Pitaka iPhone 16 Cases
Military Grade and Ultra-Slim
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has been out for a little while now, and if you’re fortunate enough to have gotten your hands on one, you’re probably looking for the perfect case to protect your sleek new device.
You may know that as well as writing for this Substack publication, I also run a growing YouTube channel: The Spark! (youtube.com/mark_kelly). Thanks to the success of that channel, I was recently contacted by Pitaka—a brand known for its innovative design and high-quality products—and they asked if I would like to review two of their newest style cases for the iPhone 16 models.
In this article, I’ll walk you through my experience with these two cases: the Military Grade Protective Case and the Ultra-Slim Case. Both cases offer distinct features and qualities, so let’s dive into what makes these Pitaka cases worthy of your buying consideration.
First Impressions
One thing that immediately stood out to me when I received these cases was the packaging. Pitaka does an impressive job of presenting its products, and the care they put into the packaging suggests a high level of attention to detail. I believe it’s always a good sign when a brand takes pride in the overall presentation of its products. The boxes for both cases looked eco-friendly, minimal, and, according to the writing on the inner packaging, entirely biodegradable.
Eco-credentials
The Military Grade Protective Case: My Experience
The first case I unboxed was the Military Grade Protective Case. The colour is a striking bluish-blackish-turquoise, and the material is aramid fibre—a tough, heat-resistant material often used in aerospace applications. While I wasn’t initially familiar with aramid fibre, after a quick Google search, I was informed it’s five times stronger and lighter than steel, which explains the lightweight yet durable feel of the case.
I also appreciated the MagSafe compatibility of this case, making it functional with wireless chargers and other MagSafe accessories—this compatibility should be a given with premium cases nowadays. The packaging emphasised that this case is drop-proof, and while I wasn’t about to put my expensive iPhone 16 Pro Max to the test by dropping it, I could immediately tell that this case was designed to handle impacts without compromising the phone’s protection.
A lovely colour
Having used the Military Grade Protective Case for a few days, I’m impressed by several aspects. The case has a soft, felt-like interior, which gives me confidence that the back of my phone isn’t going to get scratched in any way while in the case. The aramid fibre exterior gives it a high-end feel, and I appreciate the little touches, like the shiny, similarly coloured buttons on the side. The camera bump is also well protected, thanks to the raised edge around the camera lenses.
However, I did notice one small issue—a very slight misalignment around one section near the top corner of my phone. It didn’t perfectly hug the edges of the phone in this spot. This doesn’t mean that the case protection is compromised in any way, and most people may not even notice it. But it is there, so this information is worth sharing, even if it is just a one-off issue in the case I was sent.
A minor issue?
One area where the case could potentially face wear over time is around the new Camera Control area (Apple insists this shouldn’t be called a button!). Some manufacturers, including Apple, have opted to use a conductive area to reflect how the Camera Control works; others have simply removed a whole section. Pitaka has opted for a simple pill-shaped cutout around the ‘button’, and while it works just fine, the thin strip left around the Camera Control at the edge of the screen gives me slight concerns about its durability after extended use. Only time will tell how well this holds up, but otherwise, the case feels sturdy and capable of providing solid protection.
Don’t call it a button!
The Ultra-Slim Case: A Sleek Alternative
Next up is the Ultra-Slim Case, which I’m a big fan of. Slim cases are my go-to choice because they offer minimal bulk while still protecting the device.
As expected, Pitaka nails the minimalist design. The Ultra-Slim Case is incredibly light, so much so that it almost feels like there’s nothing on the phone at all. Like the Military Grade Case, this is also made from aramid fibre. Through a leaflet in the box, Pitaka emphasises its scratch resistance and durability. It’s also MagSafe compatible, featuring what Pitaka calls a “breakthrough glue-free magnet coating” that ensures the magnets stay firmly in place without compromising the slim profile.
In the box you’ll also find the inclusion of fit adjustment stickers. Since the case is so thin, Pitaka provides these adhesive strips to ensure a perfect fit if needed, which is a thoughtful addition. I didn’t find them necessary, but it’s nice to know that Pitaka is paying attention to even the smallest details.
How the Ultra-Slim Case Fits on the iPhone 16 Pro Max
When I first slipped the Ultra-Slim Case onto my iPhone 16 Pro Max, I was impressed by how seamlessly it fit. The cutouts for the buttons and camera were precise, and the case provided a good grip without adding unnecessary thickness to the phone.
One thing that stood out was the sharpness of the camera bump protection area. It’s not something that would cause any discomfort, but it’s noticeable enough to give the phone a distinct feel. This raised area helps protect the camera lenses from scratches when placing the phone on flat surfaces.
For those who, like me, prefer slim cases but still want protection, this case is a solid option. It strikes a good balance between keeping the phone’s sleek profile intact while offering adequate protection against everyday wear and tear.
Careful of the sharp(ish) edges
Final Thoughts
The Military Grade Protective Case and the Ultra-Slim Case are high-quality products, each serving slightly different desires. The Military Grade Protective Case is an excellent choice if you’re looking for more robust protection. It feels sturdier and probably better suited for people who might be a bit rougher with their phones, while the Ultra-Slim Case is perfect for those who want to maintain the slim feel of the iPhone without sacrificing too much protection.
Both cases provide a lightweight, durable, and stylish solution for your iPhone 16.
If you’re interested in checking out these cases, you can find them on the Pitaka website. As I mentioned, Pitaka provided me with these cases for free, and they also provided me with an affiliate link, which you can use to explore more about these cases and the other cases they offer. These are those affiliate links, so please use them if you would like to support my online creative endeavours such as this Substack publication without any extra cost to yourself:
Ultra Thin Case (£49.99) - https://bit.ly/pitaka-slim
Military Grade Case (£79.99) - https://bit.ly/pitaka-military
Finding the right case for your phone can be a challenge, but I believe that Pitaka delivers two great options. Both offer unique advantages depending on your preferences, whether enhanced protection or maintaining the slim feel of your phone.
While I didn’t perform any extreme tests, like dropping my phone, the overall design and quality of these cases give me confidence that they’ll provide the protection they promise. If you’re in the market for a case that combines functionality with style, Pitaka is worth considering.
Very thin magnets
Pros and Cons of the iPhone 16 Cases from Pitaka
Pros:
High-Quality Materials: Both the Military Grade Protective Case and the Ultra-Slim Case are made from aramid fibre, offering a durable, lightweight, and scratch-resistant solution. The material is five times stronger than steel, providing excellent protection while keeping the phone’s sleek design intact.
MagSafe Compatibility: Both cases are entirely MagSafe compatible, with well-designed magnetic integrations that ensure a strong connection for MagSafe accessories without adding bulk to the case.
Thoughtful Design: The attention to detail in the packaging and case design is impressive. Pitaka provides adjustment stickers for the Ultra-Slim Case, ensuring a perfect fit, and the cases feature precise cutouts that allow easy access to the buttons and ports.
Cons:
Price: Pitaka cases are premium products, and that quality comes with a higher price tag. For budget-conscious consumers, these cases may feel expensive compared to other brands.
Minor Fit Issue: The Military Grade Protective Case had a minor misalignment, which detracts slightly from the otherwise excellent fit. While it may not be a deal-breaker, it’s something that you may want to check for.
Camera Bump Sharpness: On the Ultra-Slim Case, the sharpness around the camera bump is noticeable. While it doesn’t cause discomfort in the pocket, it’s more pronounced than on other cases, which may bother some users who prefer smoother edges.
Military Grade and Ultra-Slim case from Pitaka
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