic modern phone as well because it is effortless to use one hand.
If you are enamored by the novelty of its size, then it would be counterproductive to pick a case that significantly bulk up the device. If you are looking for a slim case with decent enough features to protect the phone, and doesn’t cost much then the Spigen Rugged Armor case is a good match.
The Rugged Armor is a long-running series from Spigen and has been around for quite some time now. That said, it still sports the recognizable carbon fiber details that looks sleek but it is venturing into a familiar territory in terms of design. For this iteration however, I’ve notice some small refinement in the design particularly for the iPhone 12 Mini that improve upon the overall experience like adding side ridges for better grip.
Big, heavily built and thick case -though highly protective as they may be- is not my cup of tea. I always gravitates toward reasonably thin cases that feels good to hold and provides a real life scenario protection, and that is what the Spigen Rugged Armor actually achieved. The case strikes a nice balance between having a decent protective features and a slim formfactor that don’t add much girth and bulk to the phone.
It is nothing new that the material of choice here is TPU since they are flexible and reliably durable. Having used Rugged Armor for my previous device, which is more than two years already, I must say that I’m impressed with the quality of TPU that Spigen utilized for their single-layer case because they are quite durable and still holds up pretty well to this day.
Being a single-piece case, installing it is quite easy and an uncomplicated affair. The case fits perfectly on the iPhone 12 Mini- there is no flex and feels solid all around. Present on this case is the signature spiderweb etching on the interior that Spigen claims can help absorb shock better. Speaking of mitigating shock, the Air Cushion pockets along the corners is the company’s trademark feature that helps dissipate damage from falls.
There is a circular cutout at the back that proudly displays the Apple logo, because why not. It looks really nice and also allows you to view the color of the phone but it doesn’t come without a caveat. The circular opening is not outfitted with any clear plastic, therefore it can be an entry point for dust and other minute particles. Not to mention that reflective Apple logo can easily attract fingerprint and smudges.
Although its small stature makes it easy to grip the iPhone 12 Mini even with the case on, the surface of the case feels less grippy. That is also the same gripe from other common single layer Spigen case for other devices. This time around however, the case-maker employed ridges on the side, that makes holding the phone feels more secure.
Another minor quibble about the case is that the aesthetics which can look dull with its only choice of color- black. It would be nice if there are other choices of colors or accents that will keep the line looking fresh.
Final Thoughts
Is the Spigen Tough Armor a worthy case to get for your iPhone 12 Mini? Absolutely. Particularly if you are in the market for basic case that is slim, feels good to hold, looks sleek, has a good array of protective features and above all, a great value for money with its affordable price.
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